National Apéritif Day is observed worldwide every third Thursday of May, celebrating the tradition of enjoying alcoholic beverages served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. The origins of apéritifs date back to at least the 5th century, with modern apéritifs gaining popularity in the 19th century, particularly after the invention of sweet vermouth by Italian distiller Antonio Benedetto Carpano in 1796. The custom of serving apéritifs spread from Italy to France, where beverages like Dubonnet were created to encourage the consumption of quinine among Foreign Legionnaires. Popular choices for apéritifs include dry sparkling wine, fortified wines, and various cocktails such as the Kir, Martini, and Negroni. Celebrations may involve hosting dinner parties with apéritifs, experimenting with new cocktail recipes, and sharing experiences on social media using the hashtag #NationalApéritifDay.