National Apéritif Day

According to Merriam-Webster, an aperitif is “an alcoholic beverage that people drink before eating a meal.” Aperitifs stimulate the appetite and palate without overwhelming the eater's senses. Best served cold, these clean and light cocktails often contain vermouth, gin or Campari.

Unfortunately, there are so many great things about Europe that are unmatched in the United States. Such as the minimum paid leave period is four weeks. Original Cadbury Chocolate! And don't forget, aperitifs. But since May 21st is named National Apéritif Day, at least someone out there is trying to correct this terrible mistake.

An aperitif is a drink often served before a meal, ostensibly to stimulate the appetite, but mainly because it's a great excuse to add another round of drinks to your evening. They are usually low in alcohol and dry, in contrast to foods that are easy to digest, have a sweet taste and are served at the end of the meal. The aperitif can be anything from a simple Lillet or Campari on ice, to a flavorful cocktail.

Many aperitifs also make the perfect summer drink, as they are light, refreshing, and you can have just a few drinks without feeling like you're getting too drunk. With that opinion, below are some interesting ideas for you to refer. New to the wonderful world of aperitifs? Does not matter. Enjoy one of these cocktails and imagine yourself relaxing on a patio overlooking the Mediterranean with a handsome man named Jacques. Or Carlo. Or both. Congratulations!

Aperol Spritz

The most iconic and beloved spritz on the market, the sweet and refreshing Aperol Spritz is the perfect aperitif to enjoy before a hearty Italian meal.

Have it ready either in kit form and have it delivered to your home, or make it all over again! To keep your appetite up, follow Fratelli Fresh's recipe for the perfect Aperol Spritz:

Ingredients:

• 60mL Aperol Aperitivo
• 90mL Prosecco
• 30mL soda water
• Orange wedge for garnish

Method:

1. Use a large wine glass; pour in all of your ingredients.

2. Add ice into the cup, then stir and garnish with an orange wedge.

Negroni

The negroni increasingly developed since its conception in 1919. Be stronger and much more sophisticated than a spritz, the Negroni is refresher.

A rich, ruby-red trifecta of gin, vermouth and Campari, this cocktail is a perfect balance.

Ingredients:

• 30ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin
• 30ml Cinzano Rosso Vermouth
• 30ml Campari
• Twist of orange peel, for garnish

Method:

1. Using a glass for mixing, add ice as well as your ingredients and then stir until chilled.

2. Pour into a fashioned glass and garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Limoncello Spritz

A Limoncello Spritz is a combination of sweet and sours to make a perfect cocktail to whet your appetite before a meal.

It is difficult to achieve the balance of sweet and sour, so here’s the tip to making the perfect Limoncello Spritz!

Ingredients:

• 60mL Limoncello di Capri
• 60mL Prosecco
• Dash of Soda
• Slice of orange or lemon, for garnish.

Method:

1. Pour your ingredients into a large wine glass and then add fully with ice.

2. Garnish with a fruit slice and enjoy by yourself.