In my opinion the aperitif is one of the best French inventions, after the guillotine that is.
Especially on a summer’s day, after a battle of wills with sand covered children, or day spent cleaning a house only to have the world and his mate march through to the kitchen to raid the biscuit cupboard, in muddy shoes to boot.
There is nothing more refreshing for body, but especially soul, than to get together with a couple of like-minded friends, let the kids run riot for a while (let’s face it they have been all day anyway), and have a drink and a chat.
No need to dress up, or find the energy to drag yourself out of the house after dinner. You don’t need to organize childcare or a taxi home afterwards (although for some I won’t mention that could be a good idea!).
No feeling bad about leaving Husband home alone again, in fact he’ll probably spot you in my garden as he drives past, and pop in, before coming back with the pizzas.
And that's just weekdays, at the weekend you can have an apéro before both lunch AND dinner.
As for what to have, pastis maybe the tipple of choice down South but anything that rocks your boati is good to go. Wine, whisky, a G &T, even mineral water if you must. Whatever it takes to wash down a handful of olives and cashew nuts, or chorizo and crisps, or humous and dips.
So, whenever, whatever it is, let’s raise our glasses to the best of habits – “The Apéro”