I love snacks, appetizers and any excuse to get the party started earlier, so of course I am a fan of the Aperitif. An apéritif is an alcoholic beverage usually served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, and is usually dry rather than sweet. The French word apéritif comes from the Latin verb aperire which means ‘to open’. This name appears quite on the nose considering the drink serves as both an opening to a meal and as a way to open your stomach and stimulate your appetite.

I generally enjoy partaking in a glass of champagne, prosecco or dry sherry as my way to prime my tummy for a festive meal. But there are so many options of delightful beverages that can be enjoyed as an apéritif. According to my sources, an apéritif MAY be served with an hors d’oeuvre, such as crackers, cheese, pâté, quiche or olives, but I say that the addition of tasty snacks is a definite MUST! Much better for sourcing crumbs later.

Therefore, I invite you, my friends, to join me in the only way I know how to officially open the start of the Christmas season. Let’s enjoy a refreshing and light cocktail before we feast on copious delicacies in the weeks ahead.

Enjoy a Pomegranate Spritz my friends!

Some other fine aperitif options
Campari Soda
Aperol Spritz
Dry Sherry
Champagne
Prosecco

Do not let these delightful drinks be lonely. Accompany your apéritif with one of the following decadent bites.

Hors D’oeuvres
Cheesy Biscuits
Crab Filled Cucumber Cups
Aleppo Honey Feta Toasts
Herb Cheese Filled Endive Leaves