Cocktail Corner: Aperitifs That Play Well With Others

Photo Courtesy Jardesca.

Photo Courtesy Jardesca.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

The French word apéritif, like its Italian counterpart, aperitivo, comes from the Latin aperire, meaning “to open.” These “alcoholic appetizers” are a European tradition, designed as delicious, low-alcohol lead-ins to a meal.

Some classic apéritifs include Vermouth, Campari, Dubonnet, Lillet and Aperol, all of which can be satisfyingly sipped on their own—or mixed with soda, juice, and ice.

Photo Courtesy Jardesca.

Photo Courtesy Jardesca.

We recently tried a new entry to this category, Jardesca. Created in the wine country of Sonoma, it’s a blend of botanicals with three sweet and dry artisanal white wines. I quite liked it on its own.

If you want to get a little more complicated, try a Jardesca Spritz.

Pour three fingers of Jardesca (3 oz) over ice in a stemless wine glass or rocks glass

Add 2 oz of Prosecco or sparking wine

Top with your favorite seasonal fruit or an array of fresh herbs.

Photo Courtesy Jardesca.

Photo Courtesy Jardesca.

For other recipe options click here. Jardesca is available locally at C’est Cheese (825 Santa Barbara St.) and Montecito Village Grocery (1482 E. Valley Rd.). Check it out and let me know what you think.

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 9, 2016.