Time for apéritif....

If you're going to France this summer, you will undoubtedly be offered apéritif. Also shortened to apéro, it's a drink (or series of drinks!) taken before a meal. Different ones are found in different regions. In the south of France you will be offered:

• Pastis (an aniseed transparent alcoholic drink which turns opaque when mixed with water) Sometimes it is referred to with the brand name: 51, Ricard, Pernod...
• Muscat (a sweet wine, the colour of amber)
• Panaché (shandy)

For children or if you fancy a non alcoholic beverage:

• Sirop de menthe (mint cordial, very refreshing, bright green)
• Sirop de grenadine (pomegranate cordial, bright red)
• Diabolo (this is made with cordial, usually one of the two above, but lemonade is used instead of water)
• Orangina 

Next week we'll talk about the fancy nibbles you might have with them!

What is your preferred apéritif drink? Leave a comment to tell us!

To revise very important vocabulary such as this, join one of our regular French courses in Bristol and Bath! :)