one apéro spirit is omnipresent in France: pastis. Not only do sales of pastis represent one-fifth of all spirits sold nationwide, but it's the default aperitif drink as far north as Picardie.

Non-alcoholic cocktails are having a moment in America. Spirit-free aperitifs have even entered the canned RTD beverage category. But if you've been using the terms "mocktail" and "zero-proof ...

Since aperitif culture is mainly confined to France ... Add in the fact that nearly any barrel-aged spirit -- and its use in a cocktail -- can be a digestif, and the selection is mind-boggling.