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Culture

Aperitif

What is aperitif?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Definition Drink taken before a main meal[1]
Food companion Small portion of light food[1]
Spanish noun sense Food served with the aperitif[2]
Traditional examples Vermouth, sherry[1]
Etymology From Latin 'aperire' / 'open'[3]

An aperitif is a drink taken before a main meal, often with a small amount of light food, to stimulate the appetite. Traditional examples include vermouth and sherry.

Context

An aperitif is a drink taken before a main meal, often with a small amount of light food, to stimulate the appetite [1]. In Spanish usage, the term can also refer to the food served with it [2]. Traditional examples include vermouth and sherry [1]. The word comes from Latin 'aperire', meaning 'to open' [3]. Some sources describe it as part of a cultural or social ritual before a meal [4].

Documented claims

  • The term is used for a beverage, and also for the food accompanying it, in Spanish usage. [2]
  • The purpose is to open the appetite before eating. [1]
  • Some sources describe it as part of a cultural or social ritual before a meal. [4]

Questions and answers

What is an example of an aperitif?

Traditional examples include vermouth and sherry [1].

What is a digestif vs aperitif?

An aperitif is taken before a meal to stimulate appetite, while a digestif is typically taken after a meal to aid digestion. This distinction is not explicitly covered in the sources provided.

How do you pronounce 'apéritif'?

The pronunciation is not specified in the sources provided.

Sources

  1. Qué Es Un Aperitivo — es.scribd.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. A guide to aperitivo and aperitif - Martini.com — martini.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Aperitivo, Definición y Otros Conceptos 2025 - Diego Schattenhofer — diegoschatten.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Aperitivo - Diccionario gastronómico — laroussecocina.mx (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Culture