Aperitif
It is often served to guests before a meal: an aperitif. In addition to the social aspect, it also has the function of stimulating the appetite and opening the stomach - hence the name, which is based on the Latin term "aperire", meaning "to open". Which drinks can be counted as aperitifs is not clearly defined, the term is rather a collective term for mostly alcoholic drinks that are drunk before the meal. In addition to the classic sparkling wine, which in addition to a fresh acidity should have a moderate alcohol content, it can therefore also be a white or rosé wine. A crisp and fruity white wine or a fresh and light rosé with fine fruit is a good choice. The wines can be served neat or enhanced with other ingredients such as berries, lemons or herbs to create a wine cocktail.
Spirits as an aperitif
Even spirits are perfect as an aperitif, for example as a long drink in the form of a gin and tonic. If you prefer something a little more unusual, you can add a slice of cucumber, thyme and blueberries to the classic gin and tonic and surprise your guests with a gin cocktail with a very complex taste. Regardless of which alcoholic beverage you choose, there are a few little things to keep in mind. In general, the aperitif should match the food that will be served later and should not be too cold if the food is hot. For example, if a hot soup is served as an appetizer, the aperitif should not be ice cold. Milk and cream should be avoided as they are too filling. For this reason, an aperitif is often rather tart or bitter, as this stimulates the appetite. Some exciting recipe ideas for wine and gin cocktails can be found here.