Aperitif

Designed to not only awaken but also sharpen the appetite, an aperitif is an alcoholic drink taken before a meal. It differs from cocktails in being 'long' and comparatively 'mild' instead of 'short' and 'strong'.

Some very popular 'aperitifs' in France are : Ricard or Pastis (anise with water), kir (white wine with some blakcurrant cream) or kir royal (champagne with blackcurrant cream).