Illustration par Emilie Tordo
L’apéritif, commonly called apéro, is since the 19th century one of the most famous daily French practices. It originally comes from the Latin word “aperire” which means “to open” and was used, in the 18th century, to describe a medicinal drink taken before a meal. Later, with the industrial revolution, the word changed meaning to find the one we use today.
L’apéritif mostly starts around 6p.m., and lasts until dinner, as it is more common to eat dinner around 8p.m. in France. On the weekend, you can also organize an apéro before lunch that will more likely last from 11a.m. to 1p.m. It can also turn into an apéro dinatoire, a longer version that includes more food but remains simple and can replace dinner.
How to make the perfect French apéro for your friends and family? Regarding the food, you can first prepare a cheese board as well as a charcuterie board served with good French bread. You can add crackers and chips with dips such as hummus, tapenade, or tzatziki. You can also include simple dishes like mini pizzas or quiches. The most important thing concerning the food is that it needs to be simple, like small, individual bites that do not require cutlery. You can pair the food with drinks, like Ricard (a French anise-flavored liquor), white wine, cocktails, and, for non-alcoholic drinks, sodas, and fruit juices.
L’apéro is a warm and shared moment before the meal, often taken in the living room around the coffee table. It is a way of bringing people together. L’apéro is more than just drinks and snacks; it is a social moment to enjoy conversations that go beyond the food. Especially popular in the summer, apéro is widely practiced by the French; it marks the end of the day, a moment to relax and unwind with friends and family.
While you are in France, don’t miss out on the occasion to have an apéro and embrace the French culture around good food and good company.
Sources:
Aux origines de l’apéritif, cette tradition invincible | France Culture
The Ultimate Guide to Apéro | My French Country Home Magazine
Photos :
1. https://www.comtessedubarry.com/media/journal/Aperitif_entre_amis_basse_def_cadre.jpg
2. https://larecette.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/drinks-2578446_1920.jpg
3. https://images.radio-canada.ca/q_auto,w_1200/v1/alimentation/articles/16×9/apero-simple.jpg
4. https://www.bienchezsoi.net/img/photos/art-aperitif-123rf.webp
