In France, the Apéritif is more than just a pre-dinner drink—it’s a treasured ritual, an invitation to relax, connect with friends, and savor small bites. Believe it or not there is even a time for that, it is “l’heure de l’Apero” or Apero Time!
Traditionally, it’s the perfect blend of drinks, light snacks, and delightful conversation that sets the tone for the rest of the evening. If you’re looking to bring a touch of French culture to your next gathering, creating the ideal apéritif is easier than you think with French Wink’s Aperitif à la Française Collection.
Here’s everything you need to create a memorable French apéritif for your next soirée.
Start with the Right Snacks
French apéritif spreads are typically composed of a variety of savory and crisp bites to complement the drinks. Here are some must-have items from our collection to impress your guests:
Chips at an apéritif? Absolutely, especially when they’re as refined as the Made in France Bret’s chips which are number one bestselling brand in France. These delicious, light, and crispy chips are available in a multitude of flavors that will impress your guests: Goat cheese & espelette chili, camembert, summer truffle or aioli, they are all delicious.
A classic French dry-cured sausage, Saucisson Sec is a staple of any apéritif. Its rich, savory flavor and firm texture make it an ideal partner for cheese, bread, and wine. Serve thin slices on a Degrenne wooden board, paired with cornichons and mini toasts, for a simple yet delicious addition to your spread.
Cornichons
No French apéritif is complete without cornichons—these small, tangy pickles are essential to the French snacking experience. Maison Marc cornichons offer the perfect blend of crispness and acidity to balance out richer items like charcuterie and cheese. Add them to your charcuterie board or serve them alongside saucisson for a truly authentic touch. Check out also Bornibus brand, a gourmet food specialist offering a wide range of pickles and sauces.
Mini toasts, biscottes and baguette!
To bring all the flavors together, you’ll need a crunchy base like Mini Toasts or biscottes. These small toasts are the perfect size for spreading pâtés, tapenades, or cheese. Their crispy texture and neutral flavor allow the toppings to shine, making them a versatile essential for your apéritif table. Sliced baguette is also la crème de la crème if added on the aperitif table so impress your guests even more buy baking your very own one thanks to our French baguette baking kit.
Spread the Flavor with Dips, Tapenades and tinned fish
No apéritif is complete without some delicious spreads and dips to accompany your toasts and crackers. French Wink offers some fantastic options:
This traditional Provençal spread is made from finely chopped black olives, capers, and olive oil, resulting in a bold, savory tapenade that pairs perfectly with mini toasts or fresh-cut vegetables. Black or green Olive Tapenade is a flavorful, easy-to-prepare addition that brings the taste of the South of France to your apéritif spread.
Tinned Fish
Tinned fish is a quintessential part of French apéritif culture. Not only are these items incredibly versatile, but they also offer an easy way to elevate your apériti. From sardines to mackerel and tuna, the French Wink Tinned Fish Collection brings a taste of the French seaside to your table. Simply open, plate, and serve for a quick yet sophisticated apéritif snack that pairs beautifully with white wine or champagne
Pair with the Perfect Drink
The final element of a French apéritif is, of course, the drinks. A bottle of French wine, a few spritzers, or even some classic French cocktails like Kir Royal (a mix of crème de cassis and champagne) will set the perfect tone for the evening. The light, refreshing beverages are meant to be sipped slowly, preparing the palate for the main meal to follow. At French Wink, we not able ( yet) to offer you that kind of drinks but check our non-alcoholic wine and champagne and French drinks that also perfect for aperitif.
Create Your Perfect French Apéritif with French Wink
We believe that hosting a memorable gathering should be as easy and enjoyable as possible. With our Aperitif à la Française Collection, you’ll have everything you need to craft a simple yet sophisticated apéritif spread that transports your guests to a café terrace in France. Explore the full collection here and bring the art of French entertaining to your next gathering.
