The welcome drink is not at all only a matter of prestigious events.
Welcome drink:
- creates a warm atmosphere upon arrival
- shortens the wait time for the meal or the start of the programme
- keeps your hands busy
- helps open up the conversation
- works as an aperitif
Sparkling wines (Prosecco, sparkling wine, champagne) are particularly suitable as a welcome drink because of their ability to stimulate the palate and activate digestion. If you want to strengthen the function of an aperitif, you can also serve flavoured or spiced wines, i.e. vermouths (Cinzano, Martini).
Sparkling wine is likely to be expected by guests. So try to surprise them with something less traditional that also looks nice. A Campari or a small cocktail with vermouth or cider in a tall glass with fruit might be suitable.
There are also plenty of non-alcoholic or alcohol-free sparkling wines on the market.
The traditional non-alcoholic aperitif is the Crodino.