Apéro

Le Petit Lexique - French food terms explained - Apéro

In this first episode of Le Petit Lexique: French Food Terms Explained, we dive into one of France’s most beloved daily rituals: l’apéro. Short for apéritif, apéro is so much more than a pre-dinner drink — it’s a cherished social custom that marks the transition from day to evening, work to leisure, and solitude to connection. Whether shared with family on a quiet terrace or with friends in a bustling Parisian bar, apéro captures the very essence of French conviviality.

We explore the history of apéro, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations to modern-day café culture. From medicinal herbal wines in the Middle Ages to Joseph Dubonnet’s quinine-based creation in the 19th century, the evolution of the apéritif tells us much about the French relationship with food, drink, and health. Today, apéro is both timeless and ever-evolving, with traditions varying across regions and generations.

Of course, no apéro is complete without the drinks and snacks that make it so deliciously French. We take a look at the classic and regional beverages — from Pastis and Kir to Pineau des Charentes and Suze — as well as the essential nibbles that accompany them. Whether it’s a simple bowl of olives and nuts or an elaborate spread of charcuterie, cheese, and savory pastries, apéro is all about pleasure without pretense.

And if you’ve ever heard of a dîner-apéro, we’ve got that covered too! Find out how the French have turned this beloved ritual into a casual, satisfying alternative to a sit-down dinner. So pour yourself a glass, grab a few tasty bites, and join us as we celebrate the art of apéro — only on Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast. Bon appétit and santé!

Transcript

Bonjour and welcome to Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast. I'm your host, and today we begin a brand-new monthly mini-series called Le Petit Lexique: French Food Terms Explained. Each month, we’ll dive into a quintessential French food term or phrase, unpacking its origins, cultural context, how it's used today, and of course, what makes it so deliciously French. From apéro to amuse-bouche, confit to charcuterie, we'll be building up your foodie vocabulary one charming term at a time.

And for our very first episode of Le Petit Lexique, we start with a cornerstone of French conviviality: the beloved apéro.

Welcome to Fabulously Delicious!

What is an Apéro?

An apéro – short for apéritif – is more than just a drink before dinner. It’s a ritual, a cultural cornerstone, and a celebration of good company. Technically, an apéritif is an alcoholic beverage served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. But in everyday French life, the apéro has taken on a broader meaning. It now refers not only to the drink but also to the entire social occasion: the time before a meal when friends and family gather, sip, snack, and chat. It’s informal, cheerful, and deeply ingrained in the French art of living.

An apéro might involve anything from a simple glass of wine and a bowl of peanuts to a beautifully curated spread of olives, charcuterie, and cheese. It can happen at home, in a café, in the park, or on the beach. Whether it's a spontaneous moment or a planned gathering, the apéro is all about unwinding, connecting, and embracing a slower, more joyful pace of life.

Origins and History of the Apéro

The word apéritif comes from the Latin aperire, meaning "to open." The concept dates back thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, people enjoyed dried fruits and beer before meals. The Greeks held symposions, gatherings dedicated to drinking and discourse. In Rome, the pre-dinner ritual included wine and honey-based beverages like ambrosia to prepare the stomach.

During the Middle Ages, apéritifs were reserved for the upper classes and used primarily for medicinal purposes. Herbal wines and spiced drinks were believed to aid digestion. Fast forward to 1846, French chemist Joseph Dubonnet created a wine-and-quinine drink to combat malaria. His wife began serving it socially, sparking a trend. By the Belle Époque, the apéro had firmly established itself in French café society, and soon, it became a cherished custom across the country.

Main Apéritifs Consumed in France

When it comes to apéritifs in France, there is an impressive variety of regional favorites and national staples. Pastis, the anise-flavoured liqueur especially popular in the south, reigns supreme. In fact, over 65 million liters of aniseed apéritifs like Pastis and Anisette are consumed annually.

Other popular choices include Pineau des Charentes (a fortified wine made with Cognac), sweet vermouths like Martini, Suze (a bitter gentian-based apéritif), and classics like Kir (white wine with Crème de Cassis) and Kir Royale (champagne with Cassis). In summer, you'll spot plenty of Apérol Spritzes and chilled rosés, while more festive occasions may call for Champagne or a French 75. And let’s not forget the local favorites like Lillet in Bordeaux or Gentiane in the Auvergne.

Food Served at Apéro

Snacking is not optional during apéro time – it's essential. The French rarely drink without something to nibble on. At its simplest, an apéro might include a bowl of chips, peanuts, or olives. But hosts often go further, offering charcuterie, cheese, crudités, dips like tapenade or rillettes, and even verrines or tartlets.

Cheese is generally reserved for after the main meal, but you'll occasionally see Camembert, Brie, or Comté making an appearance. More elaborate apéros might feature foie gras on toast, smoked salmon, or savory pastries like gougères. The beauty of the apéro table is in its variety, spontaneity, and regional flair.

When and Where Is Apéro?

Apéro time typically falls between 6 and 9 p.m., but it’s flexible. It can happen before lunch on weekends, after work on a terrace, or anytime someone feels like sharing a moment with friends. In rural France, apéro is as likely to happen in a garden or village square as in someone’s living room.

The key elements are ambiance and togetherness. Whether it’s on a sunny terrace, a living room with a large coffee table, or even at a line-dancing class with snacks in tow, apéro is about marking the end of the workday and the beginning of leisure. It’s as much about the setting as it is about the company.

The Apéro Dînatoire

Sometimes, apéro becomes the meal. Enter the apéro dînatoire – a casual gathering where drinks are served alongside enough food to stand in for dinner. It’s more structured than a snacky apéro, but less formal than a sit-down meal. There might be quiches, savory cakes, salads, crudités, breads, and sweet bites to follow.

An apéro dînatoire can be planned or spontaneous. It’s particularly popular among students, young adults, or for birthday gatherings. Think tapas-style portions served buffet-style, often enjoyed on a terrace or around a low table. It embraces the same conviviality as a traditional apéro but keeps the evening light and unfussy.

Planning a trip to France? Heading to Paris? 🇫🇷 Or maybe you’re one of the lucky ones already living in this incredible city? Whether you're planning your dream foodie adventure or just looking to savor the best Paris has to offer, I’ve got you covered!

After years of living in and indulging my way through the City of Lights, I’m thrilled to share all my delicious discoveries with you, my Fabulously Delicious audience. If you love French food as much as I do, this book was made for you!

Introducing the 2025 Edition of Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City. This isn’t just an update; it’s a celebration of all things food in Paris! Packed with even more handpicked recommendations, the guide now features expanded sections for restaurants, cafes, bars, fromageries, boulangeries, and patisseries. Plus, I’ve added exciting new sections for vegan and vegetarian options, dining with a view, and a revamped and expanded food walking tour to help you explore the city bite by bite.

With over 400 listings, including iconic food streets, gourmet supply stores, wine bars, and more, this guide is the ultimate companion for anyone craving a true taste of Paris. Whether you're hunting down flaky croissants, creamy cheeses, or a perfectly poured café crème, you'll find it all inside.

Grab your copy today at andrewpriorfabulously.com, where you can order signed and gift-packaged editions (perfect for food-loving friends and family!). Or, head to Amazon, where it's available in print and on Kindle for instant foodie inspiration.

Bon appétit and happy exploring, mes amis!

While apéro is uniquely French in its ritual and vocabulary, the concept certainly exists elsewhere. Italy has the aperitivo, where drinks like spritzes are accompanied by snacks in bars and cafes. Spain offers tapas and the more casual tapeo, a way of hopping between bars enjoying small plates and drinks.

In the Middle East, mezze brings together small plates of savory treats with wine or arak. Greece does something similar. Even in Anglo cultures, there's the occasional pre-dinner drink with canapés or happy hour. But what sets the French apéro apart is the way it seamlessly blends food, drink, and connection into a cherished daily ritual.

So, next time you're in France, or just feeling inspired, why not prepare your own apéro? Open a bottle, plate some nibbles, and toast to good company. Santé!

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Fabulously Delicious!

Thanks for listening to this first episode of Le Petit Lexique on Fabulously Delicious. Next month, we’ll dive into another French food term. Until then, bon apétit and vive l’apéro!