A good aperitif is like a ringing bell to Pavlov's dog. As potent appetizers, aperitifs ease the transition from office to dinner party.

Aperitifs can be wine based, alcohol based, bitter based, or a mixture of all three, as in the Negroni. Although there are many aperitif wines, we prefer the cocktail variety. A good aperitif cocktail is a balance of chilled alcohol and juices that perks the palate while easing the mind.