Organizing a friendly evening around an aperitif shouldn’t be synonymous with stress and complications. Discover our easy tips and recipes to prepare a successful and quick-to-make aperitif.
Plan ahead and choose simple recipes
One of the keys to a stress-free appetizer is to plan in advance what you are going to offer your guests. Favor simple recipes requiring few ingredients and preparation time.
Easy Recipe Ideas:
- Homemade spreads: guacamole, hummus, tapenade…
- Mini-quiches or savory tartlets with vegetables, goat cheese or salmon
- Skewers of vegetables, fruits or cold cuts
- Crudité Dips (carrots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes) served with yogurt, pesto or anchovy sauces
Always have frozen products on hand
The frozen products are your allies for quickly preparing an aperitif. Opt for puffed pastries, shrimp fritters, or even samosas that can be reheated in a few minutes in the oven. Thus, you can improvise an aperitif in a minimal amount of time and without effort.
Tips for making frozen foods more appetizing:
- Customize them with spices, aromatic herbs or seeds (sesame, poppy…)
- Serve them with a homemade sauce to accompany (spicy mayonnaise, sweet and sour sauce…)
Bet on homemade and fresh products
The homemade is always appreciated at an aperitif. If you’re short on time, opt for simple recipes like vegetable verrines, small original sandwiches or fish rillettes.
Quick and Fresh Recipe Ideas:
- Verrines made with avocado, smoked salmon, and fresh cheese
- Original small sandwiches : Swedish bread, Viennese baguette, surprise breads…
- Fish rillettes: tuna, sardine or mackerel mixed with fresh cheese, spring onions, capers and aromatic herbs
Choose drinks suitable for aperitifs
A successful aperitif also depends on the choice of drinks. Opt for light wines, flavored beers or even simple cocktails to prepare. Don’t forget to also offer non-alcoholic beverages for people who do not drink or who are driving.
Easy cocktail ideas:
- Spritz : Prosecco, Aperol and sparkling water
- Mojito : rum, mint, lime, cane sugar, and sparkling water
- Punch : fruit juice, grenadine syrup, rum, and fresh fruit
- Virgin cocktails : mocktails non-alcoholic, made from fruit juices, syrups, spices and aromatic herbs
Decorate your table with taste and simplicity
The decoration of the table is important for creating a friendly atmosphere during the aperitif. Opt for a simple and elegant decoration, in line with the theme of your evening (colors, patterns, nature…). Arrange a few candles, flowers or luminous garlands to bring a warm touch to your table.
Tips for a beautiful presentation of your dishes:
- Use serving boards made of wood, slate or marble to present your charcuterie, cheeses and spreads
- Highlight your verrines and cocktails in transparent and original glasses
- Arrange the skewers on a suitable stand for an elegant presentation
Discover table decoration ideas on Amazon:
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By following these tips and recipe ideas, you can prepare an easy and quick aperitif without stress. Your guests will appreciate your organization and your culinary choices, thus guaranteeing a successful and friendly evening.