Happy hour is known for its hard-hitting intellectual topics, and who are we to stray? This summer we’ve been collecting input on the best happy hour / apero snack. Some people put out full spreads (think lots of cheese and crackers, all manner of dips and things to shovel it into your mouth with) — but by the time I’m done with that kind of happy hour, no way am I hungry enough for dinner. In Italy, you almost always get potato chips — perfectly light and salty, and don’t fill you up — unless you’re at an official apero which is also basically dinner as far as I’m concerned.

So what’s the ideal cocktail companion? We’ve determine the key elements: something light that won’t fill you up, something salty to contrast your drink, and something you don’t need utensils for. Added bonus if you don’t shovel it in your mouth too easily or quickly, giving you an activity like shelling nuts.

Current winners are:

• potato chips
• pistachios (in shell)
• salted almonds
• Castelvetrano olives

In that order. Comment below with your vote or another addition!

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