An aperitif is a light, usually dry and slightly bitter alcoholic drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. The word comes from the Latin "aperire" ("to open"); the practice of drinking a diluted or herbed wine before eating dates back to ancient Greece and Rome.
Aperitifs are typically wine-, fortified-wine-, or spirit-based, infused with herbs, spices, or other botanicals, with alcohol content usually in the 15-22% range. Common examples include vermouth, Campari, Aperol, Lillet, and Dubonnet. They are usually served chilled, straight, on the rocks, or as the base of cocktails such as the Negroni, Boulevardier, or Spritz, often alongside a small snack like olives, nuts, or cured meats.
Cultural traditions vary: the Aperol Spritz is an Italian summer staple, the Kir Royale a classic French pre-dinner drink, and Fino or Manzanilla sherry a common Spanish choice served with tapas.