Aperitifs are dry, crisp, and often bittersweet low-ABV cocktails designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal. They heavily utilize fortified wines, vermouths, and bitter liqueurs like Campari or Aperol to prime the palate. Classic templates include the Americano, Bamboo, Negroni Sbagliato, and Aperol Spritz.

Americano
Red bitter, Rosso vermouth

Aperol Spritz
Prosecco extra dry, Aperitivo

Aviation
London dry gin

Aviation Cocktail (Savoy recipe)
London dry gin

Basil Gimlet
London dry gin

Bee's Knees
London dry gin

Bee's Knees – IBA
London dry gin

Celery Gimlet
Celery dry gin

Dry Martini 5:1
London dry gin

Dry Martini 7:1
London dry gin

El Presidente (Dry Vermouth)
Light gold rum

French 75 – IBA
Brut Champagne, London dry gin

Gibson Dry Martini
London dry gin

Gimlet
London dry gin

Last Word – IBA
London dry gin, Herbal liqueur (e.g., Green Chartreuse), Maraschino liqueur

Milano Torino (Mi-To)
Red bitter, Rosso vermouth

Negroni
London dry gin, Red bitter, Rosso vermouth

Rhubarb Gimlet
London dry gin

Sidecar
Cognac

Strawberry Negroni
London dry gin, Red bitter, Rosso vermouth

White Lady
London dry gin

White Lady – IBA
London dry gin

White Negroni
London dry gin, Gentian liqueur

Celery Gimlet (recipe No. 2)
London dry gin