Aperitif: Cocktail Hour the French Way, by Rebekah Peppler

An American writer and food stylist living in Paris, Rebekah Peppler celebrates the time-honored French ritual of the apéritif, a convivial moment at the end of the day when friends gather to unwind, connect, share a drink and a few nibbles. True to tradition, her cocktail recipes use lighter, low-alcohol spirits, fortified wines, bitter liqueurs, and feature both classic and contemporary drinks, always low fuss and served with little embellishment. As well as cocktails, Aperitif also offers recipes for equally simple and delicious bites and hors d’oeuvres, all designed to transform an early evening drink into something enchanting.