If there is one moment of the day that characterizes the French art of living, it is the aperitif ! Although the health crisis and the multiple restrictions that accompanied it have made the exercise more difficult, consumers have not given up on this moment of conviviality and sharing.

More than a tradition, the aperitif is a habit

Well anchored in the lives of French people, the aperitif is a real habit which has a defined place in their daily life. Thus, 3 out of 4 French people say they have an aperitif at least once a month and no less than half of the country says they share this moment at least once a week. Even if the 25-34 year old group seems to be the biggest fan, the aperitif is consumed at all ages. The aperitif is mainly taken with family or friends, but it is also consumed with colleagues or alone.

And as an aperitif, what do we drink ?

Unsurprisingly, the two most consumed drinks as an aperitif are wine and beer, closely followed by spirits and sodas. Cocktails are also very popular with consumers, alcoholic or not !

The boom in non-alcoholic cocktails

More than just a seasonal trend during events like Dry January or the new Sober October, the consumption of non-alcoholic drinks, and especially non-alcoholic cocktails, is a real underlying trend. French people want to reduce their alcohol consumption, but they do not want to drink a simple fruit juice or soda as a replacement. As a result, nearly 3 out of 4 French people say they occasionally consume non-alcoholic cocktails, and the majority of them express the desire to drink more of this type of drink. Bars, which account for around half of the aperitifs consumed, are also observing this societal phenomenon : alcohol consumption in establishments is decreasing.

Reducing alcohol consumption as an aperitif has many advantages. Alcohol is very high in calories and has harmful effects on the health of those who ingest it. Non-alcoholic alternatives are therefore healthier and also help to change mentalities and reduce the social pressure linked to ordering a non-alcoholic drink.