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Merriam-Webster defines an aperitif as: “an alcoholic drink taken before a meal as an appetizer”.
“aperitif.” Merriam-Webster.com. 2017. Web. 29 September 2017.
At first glance this definition seems considerably loose, referring to one’s choice of ‘when’ rather than to ‘what’ (aside from the fact that it contains alcohol). If “aperitif” is merely a qualification based on the order in which one choses to imbibe, why are certain spirits labeled specifically as such; shouldn’t all spirits be labeled as “potential aperitif”? Delving further into the definition, Merriam-Webster refers us to appetizers: “food or drink that stimulates the appetite and is usually served before a meal”.
“appetizer.” Merriam-Webster.com. Web. 29 September 2017.
From this, we can devise that aperitifs are alcoholic drinks taken before a meal with the specific purpose of stimulating one’s appetite. This narrows the definition to focus on the function of aperitifs, but raises the question: how and why do aperitifs stimulate the appetite?
Ultimately, “aperitif” has no true legitimate definition in the dictionary. The argument can be made that any spirit could be considered an aperitif, and that it truly only does come down to when the spirit is intended to be sipped rather than what it contains. There are however, are a few qualities that unify aperitifs in their function. Generally, aperitifs are dry, bitter, and/or acidic. These three qualities, while discernible from one another, provoke a unifying response from the imbiber; they all promote salivation.
Digestion is an extremely complex, multi-faceted process that is often mistakenly considered to take place exclusively in our stomachs. Digestion actually begins in our mouths. It starts in the mouth because our mouths help break-down food in order to extract nutrients by both physical and chemical means. We physically crush food through the act of chewing, while simultaneously breaking it down on a chemical level through enzymatic activity. Orally, those enzymes are carried in our saliva. By promoting salivation, aperitifs trigger our brains to initiate the digestive process and effectively get a head start on digestion.
The best part about aperitifs is they not only serve a biological purpose, but they are also delicious! A few examples of aperitifs are prosecco, sherry, and vermouth. Do your body a favor, and enjoy an aperitif before your next delicious meal. Please enjoy responsibility.
