Lillet Blanc Lavender Spritz
Learn how to make a Lillet Blanc Spritzer
I adore Lillet, it reminds me of overseas travels and quite frankly I think the label is lovely. The sweet lemony flavor appeals to my senses and even during the coldest months makes me feel sunny. This extra light spritzer uses Lillet with a bit of sparkling water to cut the sweetness just a bit and also dilute the alcohol content so that you can enjoy more than one. With this simple cocktail the real star is the garnish. I’ve split a lemon zest down the center with a sharp knife and placed atop it several sprigs of dried lavender stems tied with golden string. It’s beautiful and also a lovely item to take away should you be inclined to do so. It would look fabulous tucked into a lapel!
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What is Lillet?
Lillet has a long history dating back to the lateand is essentially a French aperitif wine, has a history that dates back to the late 19th century. The story begins in the picturesque village of Podensac in the Bordeaux region of France. In 1872, the brothers Paul and Raymond Lillet founded Lillet, originally crafting a blend of Bordeaux wines and fruit liqueurs.
Over the years, the Lillet recipe evolved, incorporating citrus peel, quinine, and other botanicals. The result is a unique aperitif characterized by its golden hue and complex flavor profile, featuring notes of citrus, honey, and a subtle bitterness. Lillet gained international acclaim in the 20th century, becoming a staple ingredient in classic cocktails like the Vesper Martini, but none more celebrated than the Lillet Spritz. You can read more about the rich history of LIllet here.
What is a Lillet Spritzer?
A lillet spritzer is a cocktail that uses Lillet and generally a sparkling ingredient. Some may use a Prosecco or Champagne, or to keep it even lighter use sparkling water. I’ve used sparkling water in this recipe to lighten both the alcohol content, sugars and calories but feel free to experiment. The flavor of Lillet makes it quite compatible with many co ingredients!
What type of alcohol is Lillet and is it similar to Aperol?
Lillet is a type of fortified wine essentially. It is considered an aromatized aperitif which means it’s been blended with citrus liquors and other botanicals. There are many other brands that fall into this category such as the wildly popular Aperol. These do not taste the same but are similar in that they flavored fortified wines.
What foes Lillet Blanc taste like?
Tasting notes for Lillet Blanc include references to honey, lemon, passionfruit. It has a sweet finish with largely citrus notes. The mouth feel is on the heavier side and while it can be consumed ‘neat’ as in all by itself you will want to include at the minimum ice so that the experience softens. To me, it tastes like summer with its sunshine citrusy flavors and lightness. That said it is subtle enough to be included in many more complicated cocktail mixes as it will not overpower due to it’s relative lower alcohol content (similar to wine with it’s alcohol content being around 14%-15% ABV).
What fruit is in Lillet?
Lillet blanc is made from Bordeaux grapes and is blended with oranges. Cinchona bark and other plants and herbs are also incorporated into this fortified wine that dates back to 1872.
Learn how to make a Lillet Blanc Spritzer - Conclusion
The Lillet Spritz not only pays homage to a historical French aperitif but also provides a refreshing and sophisticated beverage option for modern cocktail enthusiasts. Whether you're hosting a soirée or simply unwinding after a long day, the Lillet Spritz offers a delightful way to elevate your cocktail experience. Cheers to crafting and sipping a classic with a twist of history and potential health benefits!
Wihtout further ado, here is the recipe for a lillet aperitif blanc
Lavender Lillet Spritzers
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the Lillet and Spindrift into a fluted glass
- Garnish with the lemon zest cut into a strip with a center cut
- Place the lavender stems atop the glass
