Ok, we're leaving for Paris for the umpteenth time, and I have decided this trip that I'm going full French. We usually don't get an aperitif because we're not big drinkers. We usually order our meal and ask for help in choosing our wine.<BR><BR>Well, this time, I'd like to do it "their" way. I know I can order a Kir, but I don't really like that. What are the variety of things we could order?

If they have it, try a vin de noix or a vin de p&ecirc;che. I never used to order ap&eacute;ritifs, or if I did it was a kir also, but these regional vins have changed my habits. No more kirs for me...

Ooh, St. Cirq, that sounds good. Tell, do some people over there just order a glass of wine wine or a glass of champagne to start?

Amy: There's an incredible variety of ap&eacute;ritifs, and by all means try them all. There are things like Lillet, which is an herbal alcoholic drink which is subtle and delicious. There are the various wines I spoke of. And of course you can order champagne by the glass. They will all be listed in the menu - go for it!

Campari (which I know is Italian) is good with soda water for a refreshing drink, especially in warm weather.

Oh la la! I love lillet.

What does Lillet taste like? StCirq described it as herbal. Is there something comparable in US?

Amy: NO, I've never encountered anything like it in the USA. You just have to try it (like the rest of the ap&eacute;ritifs in France - go for it). It's a bit licoricey, but mostly like white wine with an herbal taste, not a harsh herbal taste but a mild one.<BR>Just peruse the menu and pick out some exotic ap&eacute;ritif and order it. I finally got around to doing this after years of traveling in France and discovered that I absolutely LOVED to start my meal with a vin de p&ecirc;che or vin de noix. It's like infusions - the French have a zillion of them, and they are all absolutely delicious.

Amy, you can get Lillet in the US. I've had it at Chez Panisse in Berkeley and at Mixx in Santa Rosa. Haven't tried other places, but it's not unknown here. I would love to buy some!

Beverages & More used to carry Lillet. I haven't been in there for a while, so I don't know if they still do. It's lovely.

Thanks, Barb. Will check out our local BevMo.

Me again. I checked their web site and not only do they have Lillet, but they will send it to you! www.bevmo.com, then type Lillet in the advanced search box. It's $14.99 a bottle.

I just last week had a lovely kir in Paris made with Apricot liqueur (vin blanc avec abricot liqueur), and it is delicious.<BR><BR>I also buy Lillet here in the states Iit's wonderful over ice with a twist), and while the ingredients are different, Lillet blanc reminds me of Dubonnet blanc.<BR><BR>A votre sante!<BR>Denyse

Martini bianco or Cardinal melone<BR><BR>Try them..

Pastis: it has an aniseed (licorice) flavor, similar to greek ouzo, but light green or amber colored. Cheap and refreshing. Try it at least once. Some love it, some can't even stand the smell.<BR>Or Picon au vin blanc. <BR>You do not need to be "a big drinker " to enjoy an ap&eacute;ritif. A good one does exactly what the word means: it "opens", i.e. enhances your appetite.

Here's one: <BR>Pineau de Charentes. It is sweet, served chilled, and makes an interesting aperitif.<BR><BR>If you live in a city with a good liquor store, you can buy a bottle and try it--in New York it goes for $12-$14 per large bottle.

We love Prosecco. A dry Italian sparkling white wine. Similar to champagne, just a little lighter. Bon Appetite

Gin martini on the rocks with olives.<BR><BR>

My drink of choice is a SUZE, a gentian drink tasting like Campari. Suze is not available in the USA.

To start lunch or sinner: un coup de champagne, of course. Gives one time to consider the wine list and get that started, with some decent glasses delivered. Probably at better places, an amusee bouche to nibble on while perusing the menu or board. But certainly champagne to start.