Mastering the Art of the French Apéro: The Secret to Unwinding in France

Listen to a Podcast Episode About the French Apéro

What is the meaning of French Apéro or Apéritif?

If you were to look up Apéro in the dictionary, it would give you not one but two different meanings. And both are technically correct.

The first tells you that an Apéro is short for Apéritif and is a drink to be enjoyed before dinner.

The second tells you it’s the time before dinner when you enjoy a pre-dinner drink and some snacks.

But these two descriptions don’t give you the full picture.

So, let me share with you my version of “l’heure de l’apéro,” which I’ve experienced here in France and that my French friend Anne assures me is correct.

How do the French describe l’heure de l’apéro?

This wonderful time of day is all about unwinding and relaxing with family and friends before dinner. 

Traditionally, it’s about stimulating your appetite to get you ready for the meal that’s coming. 

The idea, though, isn’t to fill you up. It’s to stimulate only, as you don’t want to ruin your appetite. So, no heavy food or drinks.

Why do the French love Apéros so much?

Oh, that’s easy. It perfectly aligns with the French culture of slowing down to appreciate life.

It’s a chance to take a breath. Enjoy some time unwinding and relaxing with friends and family while enjoying snacks and a drink or two.

When I was chatting with Anne last week, as we indulged in an hour of Apéros, sitting around the pool at her house, she gave me this explanation:

“Il n’y a rien de meilleur qu’un ami, sauf si c’est un ami avec l’apéro!”

My French friend Anne

It means there’s nothing better than a friend, except a friend to enjoy an apero with.

What time is French Apéro time?

It can differ from person to person, but it’s usually between 6 pm and 9 pm. It’s that lovely time of the day when everyone has finished work, and the bars in the little village squares come to life with people.

Or if at home, it’s when your terrace comes into its own, especially in those lovely warm summer months.

And remember, here in France, people tend to eat later. Most restaurants don’t open till 7 or 7.30 pm. And Apéro time is usually still in full swing.

Although apéro time usually happens before dinner, it can also happen before lunch, especially on weekends.

I mean, who wouldn’t want to meet for a quick apéro in between shopping and lunch? When in France…right?

How do you pronounce Apéro or Apéritif?

Pronouncing Apéro: ah-pay-ROH 

Pronouncing Apéritif: ah-pay-ree-TEEF

Is Apéro time the same as Happy Hour?

No! As the name suggests, happy hour lasts an hour only and is usually held in a bar or pub.

Apéro time can take place anywhere. It can be in someone’s home, but it could also be in the park, at the beach, on the terrace of a cafe, or anywhere you can think of.

You’ll usually find snacks of some sort served with Apéros, whereas happy hour is just about the drink.

Finally, it’s quite normal for children to be part of Apéros, but that’s not the case for happy hour in a bar.

The two are completely different.

What’s the difference between Apéro and Apero Dînatoire?

To start with, Apero Dînatoire is typically held at someone’s house rather than in a restaurant. 

I like to think of it as being quite similar to Tapas, because it’s a dinner experience with many small dishes, much like Spanish Tapas.

It’s not a full sit-down meal. Instead, you’ll have more finger-style food, which is supposed to fill you up.

I love Apero Dînatoire. In fact, I hosted an Apero Dînatoire to celebrate my birthday. I invited some of my friends, French and English, who live in my village, to come and enjoy a casual, relaxed affair in my garden. After all, I do live in France, so I embraced a French tradition.

There was no driving involved, as we all live well within walking distance. There is minimal preparation and no set start or finishing time.

I set up a grazing table with cheese, bread, charcuterie, pate, and other nibbles, moving on to more dessert-style plates later in the evening. And kept bringing out food until we’d all had enough.

Where did the French Apéro originate from?

The term “apéritif” originates from the Latin word “aperire,” meaning “to open.” 

As I mentioned earlier, it refers to the practice of opening the palate before a meal by consuming a drink, typically an alcoholic one, along with some light snacks.

Although the idea of stimulating your appetite can be traced back to ancient civilization, it actually gained popularity during the Belle Époque, a period of cultural and artistic flourishing in France from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

During this time, café culture began to emerge in Paris, and just as it is seen today, it became a vibrant hub that played a significant part in the spread of apéritif culture.

Think about Parisian cafés and how they fill up before dinner. Everyone chats away animatedly and enjoys a drink or two. 

This way of life, which we associate with Paris, has been around for many years. As it developed, it wasn’t just drinks that were served.

There were also small bites or appetizers alongside the drinks to complement the flavors and stimulate the appetite. 

These snacks, known as “amuse-bouches” or “hors d’oeuvres,” often included olives, nuts, cheese, charcuterie, and other light-finger foods.

Over time, the apéritif evolved into a cherished social ritual in France, extending beyond cafés and into homes. 

As we know, the French take great pride in their food and drink culture, which I love. The apéro simply exemplifies their appreciation for savouring the moment and enjoying the finer things in life.

You’ll also see versions of this in other cultures, such as the Italian “aperitivo” and the Spanish “aperitivo” or “tapeo.”

The apéro embodies the French art of living, with a focus on good company, fine beverages, and delicious food.

It represents a time for relaxation, socializing, and appreciating the culinary delights that France is renowned for.

What are the most popular French Apéro drinks?

Apérol Spritz 

I recently tried this for the first time on a trip to Berlin. I’d seen people drinking them and was drawn in by the lovely orange color. I’m now a convert, and it’s my drink of choice as an apéro.

It’s made with equal parts Apéritif, an Italian orange liqueur, and dry Prosecco. Then, it’s topped up with soda water or tonic and served with a slice of orange poured over ice.

Kir Royale

I love this French cocktail. It’s made with crème de cassis (blackberry) and sparkling wine, perfect for a summer evening.

Pastis

If you enjoy aniseed, you’ll appreciate this drink, which is remarkably similar to Pernod. Pastis is steeped in tradition and served with a glass of ice and water. The ratio of pastis to water is usually around 1 part pastis to 5 parts water, which causes the clear pastis to turn cloudy. To finish it off, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of lemon. 

Wine

I love a glass of chilled rosé in the summer, which is perfectly acceptable as an apéro, as is a glass of champagne. A chilled white wine can also be added to the list, but red is typically reserved for enjoying with the meal.

What food do you serve with a French Apéritif?

Now, this really depends on how casual an affair you want to have. If it’s just a simple get-together, then throwing some crisps (chips) into a bowl, with some olives, dips, breadsticks, and maybe some saucisson is absolutely fine. 

Remember, though, that variety is the spice of life, and you are in France, where people celebrate food. So get creative, even if it is a casual event.

Here are some more traditional snacks you can serve during apéro time.

Cheese

It wouldn’t be France if we didn’t have a cheese board, and with so many wonderful cheeses to choose from, why wouldn’t you? Popular choices include Camembert, Brie, Roquefort, Comté, or goat cheese.

One thing I have noticed is that biscuits and grapes in France do not accompany a cheese board. However, some wonderful French bread would be the perfect addition.

Charcuterie

Assorted cured meats are the centerpiece of a charcuterie board. Some popular choices include Prosciutto, Salami, Saucisson, Chorizo, or Coppa. I always love to add some pate because there are so many yummy varieties to enjoy here in France. 

Crudité

Raw vegetables add a bit of variety and pair well with dips like hummus or tzatziki. 

Some popular crudité options might include carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, radishes, celery sticks, pepper (capsicum) strips, and fennel slices.

Quiches or Tartlets 

If you want to provide a more substantial bite, miniature quiches or tartlets with various fillings, such as cheese, vegetables, or seafood, are perfect.

Miniature Savoury Pastries

Bite-sized savory pastries, such as mini quiches, puff pastry twists, or cheese-filled gougères, are also popular additions to an apéritif spread.

A more unusual place to hold a French Apéro

As I’ve mentioned many times on the blog, I joined a local line-dancing group to help me integrate into French life. I absolutely love it and never miss a session.

Anyway, one of the things I find highly amusing is that food even manages to creep into line dancing here in France.

Nearly every week, someone brings food that everyone shares. It can be anything, from cake to marshmallows.

But at Christmas and on the last lesson of the season, it’s line dancing with apéros.

And I must say, I have never seen such a spread. 

Every type of nibbly or tasty bite you can think of is piled high onto a table at the front of the room. There is so much food that it’s almost impossible to decide what to have, so the best approach is to try a little of everything.

My favorite is the small lettuce cups filled with cream cheese and walnuts that always seem to appear. I have no idea what they are called, but they’re delightful.

FAQS for the French Apéro