What is an "aperitif"?

What is an "aperitif"?

David Willner (General Manager, PS 450, Vig 27 & The Volstead, NYC) gives expert video advice on: What is an "aperitif"?; What is a "cordial" or "liqueur"?; What is "vermouth"? and more...

I always think the best way to think of an aperitif is as an appetizer. An appetizer starts your meal, an aperitif starts your drinking experience. Aperitifs are usually a little bit sweeter than most alcohols. Aperitifs are very low in alcohol content and mild in taste. An aperitif something like a lilet or a compari. An aperitif is something to start your drinking experience, and get you ready for a wide variety of flavours and experiences that you're about to have. Once you open an aperitif, you want to keep it in a mild, dry place. And you should have about three years shelf life on that aperitif.