A Spirited Guide to the Drinks, History and Culture of the Aperitif

Aperitif

Forget the crass cocktail &ndash; the chic aperitif is the choice of the discerning drinker.From Campari to Champagne via vermouth, pastis, sherry and much more, shrewd boozehounds are falling for the particular charms of the aperitif. Call them sharpeners, snifters, ap&eacute;ros or noggins, made light and gentle or strong and stiff, these are drinks to refresh the palate, gladden the heart and kick-start the appetite before lunch or dinner.In Aperitif drinks writer Kate Hawkings romps through the history of how these drinks came into being across the great nations of Europe and beyond. Covering the key&#160;wines and spirits that are drunk as aperitifs &ndash; what each one is, what to look for and how best to serve it &ndash; Kate looks at all manner of booze, explaining the role that each has played in the development of aperitif culture.With over 30 recipes plus many other easy-serve suggestions, Aperitif guides you through the wonderful world of this most civilised of drinking habits.

Kate Hawkings has a monthly drinks column in Olive magazine, and has written on food, travel and interiors for publications including the Guardian, Independent, Telegraph, Sunday Times, and Elle Deco. Kate is a restaurant and wine consultant and runs Bellita restaurant in Bristol.

Kate Hawkings

The perfect place for cocktail novices to start building their repertoire.

50 Classic Cocktails and Delightful Drinks

The Little Book of Aperitifs offers 50 recipes for everything from the perfect Gin and Tonic, classic Martini, effervescent Bellini, refreshing Spritz, to the beloved Negroni &ndash; all made with panache and minimal ingredients, and illustrated with gorgeous colour photos.A well-made drink before dinner is the height of sophistication and the perfect way to start an evening with friends. Whether you&#39;re a gin lover or a Campari queen, these little glassfuls of nectar will get your taste buds geared up for a night to remember. There&#39;s also a chapter of non-alcoholic aperitifs to whet your whistle. With fascinating facts about your favourite tipples, as well as easy step-by-step instructions, it&#39;s time to relax, get comfortable and enjoy The Little Book of Aperitifs.

Kate Hawkings

Praise for The Little Book of Aperitifs

The perfect place for cocktail novices to start building their repertoire.

Books by Kate Hawkings

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