Key Takeaways:
- Aperitifs and aperitivos stem from the same pre-dinner drink concept
- The main difference is that the French call them aperitifs, while the Italians call them aperitivos
- There are many ways to explore the joys of this pre-meal ritual with non-alcoholic products.
There’s a very specific kind of pleasure you get from a pre-dinner drink. The table isn't quite set yet. Someone is opening a jar of olives. You just put some good tunes on, and you’re ready to see what the night has in store.
The most popular pre-dinner drinks are a little bitter, a little bright, a little citrusy, and beautifully balanced enough to stimulate the appetite.
In the simplest sense, that’s the aperitif.
But what’s an aperitif technically? And what’s an aperitivo comparatively?
In this little guide to bitter, bubbly, dry, and light, we’re going to explore the differences between the two and look at some examples of aperitif recipes you can try with your favorite non-alcoholic ingredients.
What’s an Aperitif?
So, what’s an aperitif in the most basic sense?
The term, which comes from the French, encapsulates any pre-meal drink intended to open your appetite.
Aperitifs are usually a bit lighter than post-dinner drinks, and in terms of flavor profile, they're crisp, bitter, and refreshing.
You might serve one with olives, salted almonds, cheese, crackers, and potato chips in a good bowl if you like to get casual-fancy, or anything small enough to keep dinner intact.
A few classic examples of aperitif drinks include vermouth over ice, a spritz, dry sparkling wine, bitter orange pours, and botanical drinks served long with soda or tonic.
What’s an Aperitivo?
An aperitivo, while similar, typically refers to the ritual around the drink. It’s especially tied to Italian culture, usually happening early in the evening when the workday is over but dinner isn't quite ready.
Similar to aperitifs, the best types of aperitivo drinks are slightly bitter yet refreshing. That’s why you often see them with citrus, spritz, bubbles, and botanical flavors.
Examples of Aperitif Drinks We Love
A spritz is the obvious classic, with its bitter citrus, bubbles, ice, and orange slice. For a softer, more “grown-up” drink, a simple vermouth over ice will do.
There are also many easy long drinks in this category. A botanical aperitif with tonic and grapefruit, a bitter orange pour with sparkling water, or a dry non-alcoholic sparkling wine with olives and salted almonds. None of these requires a complicated recipe. In fact, too much fuss and complication usually ruins the experience.
Good aperitif drinks should feel easy and lifted. They should make dinner sound better.
What About a Non-Alcoholic Aperitif?
At Moxologie, we believe a non-alcoholic ritual is just as good as the real thing. You still get the glass, the garnish, the pre-dinner ceremony, and all the delectable elements of your favorite aperitif drinks.
From Haus Of Babylon’s citrusy Babylon Spritz to Free Spirits’ The Spirit of Aperitivo Milano, an elevated take on an Italian classic, Moxologie is stocked with the best non-alcoholic beverages and beverage products on the market.
Take our Drink Finder quiz and find your perfect aperitif!
