Apéro Hour

Temperatures are rising, the sun is shining stronger. There’s no denying that the arrival of spring is sweeter than usual this year. As more of us get vaccinated and it’s safer to gather again, we can begin to crawl out of hibernation and ease back into social life.

I’ve always felt that appetizers are the most pleasing part of a meal, that the first cocktail hits best, and that carefully constructed cheese plates steal every show. So, I absolutely love a good apéro hour.

Apéro in France or aperitivo in Italy is the time of the day before dinner when you sip on aperitifs—low ABV spirits such as vermouth with a dash of soda or a Cappelletti spritz—and snack on salty bites like charcuterie or olives. L’apéro is not about getting drunk, per se, but about transitioning out of the day and into the night, sitting back with friends, and unwinding over nice things to eat and drink.

Hosting an apéro hour is the perfect way to socialize carefully as immunity rises throughout spring and into the summer. I know I’ll be inviting friends over to my balcony, but if you don’t have an outdoor space of your own, you could plan a weekly gathering in the park. Whatever you decide, here are some selections that’ll help to make it special.