Simple Aperitif Recipes: How to Start Your Evening Off Right

The first sip is the beginning

When you imagine the first moment of a special evening, what comes to mind? Perhaps a friendly smile, the soft clinking of a copper mug, fresh mint on ice, or the light effervescence of a sparkling aperitif. All of this is more than just a drink—it's a feeling. A promise of enjoyment, encounters, and lightheartedness.

Aperitifs are not an afterthought—they are the first impression. And as with all first impressions, they should be inviting, enchanting, and leave you wanting more.

In this article, you'll find five simple yet impressive cocktail recipes that you can serve stylishly in your copper mug – with or without alcohol, for summer evenings in the garden or winter gatherings by the fireplace. Emotion, flavor, and a touch of spectacle guaranteed.

1. Sunny Basil Spritz

Imagine: you're sitting in the warm evening light, the scent of basil is in the air, and a golden-green drink is sparkling in your copper mug – fresh, light, and full of character.

Ingredients:

• 6 cl white wine (dry, e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
• 3 cl tonic water
• 1 cl lemon juice
• 3–4 fresh basil leaves
• Ice cubes
• Lemon zest for decoration

Preparation:

1. Lightly crush the basil and place in the copper mug
2. Add ice cubes, then white wine, lemon juice and tonic water and stir with a bar spoon
3. Garnish with lemon zest and serve with a straw

2. Red Summer Flirt (non-alcoholic)

This aperitif brings summer straight to your taste buds. Strawberries, mint, and a hint of lime will put a smile on everyone's face.

Ingredients

• 5 strawberries
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 cl fresh lime juice
• 150 ml mineral water
• Ice cubes
• Mint leaves for garnish

Preparation

Muddle the strawberries with honey in a shaker.

1. (muddle)
2. Add the lime juice, shake briefly, then pour through a fine strainer into a copper mug
3. Add ice cubes and mineral water
4. Garnish with mint and a slice of strawberry

3. Citrus Negroni

For those who like it a little more serious. A cocktail with character – tart, bittersweet, yet smooth on the finish.

Ingredients

• 2 cl Campari
• 2 cl gin
• 2 cl red vermouth
• 1 dash orange zest
• Ice cubes

Preparation

1. Mix all ingredients in a shaker.
2. Strain into a copper mug filled with ice cubes.
3. Garnish with a strip of orange zest and serve with a straw.

4. Rosé Raspberry Twist

When rosé wine meets berries and is served sparkling, magical moments are created. Perfect for balmy summer nights.

Ingredients:

• 100 ml rosé wine
• 4 fresh raspberries
• 1 cl elderflower syrup
• 50 ml soda water
• Ice cubes

Preparation:

1. Lightly crush the raspberries in a copper mug
2. Add ice cubes, rosé, and elderflower syrup
3. Carefully top up with soda water and stir with a bar spoon
4. Serve with fresh mint

5. Apple and cinnamon spritz

Imagine snowflakes dancing outside – and a classic winter cold drink with apple, cinnamon, and star anise steaming in your copper mug.

Ingredients

• 100 ml naturally cloudy apple juice
• 30 ml ginger ale
• 1 pinch of cinnamon
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Apple slice for decoration
• Ice cubes

Preparation

1. Mix the apple juice with cinnamon and ginger ale in a shaker.
2. Strain into the copper mug with ice cubes.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.

FAQ: Everything you need to know about aperitifs

1. What exactly is an aperitif? An aperitif is a drink served before a meal – it is intended to stimulate the appetite and get people in the mood for socializing.
2. Does an aperitif have to contain alcohol? No! There are wonderful non-alcoholic options that are just as stylish and delicious.
3. How important is the serving vessel? Very! A high-quality copper cup intensifies the taste experience by keeping the drink cool for longer and creating a special drinking sensation.
4. What utensils do I need? A shaker, a bar spoon, and a few nice copper cups – that's often all you need.
5. How can I efficiently prepare aperitifs for several guests? Prepare the ingredients, mix the base in the shaker and serve directly in your copper cups on ice – don't forget the straws and garnishes.
6. How can I vary my aperitifs? Try new juices, herbs or syrups – a little twist is all it takes to rediscover your favorite drink.

The first sip is the beginning

An aperitif is more than just a drink. It's a feeling of arriving, letting go, being together. Whether you're entertaining friends or treating yourself, a stylishly served drink in a copper mug creates a special moment. The bright colors, the coolness of the mug in your hand, the slight tingle on your tongue – it all tells a story.

Let's raise a toast together – to enjoyment, to connection, to you.