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An apéritif – often referred to simply as an apéro in some cultures, is a time-honoured tradition that is meant to enhance the dining experience. These pre-dinner drinks are meant to serve a dual purpose – one, to stimulate the appetite and two, to set the stage for an enjoyable meal. An apéritif is a carefully chosen beverage enjoyed before a meal, designed to prepare your palate for the flavours to come and activate your tastebuds. A well-selected apéritif can tantalize your taste buds, creating a sense of anticipation for the culinary delights and are typically characterized by their refreshing, sometimes slightly bitter taste profiles.
Apéritifs culture holds a special place in various parts of the world, but it’s especially prominent in countries like France and Italy. It is believed that sharing an apéritif with friends and family is not just a prelude to a meal, it is a cherished social ritual. People gather at cafes, bars or homes to enjoy apéritifs together, often accompanied by small snacks or appetizers, fostering a sense of community and conviviality. Available in a wide range of options, catering to different tastes and preferences, some varieties include vermouth – a fortified wine that is available in sweet and dry variations; campari – a bright red, bitter liqueur that's often mixed with soda water or used in cocktails, aperol – known for its vibrant orange colour and slightly less bitter taste compared to campari. Sparkling wines like champagne and prosecco are also considered to be aperitifs.
Apéritifs come in both, alcoholic or non-alcoholic variations and are typically served chilled; they can be enjoyed on their own or combined with other ingredients in cocktails. Here are five delicious apéritif cocktail recipes for you to enjoy:
Negroni
Ingredients
- 30 ml Campari
- 30 ml gin
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- Orange peel/slice, for garnish
Method
Stir the ingredients with ice in a mixing glass and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with the orange peel/slice.
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 60 ml Aperol
- 90 ml Prosecco
- Splash of soda water
- Green olive, for garnish
Method
Fill a wine glass with ice, add Aperol and Prosecco, then top with a splash of soda water. Garnish with an orange slice and an olive.
Martini
Ingredients
- 60 ml gin/vodka
- 15 ml dry vermouth
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Method
Stir the gin or vodka and vermouth with ice in a mixing glass and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.
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Americano
Ingredients
- 30 ml Campari
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- Soda water
- Orange peel twist, for garnish
Method
Fill a rocks glass with ice, add Campari and vermouth and top with soda water. Garnish with an orange slice or twist.
Sherry Cobbler
Ingredients
- 60 ml dry sherry
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 2-3 pineapple slices
- 2-3 orange slices
- Crushed ice
Method
Muddle the citrus slices and simple syrup in a shaker, add the sherry and shake with ice. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with additional citrus slices and fruit.
