Spring Apéritif: France-Inspired Cocktails & Bites
The sun is staying out longer!
Flowers are blooming, Keukenhof is finally open! And the Zandvoort beach is getting more and more populated.
And as we all start spending more time outside soaking all the sun, it’s time to revive our beloved aperitif traditions! As we welcome spring, it’s the perfect moment to gather friends, get in a boat, sip on something refreshing, and enjoy gourmet nibbles.
If you’re in the Netherlands and looking for a little French inspiration, these easy-to-make cocktails and snacks will transport you straight to a Parisian terrace or a Provençal garden—all using products you can find at Terre à Table and in your local Gall&Gall, AH or Vomar. Santé!
Lavender Spritz
A floral and citrusy twist on the classic spritz, inspired by the sunny south of France.
For French Negroni you’ll need:
30ml dry white vermouth (Noilly Prat)
30ml gentian liqueur (like Suze, available in Gall&Gall and some specialty stores)
30ml Campari
1 tsp lemon vinegar condiment
Ice cubes
A twist of lemon peel for garnish
How to make it:
Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the vermouth, gentian liqueur, Campari, and lemon vinegar condiment. Stir well and strain into a short glass filled with ice. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel. Sip slowly and enjoy the herbal complexity with a zesty twist.
Blue Riviera Fizz
A stunning, Mediterranean-hued cocktail with a delicate honeyed sweetness and citrusy freshness.
Apéro Snack Ideas
A good drink needs great nibbles! Here are a few easy French-inspired snacks to serve alongside your cocktails:
Boursin Cheese with Confit d’Onion from Saveurs A – A creamy, garlicky Boursin meets the sweet, caramelised depth of onion confit (We have wonderful onion confits in 3 variation hailing straight from Provence). Brown the cheese in an oven or serve fresh. Perfect on a fresh baguette or crispy crackers, this pairing balances rich and tangy flavours beautifully.
Vegetable Tapenades as a Sandwich Bite Base – Elevate your sandwiches and bite-sized treats with the rich flavours of Provence harvest by replacing mayo, mustard or butter with vegetable tapenades from Toupine et Cabesselle. Spread the savoury Provençal olive, aubergine or asparagus tapenade on crispy crackers or fresh baguette slices, then add your favorite toppings, proteins and herbs for a refreshing flavourful bite.
Ferrigno Lemon Sardines on sourdough bread – These sardines are a true masterpiece, requiring nothing more than the crunch of a hearty, rustic sourdough loaf. The lemony zest and delicate fish shine through in this uncomplicated yet exquisite pairing.
Mediteranean Almonds from L’Oustau de Camille from Provence – No need to toast, these babies are already toasted and sprinkled with delicious flavours such as chili, sea salt or citronella.
Ready to elevate your aperitif game?
Check out our selection of authentic French products, all handpicked to bring a little bit of France to your home in the Netherlands. 🍸🇫🇷
For the Lavender Spritz you’ll need:
60ml dry white vermouth (Noilly Prat or another vermouth from your local shop)
90ml sparkling water
90ml Prosecco
1 tsp lavender syrup (Try Organic Lavender syrup from “Bacanha”)
Ice cubes
A slice of orange and a sprig of fresh lavender for garnish
How to make it:
Fill a large wine glass with ice, pour in the vermouth, then add the sparkling water and Prosecco. Stir gently and drizzle in the lavender syrup. Garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of lavender. Close your eyes, take a sip, and pretend you’re in Provence.
French Negroni
A Gallic take on the beloved bitter cocktail, swapping out gin for an aromatic French twist.
For Blue Riviera Fizz you’ll need:
30ml gin (or non-alcoholic botanical spirit)
15ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp Blue Spirulina Honey Soufflé from Panacea
60ml tonic water
Ice cubes
Lemon zest for garnish
How to make it:
In a shaker, mix the gin, lemon juice, and Blue Spirulina Honey Soufflé until well combined. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice and top with tonic water. Garnish with a twist of lemon zest. The color alone will make this a conversation starter!
