French Apéro – Guide And Tips To Your First Apero

The French apéro or l’apéro is an abbreviation for “l’apéritif.” It’s an institution, one of many traditions around food thoroughly ingrained in French culture.

French Apero – Guide And Tips To Your First Apero

What is Apéro?

Apero is a ritual — a get-together that’s a pleasant excuse to sit down with hors d’oeuvres and a good mix of drinks, and just enjoy a fantastic French evening.

What time is apéro in France?

Similar to a cocktail party, apéro is the French version of happy hour. It is best described as a sociable relaxing time, either pre-lunch or pre-dinner social drinking with snacks and nibbles.

Apéro time depends on when you plan to eat. There’s really no fixed length of time for an apéro, but it usually lasts from 30 minutes to a couple of hours or more. The classic apéro time, however, is between 6 and 9 in the evening.

What do you bring or serve to an apero party?

French people don’t really go snacking between meals. L’apéro is the time they do it. It is similar to a cocktail party, with drinks and small plates for finger food. 

Apéro can be just a drink before a meal at the restaurant or a few drinks and some nibbles — usually foie gras or cake — at a friend’s place or wherever you find yourself at apéro time. It can also constitute a full dinner, which is then called “un apéro dînatoire.” 

Apero can be done with family, friends, neighbors, or new acquaintances. 

Here’s a quick guide to French apéro, starting with things you can bring if you get invited to one.

Drinks

Drinks you can bring to an apéro can be both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. 

A bottle of Muscat, a bottle of light wine such as Côtes du Rhônes or Beaujolais, and bottles of beer — local or Belgian, or any good foreign brand — are good options for alcoholic drinks. Iced Champagne, also known as piscine or pool, is recommended in the summer.

If you’re in the south of France, anise and licorice-flavored aperitif called pastis is popular, while the favorite in the French Alps is vin chaud or mulled wine.

For non-alcoholic drinks, apple juice and organic lemonade — or any freshly squeezed juice — will do.

Bread

You can bring sliced country bread, cereal bread, rye bread, baguettes, or black bread. Filled bread (pain fourré) is also popular, such as bacon bread, olive bread, and onion bread.

Also, don’t forget to bring something to put on your bread, such as pureed olives, rillettes or minced pork, and terrine (meat, fish, or vegetable mixture). If you’re feeling fancy, caviar and foie gras are a great idea.

Delicatessen

Favorite delis to bring are Grissons meat (air-dried meat from Switzerland), dry sausages (either smoked or with mushrooms or nuts), dry ham, Italian mortadella, and salami.

Crudités

Crudités are French appetizers made of raw vegetables that are thinly sliced or cut into small pieces. They are normally served with a dip. Crudités tend to be boring so maybe you should “glam” it up a little by choosing veggies in rich, vibrant colors.

Pick at least four types of veggies in different colors and mix in some meat and cheese. Adding pitta is a good option, too. Do not forget the dip — tzatziki, hummus, and creamy dill sauce will clinch it.

Cheese

Popular cheeses in an apéro are monk’s head cheese and Beaufort cheese, as well as coated fresh cheese with coating from fruits, paprika, or herbs.

Desserts

Those little pastries and desserts from the patisserie are delectable! An assortment of cakes will be appreciated as well.

Tips if you’re attending French Apéro for the first time

If you’re attending an apéro party for the first time, here are a few tips so you can make the most of your experience. 

1.It is best to ask if the host has anything specific in mind so you won’t go wrong shopping for something to bring.

2.Choose ready-to-eat treats and nothing that requires cooking. Don’t forget the toothpicks!

3. Although the French aren’t known to be such great beer lovers, I have mentioned beer on the list of things you can bring. You will be safe with a bottle or two when faced with alcoholic drinks you’re not very familiar with. Go ahead and grab some good Belgian beer and pretend it tastes different from your beer at home.

4. Do not be surprised to see fancy stuff in little plastic cups. They may be creamy stuff topped with prawns or foie gras and whatnot. Heads up: they may not suit your taste. To be fair to your host, this weird stuff are probably there just for an appearance.

5. Hard liquor is to be expected, even in the middle of the day. But worry not: the French do know when to stop. They do not get really drunk, especially at an apéro.

6. Wine isn’t really consumed for apéro; it is served during meals instead. But if you’re really dying for some fabulous French wine, you can try the ever-popular French cocktail called “kir.” It’s crème de cassis topped up with white wine, originally made with a white Burgundy. Kir Royale is basically the same as kir, except champagne or sparkling wine is used instead of white wine.

7. At the party, don’t expect people to automatically tell you their first names. You may tell them yours first and ask them to call you by it, and perhaps they will return the favor. You should also not ask outright what they do for a living because the French are not very keen on talking about such stuff, especially if they are white collar.

8. Just sit and enjoy, chat, and observe a little. Apéro is another chance to enjoy the French way of life.

9. Do not indulge too much. Just like any French lunch or dinner, you must finish your plate at apéro — no matter how small that plate may be! But it’s so easy to get carried away, right? In case of overindulgence, aged liquor makes a great digestif. Aside from brandies and whiskeys, coffee and tea are also excellent digestifs.

L’apéro is so much fun! So when in France and someone asks you: “Apéro ce soir?”  — do not hesitate to answer, “Oui, j’adorerais!”  

Bon apéro!