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How to Host the Best Aperitif of the Summer

Having friends over for a festive aperitif at the end of the day and a meal on the terrace is a real summer treat. To ensure the success of your evening, here are 5 tips and 15 ideas for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails that will hit all the right spots and satisfy everyone’s taste.

1. Choose the Easy Way

During the summer, you really don’t want any headaches, especially when you’re entertaining. This is why you should aim for recipes that can be ready in 30 minutes or less. Dips are a quick and easy choice; plus, they often have a short list of ingredients. Simplicity is key!

What to Drink?

In terms of cocktails, quick and simple are best, too! This spritz recipe is served with olives, martini-style, and is ready in just 5 minutes. Every sip brings you in spirit to a beach on the Mediterranean. Ah! Dream vacation!

2. Prioritize Seasonal Vegetables

Our veggie patches are overflowing with good vegetables that just want to be eaten. Think first of tomatoes, so delicious when topping bruschetta, as well as zucchini and cucumbers. Add some herbs to bring a touch of freshness to dips and canapés.

What to Drink?

Keep with the theme and serve a refreshing vodka drink that spotlights a local, seasonal fruit: strawberry, crushed with tarragon.

3. Make the Most of Your Barbecue

Grilled dishes are often on the menu when you’re entertaining in the summer, so use your barbecue to your advantage instead of your oven for cooked hors d’oeuvres. Pro tip? Make sure that there’s enough propane in the tank so you don’t run out in the middle of the evening.

What to Drink?

Served ice-cold with ice cubes, this punch recipe is ready in just 10 minutes. Mix white wine, white grape juice and vodka for a drink that will win over all your guests.

4. Think of Your Freezer

To make sure you’re in the mood to party and to enjoy the presence of your guests during the evening, plan ahead by choosing recipes that can be frozen and require minimum effort on the big day.

What to Drink?

The secret to a tasty and fruity sangria? Leave the fruit—peaches in this case—to macerate for several hours in the boozy mixture, which includes Cointreau, vodka and white cranberry juice. A refreshing summer afternoon delight.

5. Count on Skewers

Meat or vegetarian, hot or cold, with grilled veggies or colourful fruit, skewers are a classic of summer aperitifs. Not only are they quick to make, but you can also assemble them the day before, depending on the recipe. In mini format, they’re ideal to eat with one hand when the other is busy holding a glass of wine (or beer)!

What to Drink?

Beer or cocktail? Why not both! Serve a shandy, a beverage that mixes beer with lemonade. In this recipe, stretch the drink with a little sparkling water and you’re done! Cheers!

For other hors d’oeuvre and cocktail ideas, check out this article: