Summary
- Why are aperitifs and appetizers so popular?
- Cocktails
- Appetizers and Finger Food
- How much is enough?
- Serving suggestions

Cocktail parties and Happy Hour aperitives wouldn't be the same without appetizers: small delicacies easy to eat, that please your taste and attract your eyes: who can resist such a temptation?

Why are aperitifs and appetizers so popular?

Pre-dinner time is the time of relaxing, after a whole day of work: and what's better than ending the day with some friends, chatting and sharing ideas: wether at a sophisticated and lively bar in the city centre, or in a house filled with old and new friends, Appetizer parties are a great way to entertain a group, an informal occasion where everyone gets in an easy and relaxed mood. If you're planning to organize an aperitif-cocktail party, find out more about the appropriate cocktails, the right appetizers and the the way to serve both!

Every cocktail with a delicate taste can be served as an aperitif: avoid concoctions that have an heavy flavour or are too alcoholic. Here are some kind of cocktails that are suitable for pre-dinner cocktails.

- Wine and Champagnes
white wine and champagne can be served alone, as a classic aperitif. Be sure to choose a light kind of wine (like a french Sauvignon, or an italian sparkling wine, or even a dry, lightly fruity champagne. These are the kind of beverage that would enhance any kind of appetizers. Champagne can also be used in cocktails: think for examples at a simple Champagne Cocktail or a classical Bellini or Rossini or even the Kir Royale ;

- Classy and classical cocktails
Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without mentioning one of the best known cocktails in the world, often served as an aperitifs, the Martini and some of the variations inspired to this famous drink, like the trendy Cosmopolitan, or the Crantini, the original Lavender, Violet and Rose Petals Martinis;

- Fruit Cocktails
It's definitely the best choice for this kind of parties, especially in Springtime and Summer; fruit and fruit juices offer a wide range of flavours that can easily be mixed with the main liqueurs, for example Vodka: it takes just vodka and some fruit juice to have a great-tasting cocktail! Moreover fruit have very bright colour, providing inspiration for any kind of decorations; some very good choices could be a Frozen Bikini or a Strawberry Daiquiri or Caipiroska. You can also choose cocktails based on fruit liqueurs like Traffic (Midori) or Supicion (Absolut Vodka).


- Alcohol Free cocktails
Be sure to provide a variety of nonalcoholic options for nondrinkers and designated drivers: it doesn't mean they'll only have to drink juices, sparkling waters, and soft drinks, but prepare instead some tasty alcohol free cocktails, here's just a few: Orange Fighter, Ibiza, Jamaica Forever, Lady's Kiss, Magic Moment, Melon Berry, Pear or not to pear;


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