Photo: Etienne Girardet
In France, the evening meal doesn’t begin until the apéro hour is finished. This pre-dinner ritual, during which apéritifs and light bites are served, is a cherished tradition that helps you transition from the day’s hustle and bustle to the evening’s relaxing meal.
While the apéro is similar to the American happy hour, both being social events centered around drinks, they feel very different. The American happy hour is more commercially driven, held at bars and restaurants offering discounted food and drinks. No one will think twice if a couple of cocktails are knocked back.
The French version, however, can be at a bar or restaurant, a sidewalk terrace, or even at someone’s home. One drink is standard, usually white wine, Champagne, or fortified wine like vermouth. Small snacks, like olives, nuts, and charcuterie, are served to whet the appetite, not to satiate it.
On the Scene Since 1872 
One of my favorite summertime apéritifs is Lillet Blanc, a fortified wine I discovered eons ago in college, thanks to an older, more worldly boyfriend. While he’s out of the picture, Lillet isn’t—I still love it!
Lillet is produced in Bordeaux from wine macerated with various herbs, spices, and fruits. It’s then fortified with French brandy and aged in French oak barrels. The result is a slightly sweet, refreshing drink with citrusy notes. It comes in three versions: blanc
This Article was originally published on The Wine Chef
