Aperitif

Etymology

From French "apéritif," from Latin "aperire" (to open) — the drink “opens” the appetite and the meal. The same root gives us "aperture," an opening in a lens or wall.

noun · /ah-pair-uh-TEEF/
A drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite, usually light, dry, or bitter.
What it names
The ritual opening drink — a vermouth, a spritz, a glass of fino — meant to prime the stomach rather than end the meal.
Example
They lingered over an aperitif on the terrace, sharpening their appetites before dinner.
Related idea
The mirror image of a digestif: an aperitif is dry and taken before eating to open the appetite, while a digestif is sweeter or stronger and taken after to help settle the meal.