# Aperitifs - Help Me Out on How Best to Drink Them **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [December 10, 2020, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aperitifs-help-me-out-on-how-best-to-drink-them/927776 "2020-12-10T16:49:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lavender\_Pebble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lavender_pebble/32/6290_2.png) [@Lavender\_Pebble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lavender_Pebble)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aperitifs-help-me-out-on-how-best-to-drink-them/927776/1 "2020-12-10T16:49:02Z")
I was gifted a large set of aperitifs for Christmas, but I’m not much of a drinker and extremely ignorant about how to approach them. What should I do with them? The set suggests drinking them straight or mixed with tonic but doesn’t offer much else. If you’re an aperitif fan, what is your favorite way to drink them? Do you usually treat it as a dessert? ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aperitifs-help-me-out-on-how-best-to-drink-them/927776/2 "2020-12-10T17:08:58Z")
Which ones in particular? I’m finding it hard to generalize. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aperitifs-help-me-out-on-how-best-to-drink-them/927776/3 "2020-12-10T17:14:16Z")
We’ve been drinking Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur lately. I just pour some in a small aperitif glass and sip it. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aperitifs-help-me-out-on-how-best-to-drink-them/927776/4 "2020-12-10T17:14:30Z")
What are they - I mean types of aperitifs. Aperitifs are designed to be drunk _before_ dinner, not after, and are often quite dry, fresh or sour in flavour as a result. Think dry sherry as opposed to cream sherry. Serve with some savoury, salty snacks. Many are served chilled too, but that’s why I’m asking what you’ve got. ---
**Author:** ![Lavender\_Pebble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lavender_pebble/32/6290_2.png) [@Lavender\_Pebble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lavender_Pebble)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aperitifs-help-me-out-on-how-best-to-drink-them/927776/5 "2020-12-10T19:01:40Z")
Sure, they are by the brand Haus. One is Spiced Cherry, Rose Rose, Citrus Flower, and Bitter Clove. Here’s a link if that would help: [– Haus](https://drink.haus/products/haus-sampler-kit) ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2020, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aperitifs-help-me-out-on-how-best-to-drink-them/927776/6 "2020-12-17T16:45:21Z")
Well, first, however you drink them, I’d serve those chilled, on ice. Add tonic or soda water as they may be a little sticky or strong on their own. A nice refreshing palette cleanser before dinner. ---
**Author:** ![Lavender\_Pebble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lavender_pebble/32/6290_2.png) [@Lavender\_Pebble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lavender_Pebble)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2020, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aperitifs-help-me-out-on-how-best-to-drink-them/927776/7 "2020-12-17T17:54:48Z")
Thanks! I’ve tried two so far, the citrus and the cherry. They were definitely vastly better cold than room temperature, and I ended up mixing both with soda water after sipping them plain. I’m not sure it was pleasant enough to become a regular thing, but it was fine. I’m just not used to drinking alcohol for fun at home, but I won’t let them languish in the cupboard.