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What is an aperitif? Discover the best proposals

What is an aperitif? Bottles of Pampelle Ruby Red Grapefruit Aperitif on an outdoor bar setup, ready for serving at an event.

The culture of drinking an aperitif, although most associated with Italy and France, is winning the hearts of connoisseurs worldwide. But what exactly is an aperitif? It is a category of alcoholic, or increasingly, non-alcoholic beverages traditionally served before a meal. Its main purpose is to stimulate the appetite and prepare the taste buds for the upcoming dishes.

The word “aperitif” itself derives from the Latin verb “aperire,” meaning “to open.” It is, therefore, a symbolic “opening” of the stomach, but also, in a broader sense, the opening of an evening and a social gathering. It is a moment of relaxation after a day’s work, a time for conversation and catching one’s breath before dinner, celebrating the Italian “la dolce vita.”

The bittersweet taste of the Corsican sun

An ideal representative of this category is Pampelle Grapefruit Aperitif. It is a premium French aperitif that immediately transports us to sun-drenched Corsica. At its heart are carefully selected, hand-picked red Ruby Star grapefruits. It is these that give it its characteristic ruby color and perfectly balanced, bittersweet taste.

The unique aroma of Pampelle is further enhanced by an infusion with the highest quality citrus peels from around the world, such as Japanese Yuzu or French Bigarade. Importantly, Pampelle is naturally low in sugar and tastes best chilled. It is the quintessence of the brand’s motto: “Summertime, Anytime.”

alcohol-free drinks, ambroeus non-alcoholic aperitif
Italian elegance in a 0% version

Growing awareness and concern for health have led us to increasingly seek refined non-alcoholic alternatives. The answer to this trend is Ambroeus Aperitif 0%. It is a product created in the heart of Milan by four professionals who have proven that a lack of alcohol does not mean compromising on taste or elegance.

Ambroeus stands out with its unique production process, which imitates the production of vermouth but without creating alcohol. This process begins with the de-alcoholization of Pinot Gris and Sangiovese wines. Thanks to this, it has a complex aroma with notes of orange, cinnamon, and rhubarb , and it is also vegan, gluten-free, and low in sugar.

How to serve an aperitif?

An aperitif is most often served chilled. Pampelle Aperitif tastes best this way, often served with tonic or as a base for a refreshing spritz. Its bittersweet profile makes it extremely versatile and pairs perfectly with sparkling wine.

In turn, Ambroeus Aperitif 0% is ideal both served neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. It can be used to create non-alcoholic versions of classics, such as the Negroni, allowing one to enjoy a complex taste without the alcohol and proving that you can celebrate in style without consuming alcohol.

pampelle bottle and logo glass on the bar - how to make your establishment stand out by serving French-style aperitifs
Premium, meaning quality without compromise

What distinguishes a premium aperitif is the uncompromising quality of its ingredients. You will not find any artificial flavors in Pampelle. Its taste comes exclusively from natural ingredients , led by Corsican Ruby Star grapefruits. The production process is carefully controlled to extract the best characteristics of the fruit.

The creators of Ambroeus follow a similar philosophy. This aperitif is distilled in Piedmont, the homeland of vermouth. The extracts used are produced in a non-industrial manner, with respect for the earth and its ecosystem. It is this attention to detail that defines a luxury aperitif.

Discover the world of aperitifs with Crimston

Understanding what an aperitif is is the first step to discovering the rich culture of celebrating the moment. Whether you choose the refreshing, citrus notes of Pampelle or the complex, non-alcoholic elegance of Ambroeus, you are opening the door to a world of sophisticated flavors.

It is the perfect way to start an evening, meet with friends, or simply have a moment for yourself. Discover Pampelle Grapefruit Aperitif and Ambroeus Aperitif 0% in our store and find your favorite way to celebrate the afternoon.