L’Apéro, or apéritif, is a pre-dinner drink that happens any time you are invited to someone’s home. This is a leisurely-paced activity that involves a few small snacks and a glass or two of something boozy. I love the relaxed atmosphere of sitting around chatting with friends with a cocktail in my hand.
Whether you are socially distancing in your yard with neighbors or staying safely away from others with your Chéri, kick off the month of July with a bang— or rather a “pop” from a champagne cork— by making this scrumptious cocktail: Veuve Clicquot Rosé Rich Champagne (Rich is pronounced “Reech”), which is slightly sweeter than their regular champagne, and a small addition such as pineapple chunks or grapefruit wedges.
Creating this little gem is so easy: Just put ice in a Pinot Noir wine glass (or a Veuve Clicquot “Rich” glass), add 3-4 pineapple chunks or 2 small slices of grapefruit, and pour in enough Veuve Clicquot Rosé Rich to cover the ice. Ooh la la! Be sure to keep the champagne bottle chilled while you are waiting to make your second drink.
Serve this lovely champagne cocktail as an apéro at a birthday party, an outdoor garden soirée, or make for you and your partner on a hot summer evening. If you would like more options to garnish your “Rich” cocktails visit Veuve Clicquot’s website.
The food served during an apéro is small and dainty. It is something to be nibbled modestly or eaten one-by-one. You may put several things on your plate, but it is expected that this small serving will last you through the cocktail hour. If you are all seated around the snacks, only reach in a few times (a peanut here and there, a potato chip or two). You are not expected to fill up before the main meal. However, at a more lavish event like an apéritif dinatoire, where many amuse-bouche and hors d’oeuvres take the place of the actual meal, you can have free range!
Find other refreshing cocktail ideas, as well as hundreds of delicious recipes, travel tips, and French etiquette savoir-faire, in my book Ooh la la! French Inspirations for Entertaining and Travel, available here. A special COVID-19 price of $40 (including shipping anywhere in the USA) means you can get one for you and one for a friend!
