The Best Apéritifs in 2026

The Top Apéritifs to Enjoy Before a Meal

Apéritif comes from the Latin word aperire, meaning “to open.” These alcoholic beverages have a low alcohol content, usually 16 to 25 percent, and are meant to whet the appetite before a meal. A simple glass of dry white wine or Champagne can serve as an apéritif, but traditionally these spirits are a secret blend of herbs and spices.

GAYOT’s list of Best Apéritifs includes liquors perfect for sipping on their own, over ice, or mixed with cocktails.

READ MORE: For an after-dinner drink that aids digestion, take a look at GAYOT’s Best Digestifs.

1. Aperol

Aperol became a popular Italian aperitivo after World War I.

Price: $28.99 for 750 ml.
ABV: 40%
By: Aperol

It has gained international recognition since the advertising efforts of Gruppo Campari, which acquired the brand in 2000. It displays a bright orange color and has a unique flavor profile including bitter and sweet orange, rhubarb and many other herbs and roots.

READ MORE: Spritz Cocktail Recipes

2. Carpano Antica Formula

This Italian sweet vermouth was first invented in 1786 by Antonio Benedetto Carpano.

Origin: Milan, Italy
Price: $48.99 for 1 liter
ABV: 16.5%
By: Carpano

The original recipe remains thanks to Fratelli Branca Distillerie. The palate features flavors of vanilla, star anise, orange, date and hints of baking spices.

3. Carpano Bianco Vermouth

This is Carpano’s most fragrant vermouth.

Origin: Milan, Italy
Price: $20.99 for 1 liter
ABV: 14.9%
By: Carpano

It features citrus and fruit notes blended with hints of almond and cocoa. It has a velvety mouthfeel with mineral notes for a persistent finish. It is best served chilled.

4. Carpano Dry Vermouth

Carpano Dry Vermouth is drier in taste and lower in sugar than other Carpano Vermouths.

Origin: Milan, Italy
Price: $21.99 for 1 liter
ABV: 18%
By: Carpano

It is enriched with the Dittany of Crete — an herbaceous plant from the island of Crete that gives this apéritif the powerful flavor that bartenders love.

5. Coeur de Génépi

Génépi refers to the namesake botanical artemisia.

Price: $29.99 for 350 ml.
ABV: 40%
By: Dolin

Dolin’s Coeur de Génépi is a pale gold color and has a powerful botanical bouquet that leads to a palate of artemisia, softened by floral notes of violet. It is best served chilled, and can even be served over ice cream for a sweet treat.

6. Henri Bardouin Pastis

This French pastis is the perfect balance of 65 plants and spices.

Origin: Forcalquier, France
Price: $37.00 for 700 ml.
ABV: 45%
By: Distilleries et Domaines de Provence

The numerous plants and spices include star anise and wormwood. Henri Bardouin Pastis displays a clear color with shimmering green highlights, and a powerfully complex and spicy palate.

7. Martini & Rossi Rosato Vermouth

The founders of Martini & Rossi Wine Company set to work in 1863 creating a recipe for vermouth, using high-quality wines and aromatic herbs.

Origin: Turin, Italy
Price: $10 for 750 ml.
ABV: 15%
By: Martini & Rossi

The Italian-based company is one of the most widely recognized makers of vermouth and still bases its drinks on the original recipe. Martini comes in four varieties: the Bianco, Rosato, Rosso and Extra Dry.

The pink-hued Rosato is a blend of red and white Italian wines from the Piedmontese vineyards. Dominated by fresh, fruity aromatics and just a hint of cinnamon spice, this spirit offers light flavors of citrus fruits and raspberry. The best way to enjoy: drink on the rocks with a squeeze of citrus for a classic Italian aperitivo or add to a cocktail with pomegranate juice, topped with lime and mint.

Martini Rosato and Pomegranate Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:
– 2 parts Martini & Rossi Rosato Vermouth
– 2 parts pomegranate juice

Method:
Pour ingredients over ice and top with a squeeze of lime and a sprig of mint.

8. Pernod Anise Liqueur

This pastis was first created in 1928.

Origin: France
Price: $39.99 for 700 ml.
ABV: 40%
By: Pernod Ricard

It is a refreshing anise-based apéritif with complementary coriander and mint flavors. This spirit is traditionally served diluted, and in many cocktails.

9. Punt E Mes

In 1870, regulars at the Carpano wine shop, who were employed as stock brokers, were talking about the stock prices being raised one and a half points.

Origin: Milan, Italy
Price: $27.99 for 750 ml.
ABV: 16%
By: Carpano

One of the stock brokers then asked for his usual vermouth, with half a point of bitters added to it, using the regional expression “Punt e Mes.” Since then, this sweet and bitter beverage has been a well-known apéritif.

10. Ricard Pastis de Marseille

Ricard Pastis is one of the world’s best-selling anise-based spirits.

Origin: France
Price: $39.99 for 750 ml.
ABV: 45%
By: Pernod Ricard

It was first created in Marseille in the 1930s by Paul Ricard. It is best served cold, diluted or with cordials or fruit juices.

11. Salers Apéritif La Bounoux

This French apéritif has been produced since 1885.

Origin: Turenne, France
Price: $21.99 for 750 ml.
ABV: 16%
By: Salers

This Massif Central gentiane liqueur one of the oldest of its kind. It is rich and bittersweet, with notes of citrus and anise.