I am not sure if it is just because I'm getting older or because I have the opportunity to try more things more often than most, but my occasional treat of an aperatif before dinner is now becoming a little bit more like an obsession.
I love how my nose twitches ever so slightly at the bitterness when I take my first sip...
AND according to new Canadian statistics, it seems I am not the only one that is bringing this European trend here to own daily dining rituals.
Recent LCBO sales of "true aperitifs" were up 15 % this year over last.*
Aperitifs open up the taste buds to get ready for what comes next - so to get to the best cleansing required, the best and most effective aperitifs are dry, a touch bitter and definitely aromatic.
Although many European cultures have been happily offering aperitifs to their guests for centuries, it is mostly a trend here in North America that tends to come and go.
With the recent resurgence of cocktail culture, there are more imbibers who are choosing options before dinner that are less sweet or are using the classic aperitifs in the cocktail recipes themselves. This just seems like a natural transition towards the original intent of the aperitif such as the classic Campari with soda or something more traditional and classy like Dubonnet on the rocks.
For those who want to experiment a little the next time you're dining out, even if you don't see a classic aperitif listed on a cocktail menu at the bar, take a quick peek at the bar rail or ask the bartender about what options are available. Most bartenders are happy to show off their best Negroni or new version of an Aperol Spritz.
Another little bonus?
You may also be pleasantly surprised to see that classic aperitifs are little cheaper than the more complicated and trendy cocktails are… and you know what that means!
You may be more inclined to have an aperitif a little bit more often. 🙂
