Drink of the month: aperitifs

Now that summer has arrived it’s time to consider the charms of aperitifs – perfect for warm-weather sipping. These are drinks designed to whet the appetite before dinner, and are usually drunk alongside salty snacks and nibbles, such as olives, crisps, cheeses, charcuterie and pickles.

The concept of the aperitif first originated in Italy but is widespread across Europe, and has recently become popular in the UK. Dry and/or bitter flavours are more likely to stimulate your appetite so a classic aperitif will lean towards this end of the flavour spectrum. Dry, light and fresh white wines served chilled are an easy option – try a sauvignon blanc or unoaked chardonnay. And fizz is always a winner: choose crémant for a budget-friendly option that tastes like champagne. Fortified wines are also common – think dry sherries such as fino, manzanilla and amontillado, and red and white vermouths.

Cocktails are the most crowd-pleasing choice of aperitif, and bittersweet ones work best. Be judicious with stronger concoctions such as a martini or negroni – more than one of these on an empty stomach will leave you feeling decidedly woozy – but lower-ABV drinks including a spritz, vermouth or port with tonic, or sparkling wines splashed with a little crème de cassis or elderflower cordial, are delicious.

Try it: Savoia Americano Rosso.

This new vino aperitivo from

Turin lies between a bitter Italian amaro such as Campari and a vermouth in character. With 20 different botanicals, including rhubarb, gentian and grapefruit, it’s elegant and layered, with full-bodied citrus and red fruits, herbaceousness and an appetising bitterness. It’s delicate enough to sip over ice, or mix with sweet vermouth and sparkling water in an americano (£19.95/50cl, The Whisky Exchange). For more aperitifs to try visit Omagazine.com/drink/ best-aperitifs.