The term “aperitif” in French refers to a group of apéritif wines, which are typically served as an appetizer before a meal. Let’s explore what an aperitif is and the five most famous apéritif wines.
1 What is an Aperitif?
Aperitif is a group of apéritif wines
Aperitif, in French terminology, refers to a group of apéritif wines served as appetizers. Aperitifs are traditional in Europe, especially in Italy and Southern France, and are commonly offered in fine dining restaurants and hotels before a meal.
Aperitifs have a slightly bitter taste and a low alcohol content. They help stimulate the palate and aid digestion, enhancing the dining experience.
2 What’s the Difference Between Aperitif and Digestif?
| Name | Aperitif | Digestif |
| Meaning | Appetizer wine | Digestive wine |
| Purpose | Stimulates the palate | Aids digestion |
| When to Serve | Before a meal | After a meal |
| Characteristics | Low alcohol content, slightly bitter | Higher alcohol content, sweeter than aperitif |
3 The 5 Most Famous Aperitifs
Aperitifs Wine
Aperitifs Wine
Aperitifs wines are made from herbs, quinine, and other spices, and they come in two varieties: red and white. Aperitifs wines can be served chilled, on the rocks, or straight up, typically accompanied by a slice of lemon, resulting in a sweet and bitter taste. Well-known brands include Dubonnet and Lillet.
Campari Bitter
Campari Bitter
Campari Bitter is a famous Italian bitter apéritif made from a blend of bitter herbs, roots, bark, and orange peel. Campari is usually served with a slice of lemon or half a slice of orange, featuring a deep red color and a sweet and bitter taste from quinine, with an alcohol content of 25% ALC.
Pernod
Pernod
Pernod is crafted from the distillation of star anise, herbs, and other botanicals, falling under the category of “Aniseed-based beverage.” Pernod is typically served neat, without any accompanying ingredients like lemon. The pure spirit has a pale yellow color that turns greenish-yellow when mixed with water.
Pimm’s No.1
Pimm’s No.1
Pimm’s No.1 is an apéritif made from gin, quinine, and herbs. It is served in a Highball glass with a decanter and a slice of lemon or cucumber. The drink has a reddish-brown color and an alcohol content of 24% ALC. One of the most famous cocktails featuring Pimm’s No.1 is the Pimm’s No.1 and 7up.
Ricard
Ricard
Ricard is an apéritif classified as a “Pastic” made from star anise, herbs from Provence, licorice, and caramel. Ricard is typically served neat, without any accompanying ingredients like lemon. The pure spirit has a pale yellow-brown color that turns grayish-white when mixed with water.
We hope this article has given you valuable insights into the world of aperitifs, including their definition and the five most renowned aperitifs globally.
