The aperitif thread

[The DaveR]

Dinnertime. The party arrives, the table isn't ready, and so everyone heads over to the bar for an aperitif. I'm not a particular stickler for proper distinctions between aperitifs, digestifs and just drinks, but I tend to order the same thing before meals when given the opportunity. I'll take either a gimlet, negroni or Campari and soda just about every time. I used to drink Pernod but now I find it a bit too one-dimensional.

What do others like to drink before a nice dinner?

[Kneel B4 Zod]

I like champagne

[Mingdu]

single malt scotch

Glenmorangie or Laphroig

[El Diablo]

Daver,

I like a vodka soda, nice and refreshing.

[jeffnc]

Champagne is underused. Well, overused for celebrating, underused for general consumption. Misused, I guess. Maybe if we just called it "sparkling" it would be less of a big deal. It's a great idea to get a mini bottle of it with a date at dinner with appetizer, then get a bottle of whatever wine you want when dinner comes.

[Anacardo]

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I used to drink Pernod but now I find it a bit too one-dimensional.


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I would love to watch someone try to deliver this line in mixed company with a straight face.

[cbloom]

Other than OP these aren't really traditional aperitif suggestions. Rather than just champagne you should go with a kir royale or something.

I have no idea what they are but I had some nice dinners with families in France, and everyone there has a liquor cabinet properly equiped with lots of types of aperitif; I sampled a few and some were quite nice but there are too many with all different names, obviously there are the standards like Lillet and the many Pastis varieties but there were a lot more.

This is a decent article :

http://weeklywire.com/ww/08-30-99/alibi_food2.html
Arts & Leisure: Oui Apéritif! (Weekly Alibi . 08-30-99)

I think the tradition of a proper aperitif and after dinner drink is very cool, it's a nice thing to do when hosting a slightly more formal dinner party.

[El Diablo]

jeff,

"Champagne is underused."

100% agree. A glass of champagne before dinner is GREAT. Champagne as a drink during dinner can be excellent. And champagne after dinner is always a winner!

Every now and then I'll remember this and buy a few bottles of champagne and pop a bottle when friends come over instead of having a beer or a bottle of wine or making a cocktail. It's always a big hit.

At nice bars/lounges, champagne is a great choice, plus you look cool w/ ice buckets of champagne!

[StevieG]

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100% agree. A glass of champagne before dinner is GREAT. Champagne as a drink during dinner can be excellent. And champagne after dinner is always a winner!


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It also works very well with soup since the bubbles contrast the smooth liquid texture of the soup. Try ordering a glass or two with a soup course with your wife, or serving a glass with soup at your next dinner party. It is unexpected and fun.

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At nice bars/lounges, champagne is a great choice, plus you look cool w/ ice buckets of champagne!

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And if you are out with some couples it really is not much different in price than ordering cocktails before dinner.

DaveR,
I [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] negronis

[Dids]

If anybody has seen the movie "Made" this thread is 100% more hilarious.

Gin and Tonic is nice. Just something crisp and clean seeming.