Before we begin... Know your aperitifThe word ‘aperitif’ is derived from the Latin aperire, which means ‘to open’. These lower-in-alcohol drinks come in many forms.Vermouth - Wine-based, herb-infused. Available in dry (white) and sweet (red) forms, the most famous brands Martini & Rossi and Cinzano dominate, but craft brands are creating a buzzWine aperitifs - Essentially aromatised wine, macerated with herbs, spices, roots and peels to impart flavour, then fortified with alcohol. Pernod’s Lillet is a key brandSpirit aperitifs - Lower in alcohol than traditional spirit
How aperitifs are satisfying consumers’ low-abv thirsts – Category Intel
Low-alcohol and even – whisper it – alcohol-free aperitifs are the toast of the town as health-conscious consumers seek out lively, authentic elixirs with all-natural ingredients.

With a keen interest in sustainability (both environmental and economic) and the changing business landscape for wine, Kathleen has also written for Wine Enthusiast, Wine Searcher and Food & Wine, among other publications.


