APERITIFS

One section of our store that often gets overlooked is our selection of liqueurs. This collection of strange and exotic potions hails mainly from Europe. While many are not well known here in the states, these beverages have been enjoyed for generations in their native lands, and have recipes that are closely guarded secrets. Unlike the grab and go mentality that seems to prevail in the U.S., Europeans are known to take a little extra time to enjoy their meals, and in doing so, often include these liqueurs in their daily repasts. Some are fashioned to stimulate the appetite, and are known as aperitifs, a word that comes from the latin word aperire, or "to open."

It is not uncommon for Europeans to sit and relax over a drink prior to a meal, and while we Americans often do the same, we tend to steer more toward a glass of wine or a cocktail. The aperitifs that come from Europe tend to bit a bit more unusual. Most often they are dry and have an herbal quality that can help spark the appetite. They are relatively low in alcohol (15%-25%), so as not to overwhelm the palate. While many of these drinks are famous overseas, they are relatively unknown here in the states. But they are well worth a try.

Here are some suggestions from our selection:

Campari: Made in Italy, this deep red aperitif was created by Gaspare Campari around 1860. Its recipe is a closely guarded secret even today. It became famous during 1920's and 30's when Gaspare's son Davide began a campaign using famous artists to create posters to promote the beverage. Campari is very bitter, with a distinct herbal quality. However, it does have a subtle sweetness to it, and tends to open up when adding a splash of soda or ginger ale. It is best served chilled, and I like it over a couple of cubes of ice.
$31.99 for a 750 ml bottle. 24% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Dubonnet: Originating in France around 150 years ago, Dubonnet is wine based, and is now made in the U.S. under permission from the French producer. There are red and white versions, the white being more dry and herbal, while the red is sweeter and spicier. It is fortified with a small amount of brandy, and has a syrupy quality to it. We carry the red version in a 750 ml bottle for $14.99. 19% ABV.

Lillet: Another wine based aperitif that has been produced in the village of Podensac, France, just south of Bordeaux, since 1887. It also comes in red and white versions, and contains carefully selected wines blended with herbs and fruits. Its recipe is also a closely guarded secret, and the result is quite decadent indeed. It can be enjoyed chilled or on the rocks with a twist of orange or lime, and can also be mixed with soda as a spritzer or in cocktails. James Bond was known to like it in his martinis.
White: $29.99 for 750ml, 17% ABV. Red: $24.99 for 750ml, 17% ABV.

Vermouth: While most Americans consider vermouth to be an ingredient in a manhatten or martini, it is not unusual for Europeans to drink it straight. It originated in 1757 in Turin, Italy as a medicinal libation, but later became famous as a cocktail ingredient. It also comes in red and white versions, and is wine based, with alcohol and other botanicals added. Red vermouth is also known as sweet vermouth, while the white version is dry. It can be enjoyed chilled or on the rocks prior to a meal, and is also used in cooking. We have several varieties here at West Vail Liquor, including Noilly Pratt, a favorite of Europeans. $7.99 for 375 mls. 16% ABV for the red and 18% ABV for the white.

Pernod: Created by Henri-Louis Pernod in 1805 in Paris, Pernod is anice based and has a distinct licorice flavor. Its recipe is also a well guarded secret mix of star anice and other botanicals and herbs. It is best served chilled, and can be added to cocktails, although I prefer it on the rocks. It has a bright yellow, almost toxic look to it, and is very potent at 40% ABV. The higher alcohol volume and strong licorice quality may make it a bit overwhelming as an aperitif, and it may be better served as a digestive, a category of after dinner drinks that will be discussed in a later blog.
$32.99 for 750ml.

While these are classic examples of aperitifs, we have many others that I plan to discuss in future blogs. In the mean time, come on in and give these a try!

Chip Bartsch
West Vail Liquor