Have Drinks with Ina (Kind Of)

Her go-to sips and bites revealed.

Ina Garten with Vanilla Shortbread Hearts

Ina Garten with Vanilla Shortbread Hearts

Imagine stepping into Ina’s Hampton’s home, a few choice noshes are set out in the kitchen and there’s Ina, in her blue chambray shirt, welcoming you in with her favorite cocktail. You two chat, snack and sip the afternoon away. Here’s what we imagine you would have.


On the table will be a simple spread of small bites. In an Instagram video, she reveals her go-to snacks for cocktails with friends, ”Once in a while, I make something simple to serve with drinks, like figs wrapped in prosciutto,” she writes, “but mostly, I like to find delicious little appetizers that need no cooking at all. “The last thing I want to do is spend a lot of time making fussy hors d'oeuvres,” Ina says. Instead, she buys three easy bites and serves them in silver bowls: good quality potato chips, salted cashews and heirloom cherry tomatoes. In this case, store bought is truly fine. Though, Ina suggests tossing a little extra sea salt onto the cashews “a little sea salt makes everything taste better.”


If you’re lucky, Ina will have some fresh tomatoes on hand. Try to stop your mouth watering at the sight of Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta. Ina says this is the perfect summer appetizer, “crisp toasts slathered with creamy, lemony whipped feta and topped with sweet ripe summer tomatoes & basil. I wish tomato season would never end!!” Us too, Ina, us too.


Next to the gorgeous silver bowls are vibrant fizzy cocktails with a slice of orange peeking out. Oh, my what are these, you’ll ask. Ina will smile wistfully, and say, “I love to drink Campari and soda with a splash of orange juice. A few years ago, I discovered Aperol, which is a similar Italian aperitif, and I started making Aperol Spritzers. They’re so easy - Aperol, Prosecco, sparkling water, and a slice of orange. The drinks look like an Italian sunset and you’ll feel as though you’ve instantly been transported to Rome.” Sigh.


Linger over drinks and bites, if you're lucky, you might catch something delectable coming out of the oven. Stick around for this Fig and Ricotta cake! Finally, don’t forget to thank Ina by sending her a bouquet. If you play your cards right, you might one day be invited to dinner.

Next Up

Ina’s Favorite Flavor of All Time: The Good Vanilla

And why you really don’t want to know what the imitation stuff is made of.