aperitif in France
L'Apéritif isn't that a drink?
Oh yes, the aperitif in France... I don't even know if I was really aware of what this term meant before I moved to France. For me it was probably more of a drink than a ritual .
Of course, in Germany there are chips, and olives, and wine, and cheese. But it's not the same at all.
The French have simply perfected the grignoter and picoler (nibble and have a drink). I have to attribute the kilos I have gained over the years here to the aperitif. Because I LOVE the aperitif !
When does the aperitif take place?
The aperitif definitely takes place before the meal! Whether it's lunchtime or evening, it doesn't matter. Although the midday aperitif in France tends to take place at the weekend and especially in the summer months.
In any case, the aperitif (as it is called here) is the most popular part of the meal. Even before dessert! (The various courses that are served here definitely deserve a separate blog entry).
What do you eat for an aperitif in France?
L'Apéro everywhere in France always includes a drink - usually alcoholic (the French haven't yet jumped on the trend of non-alcoholic drinks). Wine, beer or a pastis. This is also called un jaune here in the south. Literally translated, a yellow one. So a pastis with a little water and ice.
What you drink as an aperitif in France depends on the region, of course. In general, however, you can say that rosé wine is particularly popular in summer. Sweet white wine such as Muscat is also a typical aperitif drink. Red wine, on the other hand, is more popular in the colder seasons. Or you can choose lighter red wines that are less likely to go to your head in the burning summer heat... depending on which region and time of year you are in.
The drink is then accompanied by a range of small delicacies from tapenades & vegetable caviar with toasted bread, olives, nuts, to hearty crackers, saucisson (air-dried salami)... everything your heart desires and what the season has to offer.
I also like to serve raw vegetables and fruit with an aperitif. However, this is more of a German habit, as it is less common in France. However, I think it is a good addition for the figure.
Unlike in Germany, cheese is not served as a snack. Although it is often offered with wine, classic cheese platters are more likely to be served as a dessert.
Who is invited to the aperitif?
L' Apéro is a social institution here in France and especially in the south.
It is an opportunity to meet friends and family. Since the aperitif has such a relaxed character, everyone is welcome! Work colleagues, acquaintances, neighbors and even (still) strangers. All classes and ethnic groups dominate the aperitif and it is revered and maintained as a tradition! No wonder.
I got used to this new activity quickly and happily 😉
In Germany, I knew such dishes either as dinner (thus a complete meal) or from the cinema or in front of the TV (potato chips)… it would be a shame to miss out on it!
Why have an aperitif when there is a main meal?
Actually a stupid question. 
Yes, because it gives you the opportunity to nibble on delicious snacks, enjoy a glass of wine and slowly get into the mood for the meal with friends and family.
Yes, because it gives you the opportunity to nibble on delicious snacks, enjoy a glass of wine and slowly get into the mood for the meal with friends and family. The French also say s'ouvrir l'appétit – to stimulate one's appetite.
Another advantage that should not be overlooked is that the aperitif gives the chef time because the guests are initially busy and satisfied.
L'Apéro dinatoire - a brilliant alternative to a large cooking feast.
The aperitif can also be a whole meal. In this case it is called an aperitif dinatoire . In other words, there are only small snacks and drinks. Since the aperitif is usually quick to prepare, the host is happy about the little work involved, and the guests are happy too.
My conclusion about the legendary aperitif in France!
L 'Apéro is quick and easy to prepare, tastes great and is fun to share with other people in small or large groups. I think it's a ritual that should exist all over the world.
The aperitif often takes place spontaneously. Every French household therefore always has a supply of delicacies ready for a spontaneous visit. Many of the foods served are preserved and can therefore be easily stored for a long time.
For a nice wine , delicious olives , rillettes and pâtés , spreads and tapenadesfor your aperitif at home, feel free to stop by the shop 😉
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