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Aperitif Delivery or Pickup

The Instacart guide to aperitifs

Aperitif is a French term derived from the Latin word "aperire", which means to open. If you aren't familiar with the term, don't worry because it has not yet become commonplace in the United States. Hopefully, this will change over time, as the practice of enjoying an aperitif is quite pleasant. The French typically like to enjoy a long meal, hence things like hors d'oeuvres and aperitifs. In their culture, the aperitif is likely to come long before any food is served, so be prepared. Of course, an aperitif makes the wait much more bearable.

An aperitif is an alcoholic drink that one enjoys before a meal. It's used to stimulate the appetite and prepare your palate and your stomach for the delicious food that is to come. Often, your aperitif will be dry so as not to overwhelm the senses before you eat. However, an aperitif can come in many forms, some stronger than others. Check the Instacart app to find out which aperitifs you'd like to try, and then add them to your cart for convenient delivery in as little as 2 hours!

The practice of taking an aperitif before a meal has been around since the 5th century, but didn't make it across the Atlantic to the U.S. until the 1900s. In fact, the aperitif could be attributed to what some restaurants call happy hour, although at happy hour you can get just about any drink. In contrast, a true aperitif needs to fit certain criteria. This is because an aperitif should be a light beverage that offers a subtle flavor to get your palate ready for a meal.

About aperitifs

Although evidence has been found that people have enjoyed an aperitif before their meal since the 5th century, the practice wasn't commonly done in many parts of the world until the late 1800s, when it began spreading through Europe. In Spain and Latin America, aperitifs are frequently paired with tapas, a popular dish in those regions. 

You won't encounter one single type of alcoholic beverage being served as an aperitif. Instead, the type of aperitif served before a meal will depend on the preference of the person serving the drink. One thing that distinguishes an aperitif from other alcoholic drinks served before a meal is that they aren't going to be sweet. This is because a sweet or sugary drink doesn't prepare your taste buds for the meal that awaits you. Additionally, sweeter drinks tend to fill you up, while a dry, light drink leaves plenty of room in your stomach for food.

Types of aperitifs

What are the different types of aperitifs, and how can you find the one you want to put in your cart? Well, some of the most common aperitifs are fortified wine, dry Champagne, and liqueur. Vermouth is a popular option, but it comes in both dry and sweet varieties, so make sure you use the Instacart app to add the right one to your cart. 

Dubonnet is another good option and, while this drink originated in France, many U.S.-made options are available. This drink is a fortified wine from California infused with herbs if you opt for the white variety. When you choose the red variety, you'll find it has spice and quinine flavors. One of the most famous aperitifs could be Campari, which comes from Italy. The recipe for this drink isn't well-known, but it's thought to have rhubarb and ginseng flavors.

For a bitter-sweet flavor that's also tart and aromatic, try the Italian Pampelle Ruby L' Apero, which offers flavors like ruby red grapefruit and citrus peel. A Scottish spirit like Escubac is a robust aperitif with undertones of nutmeg, raisins, vanilla, and more. Any of these delicious aperitifs can easily be added to your cart and delivered by an Instacart shopper to save you time before your dinner party.

Tips for choosing the best aperitifs

Choosing the best aperitif to pair with your meal will depend on your personal preference as well as what you plan to serve. For some, a dry Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio will do the trick just fine. Others may prefer something a little stronger such as a Martini or Aperol. No matter what you choose, Instacart makes it simple with the easy-to-use app and wide variety of locations that you can shop at from the convenience of your home.

Aperitif Near Me

Buy your favorite Aperitif online with Instacart. Order Aperitif from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.

FAQs about aperitifs

The difference between an aperitif and a digestif is when you enjoy them. You now know that an aperitif is a dry, alcoholic beverage that you enjoy before a meal. It shouldn't surprise you that a digestif is an alcoholic drink that you enjoy after a meal. An aperitif is used to help you prepare for a meal; a digestif is a drink that aids in the digestive process following your meal. A digestif is typically a sweeter drink that contains a higher alcohol content to help settle your stomach after you eat.