The Growing Popularity of Aperitif and Digestif Cocktails

In today’s cocktail culture, it’s no longer just about what’s in your glass — it’s about when you drink it. Aperitifs and digestifs, long a part of European dining traditions, are gaining serious traction worldwide. These pre- and post-meal cocktails aren’t just trendy; they’re a thoughtful way to bookend a dining experience and savor flavors with intention.

What Are Aperitifs and Digestifs?

An aperitif (from the Latin aperire, meaning “to open”) is a light, dry drink enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Think dry vermouth, Aperol spritz, or a classic Negroni — refreshing, often slightly bitter, and designed to wake up your palate.

A digestif, on the other hand, is served after the meal to aid digestion. These drinks are usually richer, more herbal or spiced, and include spirits like amaro, brandy, port, or herbal liqueurs such as Chartreuse. They’re meant to be sipped slowly, bringing the evening to a relaxed, satisfying close.

Why They’re Trending Again

There’s a growing movement in the cocktail world toward intentional drinking — enjoying fewer drinks, but with more quality and purpose. Aperitifs and digestifs naturally fit this mindset. They encourage slower sipping and more mindful consumption, aligning with today’s preferences for healthier habits and deeper culinary experiences.

They also tap into the current fascination with European drinking culture, where meals and drinks are less about getting buzzed and more about savoring life. As more people seek to replicate that lifestyle, they’re bringing spritzes, amaros, and after-dinner brandies into their home bars.

Perfect Pairings for Every Occasion

Want to elevate your next dinner party or quiet night in? Start with a light aperitif cocktail like a Hugo Spritz — elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, soda water, and mint. It’s fresh, floral, and the perfect prelude to a meal.

After dinner, switch gears with a digestif like a Black Manhattan (rye whiskey and amaro) or sip on chilled limoncello. These drinks provide contrast and closure, rounding out the culinary experience with a final note of complexity.

If you’re curious to explore more, our curated collection of aperitif and digestif cocktail recipes includes modern twists and classic preparations — all easy to make at home.

Expanding Your Palate

What makes these drinks exciting is their diversity. Aperitifs can be citrusy, herbal, sparkling, or dry. Digestifs can be bitter, sweet, smoky, or warming. They’re perfect for experimentation — and ideal for those who appreciate flavor complexity.

For example:

Try swapping gin for Lillet Blanc in your Martini for a softer, French aperitif feel.

Explore Italian amaros like Fernet-Branca or Montenegro after a hearty meal.

Craft a low-ABV Negroni using dry vermouth, Aperol, and soda for a modern, lighter touch.

A Revival Rooted in Ritual

The renewed love for these styles of cocktails isn’t just about flavor — it’s about ritual. In a fast-paced world, taking the time to start and end your meal with intention feels luxurious and grounding. It turns a simple drink into a shared moment.

So next time you’re hosting, try serving an aperitif as guests arrive and a digestif after dessert. You’ll be surprised how such a small gesture can elevate the entire experience.

With their sophistication, history, and growing relevance, aperitif and digestif cocktails are no longer optional — they’re essential. Ready to try them for yourself? Our expert guides and recipes will help you craft these elegant drinks with ease.