Are you looking for the best aperitifs to spoil yourself, your guests or your partner? In this article we explain why the best aperitifs are more than just an appetite stimulant and which 10 aperitif recipes we can warmly recommend to you.

Origin of aperitif recipes

The tradition of aperitifs, with roots deep in Mediterranean culture , has developed into a worldwide pleasure phenomenon and is also indispensable in Germany.

The term "aperitif" is derived from the Latin "aperire" , which means "to open" . Originally, aperitifs were consumed to open the stomach for the upcoming meal and to prepare the palate for culinary highlights .

Today, aperitifs are more than just a prelude to a meal; they are a moment of enjoyment in themselves and have become a popular choice for social gatherings and relaxed evenings.

That’s why we’ve put together the 10 best aperitif recipes for you !

Here you can discover more about the origins of aperitifs .

When and Why Aperitifs Are Enjoyed

Aperitifs are often drunk before a meal to stimulate the appetite and prepare the palate for the taste experiences to come. Whether you're with your partner or a group of friends , an appetite stimulant before a meal together has never done anyone any harm.

They are often drunk during the "golden hour" - the magical time between work and dinner, when the day slowly comes to an end and the anticipation of culinary delights increases .

The best aperitif

First of all: There is no such thing as the best aperitif. Instead, the choice of the right aperitif depends on many different factors such as the weather, the mood, the situation and of course the meal that often follows .

If you are looking for drinks for the summer days , you have come to the right place .

Some prefer the classic recipes , while others are tempted by experimental creations. Here we present a selection of 5 classic and 5 experimental aperitif recipes for all tastes.

The most popular aperitif classics

Any well-organized home bar should be able to mix these treasures.

Negroni

• 30 ml Gin
• 30 ml red vermouth
• 30 ml Campari

Preparation : Mix ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, strain into a glass with ice and garnish with orange zest.

Martini

• 60 ml Gin
• 10 ml dry vermouth

Preparation : Mix the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an olive. If you like, you can garnish the whole thing with an olive.

Aperol Spritz

• 60 ml Aperol
• 90ml Prosecco
• Splash of soda

Preparation : Pour Aperol and Prosecco into a wine glass filled with ice, top up with soda and garnish with an orange slice.

Insider tip: If you want to enjoy a slightly less strong version of the Aperol Spritz, you can also replace the Prosecco with CALOW Grapefruit-Lime !

 

Kir Royal:

• 90 ml champagne
• 10 ml crème de cassis

Preparation : Pour the crème de cassis into a champagne glass and top up with champagne.

Americano

• 30 ml Campari
• 30 ml red vermouth
• Splash of soda

Preparation: Mix ingredients in a glass with ice, top up with soda and garnish with an orange slice.

The Experimentals

For everyone who finds Aperol Spritz or Lillet Wild Berry too boring!

CALOW Citrus Breeze

• 60 ml CALOW (flavour of your choice)
• 30 ml lime juice
• Splash of soda

Preparation : CALOW and lime juice in a glass with ice, top up with soda and garnish with pomegranate seeds or rosemary.

Mango Mint Delight (non-alcoholic)

• 60 ml mango juice
• 30 ml fresh lime juice
• fresh mint leaves
• Splash of ginger ale

Preparation : Mix mango juice and lime juice in a glass with ice, top up with ginger ale and garnish with mint.

Alternative: If you prefer alcohol, you can of course use your favorite CALOW instead of ginger ale

Cucumber Elderflower Fizz

• 60 ml Gin
• 30 ml elderflower syrup
• Cucumber slices
• Splash of tonic

Preparation : Mix gin and elderflower syrup in a glass with ice, top up with tonic and garnish with cucumber slices.

Pomegranate Rosemary Refresher:

• 60 ml pomegranate juice
• fresh rosemary sprig
• 30 ml Gin
• Splash of soda

Preparation : Mix pomegranate juice and gin in a glass with ice, top up with soda and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Raspberry Basil Sparkler

• 60 ml vodka
• 30 ml raspberry puree
• fresh basil leaves or mint
• Splash Club Soda

Preparation : Mix vodka and raspberry puree in a glass with ice, top up with club soda and garnish with basil.

Insider tip: If you want that extra touch of raspberry at this point, a dash of CALOW Raspberry-Elderflower is the right choice!

You want to avoid sugar and calories, but don't want to skimp on taste?

For a lighter and healthier alternative, we recommend CALOW – with only 4%/6% alcohol and a low sugar content, CALOW is the perfect alternative to the classic aperitif.

Enjoy the variety, toast to unforgettable moments and let CALOW take you to new heights of enjoyment. Santé!