apéritif

SALISBURY 1.50 FREYJA 2.20 ALUQAIR 2.50 APERITIF (NAP) 3.20 ARABIAN KING 3.50 MOJITO (NB) 4.20 LUCKY NUMBER 4.55 LITIGIOUS 5.30 LAND OF OZ

An ideal aperitif. Tesco, PS15 Phil runs La Jupe wine bar in Helensburgh www.lajupe.co.uk

EVENING I would be watching the sun go down across the bay from one of Amalfi's hilltop retreats, with a Spritz aperitif in hand and a platter of the finest Italian cold cuts and cheeses.

Russian Roulette, First Dance, Aperitif, Cherry Pop.

It pairs very well with salads and also with baked mushrooms - or just on its own as a summery aperitif.

The full list of Aldi's ISC award-winning spirits are: Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin PS9.99- Gold Specially Selected Creme de Cassis PS6.99 - Gold Topaz Blue Premium Gin PS13.99 - Silver Specially Selected Irish Cream Liqueur PS6.99 - Silver Bellucci Amaretto PS4.69 - Bronze Aperini Italian Aperitif PS6.99 - Bronze Both of Aldi's own label gins underwent a series of rigorous taste tests as part of the judging, beating well-known brands including Gordon's and Beefeater Gin.

Aperitif number one was foie gras terrine, quite a substantial bar with roasted pear onion chutney and homemade brioche.

It's just updating the centuries-old aperitif tradition of European cuisines, particularly those of France and Italy, where meals would often begin with a simple drink, like vermouth on ice.

Quady Winery NV "Vya" Extra Dry Vermouth Aperitif (California; $25)

From an aperitif at sundown, a nightcap in the early hours, right through to a hair of the dog the morning after, readers are invited on a journey in celebration of the golden era of drinking and entertaining.

:: UMPIRE'S CALL A delicious aperitif that bridges the gap between a white wine spritzer and a vodka and tonic, a white port and tonic is this summer's trendy tipple.

THE clocks have gone forward and the daffodils are out, for the perfect toast to spring try a daytime aperitif that's simple to make and quintessentially French.