If you ever find yourself in Nice, France, the best part of the cultural immersion is that you go for an apéritif. Apéritifs are French for “aperitif” and it’s the perfect time to relax and enhance your taste before you start eating. This guide will cover where to find apéritifs in Nice and how to do it.

What are aperitifs?

In many European countries a apéritif is a popular aperitif including France. Almost always it is a low alcohol light drink to prepare the guest’s palate for the meal to follow. Initially, it is typically drunk slowly with people and before dinner.

Popular aperitifs in Nice

A large assortment of appetizers to fit your likes can be found in Nice. Amongst the most popular are:

Nice has its own anise-flavored spirit: pastis. Served with ice water, the clear liqueur is usually so milky that it has a milky white colour. It has a fresh pastis flavor, very good for warm summer evenings.

Lillet Blanc: A blend of wines, liqueurs fruits and herbs, Lillet Blanc is a particularly popular apéritif, with just a hint of sweetness. It also goes well with citrus flavours and is a delicious beverage on hot days.

Regional French apéritif Pineau des Charentes is a blend of lightly fermented grape must and Cognac. It has a sweet taste, rich and is often drunk plain or cocktails.

Italian aperitif soda, Chinotto is bitter sweet. The myrtle leaf orange tree fruit is used for making it and the taste is distinctive. It is a very good alternative for those who like a bitter one.

In Nice, where to have an aperitif

If you are in Nice, you can enjoy a nice drinking aperitif at several different places. Here are some recommendations:

1. Promenade des Anglais

A trip to the Promenade des Anglais is an aperitif welcoming kind of walk, with its views across the Mediterranean Sea. The bars and restaurants along the promenade have many where you can sit and enjoy your drink outside of your favourite establishment.

2. Old Nice (Old Town)

The area of Old Nice is a wonderful one, part old narrow streets and colorful buildings. It is also a great spot to match bars and restaurants off the beaten track, which serve amazing aperitifs. Enjoy wandering the street and stopping to have a drink with some local snacks.

3. Roof bars

Many of Nice’s rooftop bars have panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean coastline. These upscale and fashionable places provide a variety of aperitifs in a chic and beautiful setting.

Conclusion

An experience exploration of the world of apéritifs in Nice offers the opportunity to taste local flavours and to embrace the lazy French way of life. Whatever you fancy – a classic Pastis, or an alternative such as Chinotto, you’ll find a place to join in the Nice apéritif scene. By sit back, sip and savor flavors of this beautiful coastal city.