SOURCE: French Cocktail Hour

May 02, 2008 16:15 ET

The Return of the Apéritif!

Kick Back After Work and Partake in a Fun French Tradition

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - May 2, 2008) - The first Thursday in June has become a celebration of the apéritif, also known as "French Cocktail Hour" Day. This year on June 5th, the love for all things gastronomically French will be celebrated in 24 countries and 38 different cities worldwide, making the occasion a one-of-a-kind global fete. In the US, the "French Cocktail Hour" Day tour will kick off in New York City with a chic cocktail party taking place at the Penthouse at Spotlight Live in the heart of Times Square, after which the tasty celebrations will move to Washington, DC's top "club du jour" The Park at Fourteenth the following day.

To put sparkle into the stateside celebrations, the 2008 on-premise promotion of French Cocktail Hour stars Georges Duboeuf wines, the best-selling French wine brand in the US, and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, owners of chic boutique habitats. Kimpton Hotels have a reputation for creating fun, social atmospheres at all their hotels, making them a natural partner for French Cocktail Hour. Wines from Georges Duboeuf will be poured the month of June during the "Wines of the World" program in 37 Kimpton hotels around the country. Leslie Sbrocco, famed wine author and wine consultant for Kimpton Hotels, says, "I'm thrilled to be a part of the celebration of French Cocktail Hour. Kimpton Hotels' 'Wines of the World' program and Georges Duboeuf wines capture the essence of French Cocktail Hour as it's a time to share a glass with guests to invite relaxation and conversation, just like the French apéritif."

VIP press and trade can grab a sneak preview of the "French Cocktail Hour" Day celebrations by joining festivities in Chicago (May 6th), New York (May 8th) and in San Francisco (May 12th). Hosted by Leslie herself, guests will be able to savor a choice of French wines along with a selection of appetite whetting craft cocktails created by Jacques Bezuidenhout, Kimpton's expert mixologist -- including the first ever Beaujolais Villages cocktail. Of course, these apéritif occasions wouldn't be complete without nibbles and mouth-watering hors d'oeuvres. A wide array of French products will be available from such sponsors as: The Cheeses of France, Perrier, Evian, St. Dalfour Gourmet Foods, Fabrique Délices, Barnier, Michel Cluizel, Bridor and St. Germain.

The French tradition for apéritif typically takes place in the early evening before people enjoy their dinner. It is chance to gather friends, slip out of work mode, and sip on satiating libations, while tasting delectable snacks. Eschewing high-alcohol cocktails, a typical apéritif is light and vibrant -- think champagne -- or a traditional herbal elixir such as pastis or vermouth, all beverages that are perfect for stimulating the appetite.

For more information logon to www.FrenchCocktailHourUSA.com and be sure to join the party and raise a toast to the French apéritif!