Aperitif Meaning + 15 Aperitif Cocktails to Try

Ever Googled ‘aperitif meaning’ and landed up in a tasty tangle of fancy words? We’re here to clear it up. An aperitif is a pre-meal drink designed to wake up your appetite and set the mood. Think of it as the opening act of the night ― light, flavourful, and perfect for kicking back. From timeless aperitif cocktails to low-ABV spritzes, it’s all about starting things off on the right note.

What does ‘aperitif’ mean?

The word ‘aperitif’ comes from the Latin aperire, meaning ‘to open’. In other words, it’s a drink that ‘opens up’ your appetite, paving the way for a gorgeous meal.

An Italian aperitif might be a Negroni enjoyed during aperitivo hour with friends, while a French aperitif could be a glass of dry vermouth or pastis sipped slowly before dinner. The core idea is the same: something light, often slightly bitter, that gets you (and your stomach) ready for food.

This is where the difference between aperitif vs digestif matters. While aperitifs kick things off, digestifs like cognac or amaro wrap the night up, aiding digestion and encouraging slow conversation. Two sides of the same dining ritual, but with very different vibes.

Also see: Top Vermouths for Negronis: Find Your Perfect Match | The Complete History of the Negroni

The ABCs of aperitif culture and brands

Aperitif culture is less about what’s in your glass and more about the ritual around it. In Italy, aperitivo hour means gathering with friends for small plates and aperitif drinks as the sun goes down―casual, social, and always about connection. In France, the same vibe exists as ‘l’apéro’, often with olives, cheese, or charcuterie.

When it comes to choosing aperitif essentials for the bar cart, we’ve got you covered! Campari (opens in new window) is a great choice for anyone who loves a bold bitter kick, while Aperol (opens in new window) adds that signature orange-tinged depth to the otherwise bubbly Aperol Spritz.

Sarti (opens in new window) is shaking things up as a modern bitter liqueur that plays beautifully in spritzes and long drinks. And for a zero-proof option, Crodino (opens in new window) nails the aperitif brief without the alcohol, keeping the ritual inclusive for everyone.

Now that you have the lay of the land, let’s introduce you to 30 of our favourite aperitif cocktails, shall we?

1. Aperol Spritz

A sip of this aperitif cocktail and you’ll find yourself transported to the Piazza San Marco in Venice! Combining only three ingredients with the orange-forward Aperol the star of the show, it’s low enough in alcohol to enjoy early and still make it to dinner.

Read next: 10 Best Tequila and Aperol Cocktails to Sip at Sunset

2. Sarti Spritz

The Sarti Spritz is a rising star in the world of bubbly aperitivo drinks, bringing bold red hues and a crisp, citrussy kick to the glass. Made with Sarti Rosa (opens in new window), Cinzanco Prosecco D.O.C (opens in new window)., and soda water, it delivers that perfect balance of bitter and bright while feeling a little lighter than some of its spritz cousins. It’s no wonder this modern take on the Italian classic has quickly earned a place at golden-hour hangouts everywhere.

3. Cosmopolitan

SATC fans, raise a toast to Carrie Bradshaw’s favourite cocktail. While the Cosmo made the mainstream in the noughties thanks to the Sex and the City series, it’s actually a 1970s-era aperitif made from a mix of cranberry, citrus, and vodka.

4. Caipirinha

Brazil’s national drink is a simple aperitif with a sour note. Starring cahaça and limes, and deliciously balanced with granulated sugar, a Caipirinha is a perfect aperitif in summer when a holiday’s on your mind.

TOP TIP: Swap the cachaça for white rum (opens in new window) to make a Caipirissima or vodka for a Caipiroska.  

6. Tequila Sunrise

A sweet, tropical aperitif ideal for summer, it’s made up of tequila (opens in new window), orange juice, and grenadine (in this order). The name comes from the aesthetics of the layered ingredients and sunrise colours. Make a pitcher of Tequila Sunrise for a quick win with your crew.

6. Lime Margarita

Some say it was invented by a socialite in Dallas in 1948, others say the Margarita is a spin on the Daisy, a cocktail with gin, citrus, orange liqueur (opens in new window), and soda. Regardless, the Margarita has earned its place in cocktail lovers’ hearts. With its sweet-and-sour kick, this aperitif is perfect for summer and one of the easiest to make at home.

7. Manhattan

No list of aperitifs would be complete without the mighty Manhattan. It was the preferred sipping cocktail of every well-to-do 1800s socialite, and it’s still popular today. At first glance, it may seem a little daunting because it’s just booze served straight up, but don’t be fooled. It has a kick but when shaken over ice and enjoyed slowly, it’s glorious.

8. French 75

Named after the fast-firing 75mm field gun that the French used during World War II, the French 75 cocktail is thankfully much friendlier. Featuring the golden duo of gin and Champagne, it’s a true classic. Cognac is also a great alternative to gin.

9. Martini

Simple yet sophisticated, the classic Martini combines gin (opens in new window) and dry vermouth (opens in new window) for a bold aperitif choice. You can also easily adapt it to your guests’ tastes, whether they prefer a Vodka Martini or the conversation-starting Pornstar Martini.

Next up! Everything You Need to Know About Vermouth

10. Gin and Tonic

This is a classic that lends itself to many occasions, from pre-dinner drinks with friends to at-home parties. Simple to prepare with only two ingredients, it has a perfectly balanced flavour profile.

11. Negroni

Stroll through the streets of Milan at aperitivo hour and you’ll notice many red-hued glasses clinking as the sun sets. The Negroni is one of the classic aperitif cocktails, dating back to the early 20th century, and still loved all over the world. It manages to be simple yet sophisticated, with its combination of gin, sweet vermouth (opens in new window), and Campari (opens in new window).

Go big! Your Pitcher-Perfect Guide to Batching Cocktails for a Party

12. Negroni Sbagliato

Sbagliato means ‘broken’ in Italian, which refers to the fact that the drink was first poured by mistake when a bar owner added Prosecco to a classic Negroni instead of gin. Happily, the sparkly mistake was equally delightful, and we love a Negroni Sbagliato as a lighter daytime spin-off of the dapper original.

13. Campari Spritz

Simplicity is key in this classic aperitif that enhances the bitter and herbal flavour of Campari and adds a dash of bubbles. If you want to simplify it even more to two ingredients, pour a Campari and Soda, also called the daytime Gin and Tonic.

14. Gimlet

The Gimlet is a classic British cocktail with roots in the 19th-century Royal Navy. Scurvy was a problem back then, and when vitamin C was found to be the cure, citrus juice was prescribed to sailors. Of course, these intrepid adventurers spiked it with a smidge of gin. The drink set sail, and the Gimlet was born. These days, a touch of simple syrup is added for balance, but the soul of the cocktail remains the same as it was all those years ago on the high seas.

15. Hugo Spritz

Made with elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, and soda water, the Hugo Spritz is a delightful floral drink that packs a flavourful punch at a nice low ABV. This makes it the perfect after-work drink to serve if you’re living the lighter side of life. If you do want to give it an extra kick, you can add a bit of gin, but this cocktail is equally delicious without it.

Go floral! 13 Elderflower Cocktails That Are as Pretty as a Picture

Serving aperitifs at home like a pro

Hosting your own aperitivo hour doesn’t take a Michelin star, just the right setup. Start with glassware: stemmed wine glasses or tumblers keep things casual yet stylish, while coupes give your aperitif cocktails that retro edge. Pair the drinks with salty snacks like olives, nuts, and charcuterie, or go classic Italian with focaccia and cheese.

The real trick is creating the vibe. Keep it light, keep it social, and think of it as a warm-up, not the main event. Put out a few plates, prep two or three easy serves, and let the conversation do the rest. Try making an Aperol Spritz or Negroni for your next gathering; both are foolproof crowd-pleasers that instantly bring aperitif culture to life at home.

There you have it, dolcezza, 15 amazing aperitif cocktails to enjoy. Lean into all the joys of Italian pre-dinner culture by trying out an easy clinker like the Campari Soda, Aperol Spritz, or Sarti Spritz. Then build it out with some epic eats and get ready to be the host with the most.