WHEN IT COMES
TO ENTERTAINING
AROUND THE LAKE
during the summer, the dock becomes
a natural extension of the home. It’s a
place where people gather, whether
they’re guests from out of town or
neighbors who pop by on their boat.
The dock has become much more
than a parking space for a boat or a
platform for fishing. It’s an ideal place
to entertain. As such, people like chef
Deborah Johnson are beginning to
“think outside the cooler” when it
comes to serving food and drinks for a
summer soiree.
She says it’s easy to add a French
flair to your entertaining with simple
apéritifs and amuse-bouches.
“Apéritif” is a French word derived
from the Latin verb “aperire,” meaning
“to open.” Therefore, an apéritif is the
drink served before a meal to
stimulate the appetite.
Similarly, amuse-bouches are
single, bite-sized hors d’oeuvres served
before a meal to essentially prepare a
guest for a chef’s style. The term
literally means “mouth amuser.”
These small-bites can be made
ahead and easily served on the dock or
taken along on the boat, no plates or
utensils needed.
The perfect “docktails” are quick
and easy drink mixes that don’t
require a fully-stocked bar to create.
Just bring a few ingredients and plenty
of ice and guests can enjoy refreshing
apéritifs on hot summer days.
Here, Johnson shares some of her
favorite French apéro ideas for
summer.
Recipes
Aperol Spritz
Popular in Italy and the South of France, this simple, yet refreshing, summer
drink has been trending in the U.S. since 2010.
Ingredients:
• 3 ounces prosecco or other sparkling wine such as a Limoux or Crement
• 2 ounces Aperol
• 1 ounce club soda
Instructions:
Add the prosecco, Aperol and club soda to a wine glass filled with ice and stir.
Garnish with an orange slice.
APEROL SPRITZ
SUMMER 2022 | COBB LIFE 15