Aperitifs, The Perfect Start To Dinner

Whether you call them aperitifs, aperitivos or just pre-dinner cocktails, people around the world have been mixing up a range of concoctions to get their appetites going before a big meal for hundreds of years.

This special class of tipples usually falls on the drier and more savory side, which makes sense as they complement food and appetizers so well.

These long winter nights are the perfect time to invite some friends over for a fine meal, which of course should start with some delicious drinks. Here are some of our favorite recipes to serve at the beginning of your dinner party. Bon appetit!

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Comments

[DevonTexas]

03:24 PM on 02/21/2012

the Montford Sprizt... "And it's topped with a splash of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne."

Please, for G-d's sake, do NOT waste Perrier-Joulet by mixing it... unless you're a one percenter, it's much too dear to use as a mixer. Pour it raw and enjoy the moment.

[Pumpsie]

10:27 PM on 02/20/2012

Nick & Nora would have NEVER had a vodka martini, of course. ALWAYS gin.

[garystartswithg]

09:21 PM on 02/20/2012

If I had a quarter for every Ikea product placement I ever saw -- they are out to take over the universe.

[dwill123]

09:14 PM on 02/20/2012

My aperitif has always been a couple of Black Labels on the rocks.

[DevonTexas]

03:25 PM on 02/21/2012

one more and you can skip dinner altogether. LOL

[Vivvy]

08:43 PM on 02/20/2012

I'm a dirty vodka martini woman. OMG, doesn't get much better!

[kapalabhati]

07:40 PM on 02/20/2012

Classic champagne cocktail!

[RButler]

06:40 PM on 02/20/2012

Yes. We need to drink.

[Welshish]

06:27 PM on 02/20/2012

Makes me want a Raspberry Lime Rickey Martini! I think a person has to remember the old Lime Rickey sodas from Brigham's Ice Cream around Massachusetts, but maybe not!

[justin i]

06:25 PM on 02/20/2012

Love dry martinis.

Americano sounds great too - I love Campari.

[MaxHeadroom]

07:38 PM on 02/20/2012

I too love Martinis made with a high quality Vodka as opposed to Gin, straight up, no Vermouth and slightly dirty, with three olives.

Yum....

[justin i]

08:56 PM on 02/20/2012

So, basically, you like straight vodka with olives :P

[BuckyJamesDio]

10:09 PM on 02/20/2012

Right there with ya, but I will take a swirl of dry vermouth just to give it character. And yeah, make it dirty. Cheers!

[garystartswithg]

09:03 PM on 02/20/2012

I like vermouth -- once I found all vermouth is not the same. A lot of people hate Noilly Pratt because it isn't clear, but it sure is tasty. Its a little sweet, a little herbal, a little bitter, and its great for cooking too. Now I like martinis wet and dirty. They are more fun to order too -- especially if the bartender is hot.

[yasunari]

06:19 AM on 02/20/2012

No Kir?

[jcd8822]

10:39 PM on 02/18/2012

They all sound greatm except the Aperol Flip. I do not think I could stomach it.

[Megan97401]

01:19 PM on 02/18/2012

The Montford Spritz sounds delicious!