To quench their thirst and ease the feeling of hunger before a meal, guests are offered an aperitif. Most often it is a low-alcohol drink, accompanied by nuts, fruits, olives or not too hearty snacks in the form of canapes.
An aperitif is a kind of preparation for a meal. It is also a great way to keep guests busy while waiting for the celebration to begin. The aperitif helps people relax, get to know each other, and socialize.
Most often champagne, wine or cocktails based on vermouth are used as an aperitif. Soft drinks can also be used. Lemon, orange, grapefruit, or pomegranate juice is great.
What is an aperitif
There are three types of aperitif. A single aperitif consists of one drink. For example, champagne, whiskey, vermouth, or the juice of a single fruit. A mixed aperitif consists of different drinks mixed together. Simply put, these are cocktails. A combo aperitif is several drinks served on one tray. For example, champagne glasses, glasses of wine and glasses of juice.
The aperitif should match the occasion of the meal and the season. Before a banquet at a summer wedding, while the guests are gathering, or the newlyweds are late, a glass of chilled champagne is perfect as an aperitif. Fruit platter or chocolate can be served with alcohol. Before the winter New Year's feast, it is better to treat guests with hot aromatic mulled wine or punch.
How to serve an aperitif correctly
If a celebration or party is about a certain theme, the aperitif should correspond to the general idea. For example, at a Cuban party, champagne or wine is inappropriate as an aperitif. But rum or cocktails based on it will be very useful. If there is no theme as such, you can serve an aperitif at the discretion of the organizer of the event or offer a combined aperitif, giving guests a choice.
White and rosé wines are chilled and served in white wine glasses. As a snack, seafood, pates, cheeses are suitable.
Room temperature red wines are served in red wine glasses. They offer a snack with meat, fish, poultry or cheese.
Sparkling wines and champagne are served chilled in glasses. These drinks go well with almost any snack.
Cognac is served in low spherical glasses, snifters at a temperature of 20-25 ° C. It goes well with hard cheese, olives and chocolate. The popular lemon snack is a mistake, as lemon distorts the taste of the drink.
Tall glasses are used for fruit and mineral waters, glasses for juices. Non-alcoholic drinks are served chilled.
