the.com/aperitif
a socially sanctioned excuse to start drinking before the food shows up
means a small alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite
from From French apéritif, which comes from the Latin aperire, 'to open' — the same root behind 'aperture.' The idea is that the drink opens you up, both your appetite and the evening, before the meal arrives. It entered English in the 19th century, carrying its civilized French air along with it.
- latin root
- From aperire, meaning to open the stomach
- the bitter trick
- Bitterness stimulates appetite, so it works on purpose
- famous member
- Campari gets its red from a bug-derived dye historically
- italian ritual
- Aperitivo hour can come with free buffet food
- timing law
- Served before the meal, never after
for instance
campari — italian bitter liqueur created in 1860, traditionally served before meals in italy
pastis — french anise-flavored spirit, iconic aperitif in provence since the early 1900s
vermouth — fortified wine infused with herbs, produced in turin and france since the 18th century