Your summer evening just got a flavor upgrade.
Thereās something magical about that moment before dinnerāthe golden hour glow, the clink of ice in a glass, the sense that youāve paused time just long enough to enjoy it.
Thatās the spirit behind the European aperitivo hourāand we're making it our own. Picture this: a backyard hang, your go-to playlist on low, a fancy mocktail in one hand, and a bowl of bold, buttery popcorn in the other.
Welcome to Opopop + Sips.
Itās your new favorite ritualālaid-back, flavor-packed, and a little bit fancy.
Your Aperitivo Starter Pack
Opopop Flavor Sampler + DIY Sips = instant al fresco magic.
Whether you're keeping it alcohol-free or adding a little something extra, these pairings bring the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and refreshing to your pre-dinner pause.
š„ Fancy Butter + Cucumber-Mint Spritz
A cool, crisp sip that cuts through the richness of buttery popcornātotal balance in a bowl and a glass.
What to Pop:
š¬ Fancy Butter ā A bold, bougie upgrade on your classic butter fix.
What to Sip:
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1/2 cucumber, sliced
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6 mint leaves
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Juice of 1/2 lime
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Sparkling water
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Optional: 1 tsp honey + 1.5 oz gin or cucumber vodka
Instructions:
Muddle cucumber and mint, add lime juice, sweetener, and (if youāre feeling it) alcohol. Shake, pour over ice, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and mint.
š Salty Caramel + Grapefruit-Rosemary Cooler
The tart citrus and herbal notes refresh your palate and keep the sweet-salty combo feeling light and elevated.
What to Pop:
š¬ Salty Caramel ā Addictive in all the right ways: sweet, salty, and a little bold.
What to Sip:
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3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
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1/2 oz lemon juice
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1 tsp maple syrup
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Sparkling water
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Optional: 1.5 oz vodka or tequila blanco
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Fresh rosemary sprig
Instructions:
Shake juice, syrup, and booze if using. Pour over ice, top with bubbles, and garnish with rosemary.
š¶ļø Maui Heat + Pineapple JalapeƱo Soda
Sweet meets spicy on both sidesāthis pairing doubles down on bold flavors while keeping it tropical and playful.
What to Pop:
š„ Maui Heat ā Sweet pineapple meets jalapeƱo heat in a flavor firestorm.
What to Sip:
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3 oz pineapple juice
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1/2 oz lime juice
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2 jalapeƱo slices
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Optional: 1/2 tsp agave + 1.5 oz mezcal or spiced rum
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Sparkling water
Instructions:
Muddle jalapeƱo with lime and agave. Add pineapple juice (and mezcal if youāre vibing), shake, and strain over ice. Top with sparkling water.
ā Cinnalicious + Iced Chai Mocktail
Warming spices and creamy textures make this a cozy, dessert-like combo with a hint of indulgent nostalgia.
What to Pop:
š© Cinnalicious ā Cinnamon roll energy, but make it popcorn.
What to Sip:
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1 chai tea bag
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4 oz oat or almond milk
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1/2 tsp cinnamon
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1/2 tsp vanilla
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1 tsp maple syrup
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Optional: 1 oz dark rum or bourbon
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Ice
Instructions:
Brew chai and cool. Shake it up with milk, spices, sweetener, and booze if you like. Pour over ice and sprinkle cinnamon on top.
Set the Vibe
š The setting: Anywhere with sunlight and a breezeābackyard, balcony, or stoop.
š„ The setup: Big glasses, oversized popcorn bowls, vibey playlists.
š¬ The mood: Chill, chatty, and just a little indulgent.
Because popcorn isnāt just for movie night.
And mocktails donāt have to be boring.
When you combine bold flavor with intentional chill, you get something special. Whether you're winding down solo or having friends over ājust because,ā this is your excuse to pop something, pour something, and pause for a minute.
Ready to create your own aperitivo ritual?
Get the Flavor Sampler