An apéritif is an alcoholic beverage usually served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, and is therefore usually dry rather than sweet. Common choices for an apéritif are vermouth; champagne; pastis; gin; rakı; fino, amontillado or other styles of dry sherry (but not usually cream sherry, which is very sweet and rich); and any still, dry, light white wine.

 

"Apéritif" is a French word derived from the Latin verb aperire, which means "to open." The French slang word for "apéritif" is "apéro," although in France an "apéro" is also food eaten in the late afternoon/early evening.