What Is the Apéritif? Mastering the French Apéro

The French Apéritif or Apéro if you’re cool, is as much an essential part of French cuisine as is bread and wine. But what is an apéritif, really? Literally meaning that which stimulates the appetite, this is the good stuff that comes before the meal. Generally when one says apéritif they are referring to the alcohol you consume before eating. But these days, l’heure de l’apéro has gone well beyond a bit of pastis.

In the Charente-Maritime, birth place of our very own, Chef Eric Fraudeau, the apéritif of course is the pineau des Charentes (for the two Charentes – Charente & Charente-Maritime). This is a fortified wine that you will not soon forget if you drink too much. Perfect on a hot day or any day if you like sweet wines. Basically any wine works as an apéritif, with the French moving more towards lighter wines to not spoil their appetites.

Now, if you find yourself in Burgundy, it’s all about the Kir. This elegant apéritif, named after Félix Kir, a beloved mayor of Dijon, blends crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur) with a crisp white wine, typically Burgundy’s Aligoté. The result is a refreshing cocktail that’s both sweet and tart—a perfect way to start any meal with a nod to French tradition. Chef Fabrice, who hails from Saint-Cyr in Burgundy, often loves introducing guests to this classic drink during our Market Class. It’s his way of sharing a taste of home, making sure you experience the authentic flavors of Burgundy, right here in Paris.

Perhaps your summer was full of BBQs and cocktail parties and you are now ready to head back to work (or school). But just don’t want to fully let go of the fun. Enter the French apéro – the perfect remedy to any back-to-school blues. As Summer is crawling to an end, we’re still looking for ways to help you keep the party going.

Some basic apéritif rules:

1. The apéritif is usually taken between 5 and 7 PM
2. It is a convivial moment with friends and family
3. Serve an alcoholic drink, a fortified wine was the classic choice. These days people are going for light wines or champagne
4. You serve a bit to eat but never so much that your guests don’t eat your dinner
5. When you toast always look the other person in the eye. The French (who love to be cheeky), will tell you that not doing so will bring you 7 years of bad sex! oh là là.

Keep it simple when you serve your apéro. There are plenty of options if you don’t want to cook: Serve dried sausages, nuts or chips. But if you are like us and want to kick up that apéritif to the next level, we have plenty of recipes for the occasion. This season means figs are ready to be consumed. Whatever your preference, green or black, fresh figs are hard to beat when they are ripe.

We’ve got the perfect addition to your next apéro!

Now who doesn’t love Camembert cheese? Bringing together cheese, bread, figs, and ham you have heaven on a stick. This is an appetizer that will most definitely whet the appetites of your dinner guests – But try not to eat it all in prep. The fried camembert is best enjoyed warmed.

Grab the recipe for Fried Camembert, Fig and Ham!

And for more delicious cooking, join us for a French cooking lesson in Paris