Apéritif - by Rebekah Peppler (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

For the French, the fleeting interlude between a long workday and the evening meal to come is not meant to be hectic or crazed. Instead, that time is a much needed chance to pause, take a breath, and reset with light drinks and snacks. Whether it's a quick affair before dashing out the door to your favorite Parisian bistro or a lead-up to a more lavish party, Apéritif is about kicking off the night, rousing the appetite, and doing so with the carefree spirit of connection and conviviality. Apéritif celebrates that easygoing lifestyle with simple yet stylish recipes for both classic and modern French apéritif-style cocktails, along with French-inspired bites and hors d'oeuvres.

Keeping true to the apéritif tradition, you'll find cocktail recipes that use lighter, low-alcohol spirits, fortified wines, and bitter liqueurs. The impressive drinks have influences from both Old World and New, but are always low fuss and served barely embellished--an easy feat to pull off for the relaxed host at home.

Apéritif also offers recipes for equally breezy bites, such as Radishes with Poppy Butter, Gougères, Ratatouille Dip, and Buckwheat-Sel Gris Crackers. For evenings that are all about ease and approachability without sacrificing style or flavor, Apéritif makes drinking and entertaining at home as effortless, fun, and effervescent as the offerings themselves

Praise for Apéritif

"With a dram of humor, Ms. Peppler provides a primer with the history and uses of various apéritifs."--The New York Times, "19 Best Cookbooks of Fall 2018"

"With witty and honest prose and stunning photography, this book is one to keep out on the coffee table (or bar cart)."--Food & Wine, "Best Cocktail Books of Fall 2018"

"Step aside, Italian aperitivo. This book moves over into the equally stylish and luxurious territory of the French cocktail hour, providing recipes for classic and contemporary before-dinner French cocktails, along with light bites."--Epicurious

Review Quotes

The 19 Best Cookbooks of Fall 2018 --New York Times

Best Cocktail Books of Fall 2018 --Food & Wine

All the Best Cookbooks to Gift in 2018 --Food Network

Praise for Apéritif

"With witty and honest prose and stunning photography, this book is one to keep out on the coffee table (or bar cart)."
--Food & Wine

"Step aside, Italian aperitivo. This book moves over into the equally stylish and luxurious territory of the French cocktail hour, providing recipes for classic and contemporary before-dinner French cocktails, along with light bites."
--Epicurious

"Rebekah Peppler's charming book captures the joy of the French apéritif hour. Stylish and sophisticated, Apéritif just makes you want to gather with friends for drinks and snacks."
--Mimi Thorisson, author of French Country Cooking

"Being French, some of my warmest memories and most interesting conversations have taken place at apéro time, that magical moment of the day when friends unwind and connect. Now, Rebekah's gorgeous book gives you everything you need to create your own."
--Clotilde Dusoulier, author of Tasting Paris: 100 Recipes to Eat Like a Local

"J'adore Rebekah Peppler's beautiful book Apéritif! As someone who pines for France regularly, this book makes you feel as though you're not that far away. Peppler's fun, conversational voice shines through and encourages readers to recreate their own l'apéro hour at home and gives you the tools to do just that. Beautiful images are showcased alongside witty stories and approachable recipes. I'll be cooking and drinking from this book often. Santé!"
--Colu Henry, author of Back Pocket Pasta

"Both a practical, well-researched guide and a cultural zoom on one of the most beloved French traditions, Apéritif is a must-have reference for anyone who likes to gather, nibble, and drink with friends."
--Lindsey Tramuta, author of The New Paris: the People, Places & Ideas Fueling a Movement

"Rebekah Peppler's Apéritif is as effervescent as it is instructive. If you are new to the beautifully civilized ritual it honors and illuminates, you're in for an enduring treat. If you're already a devotee, this book will galvanize your commitment and expand your recipe repertoire."
--Rosie Schaap, author of Drinking With Men

"Apéritif is a beautiful celebration of apéritif culture--a culture where friendship is at the very center of everyday life. Peppler's collection of recipes are refined and elegant yet easy to whip up for a lovely solo refresher with a newspaper or an al fresco dinner with company."
--Natasha David, co-owner of Nitecap in New York City

"Just like its recipes, Apéritif is bright and refreshing, piquing the palate with its stylish modern take on a French tradition. It's the A.P.C. of l'apéro!"
--Christine Muhlke, Bon Appétit

"In Apéritif, Brooklyn cool-girl turned Parisian Bon Vivant, Rebekah Peppler, showers us in a collection of simple yet delightful wonders. The bewitching excitement of l'heure de l'apéro is perfectly captured in this stylish and much needed book on the forgotten art of before-dinner drinks. Apéritif is so marvelous, you won't want dinner to ever begin!"
--Victoria James, sommelier and author of Drink Pink, A Celebration of Rosé

About the Author