Apéritif

From ArticleWorld

The term Apéritif refers to an alcoholic drink served before a meal as an appetizer. It is usually accompanied by small snacks like biscuits or olives. Heavy snack items are never served with this drink. The term stems from the Latin verb aperire meaning ‘to open’. It is so named because an apéritif is said to open the meal.

Types

There are a variety of drinks which are served as apéritifs. There is no specific drink though liqueurs are commonly served though sherry is quite widely preferred. The choice of drink varies from region to region.

In the south of France, an anise-flavored drink called Pastis is a common apéritif. The three popular brands of this drink include Ricard, Pastis 51 and Pernod. In France, the drink is usually diluted with water in the ratio of 1:5 and drunk from a tall glass. On adding water, pastis changes color to turn opaque white or a somber yellow. The water may be added by drizzling it through a sugar – cube placed on a slotted absinthe spoon.

In Greece, ouzo is commonly served as an apéritif. Becherovka is the preferred apéritif in the Czech Republic, especially in the spa town called Karlovy Vary. Campari, Cinzano and Suze are other common drinks served as apéritifs.

Origin

The exact originating point of apéritifs is not known. Some say that the ancient Egyptians used to drink small amounts of alcoholic drinks before meals. This, however, has not been verified.

The first definitive appearance of the apéritif was in 1786. Antonio Benedetto Carpano invented Vermouth in Turin. Major brands like Cinzano, Martini and Gancia manufactured and sold this drink in the next century under their respective brands.The popularity of apéritifs soared in Europe in the 19th century. It spread to USA too, where apéritifs were commonly served at the beginning of meals by 1900.

Spain and some Latin American countries also commonly serve and consume apéritifs as an appetizer to their Tapas-styled cuisine.