apéritif
Pre-dinner cocktail hour
An apéritif is an alcoholic drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
The category includes dry wines, vermouths, and bitter liqueurs like Campari or Aperol.
We had apéritifs on the terrace before dinner.
The practice and the word are French, though the custom extends throughout Europe.
Compare digestif, served after meals.
Herb-infused fortified wine
Predinner drinking period
- happy hourDiscounted drinks period
- receptionAct of receiving guests
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
- soiréeFormal nighttime social gathering
mingling · conviviality · hospitality · salon · fête · get-together · sundowner · unwinding
Bite-sized topped appetizers
- amuse-boucheComplimentary chef's tasting bite
- starterInitiator of action
- nibblesTakes small bites
- antipastoItalian appetizer course
mezze · tapas · crudités · olives · nuts · bruschetta · charcuterie · cheese board
vermouth
Herb-infused fortified wine
prosecco · champagne · cava · pastis · ouzo · americano · cordial
cocktail hour
Predinner drinking period
- happy hourDiscounted drinks period
- receptionAct of receiving guests
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
soirée · mingling · conviviality · hospitality · salon · fête · get-together · sundowner · unwinding · relaxation
canapés
Bite-sized topped appetizers
- amuse-boucheComplimentary chef's tasting bite
- starterInitiator of action
- nibblesTakes small bites
antipasto · mezze · tapas · crudités · olives · nuts · bruschetta · charcuterie · cheese board · finger food