Lillet Blanc is an aperitif that has enjoyed a revival since James Bond ordered a Vesper Martini in the movie Casino Royale. Originally, the Vesper was made with another very similar aperitif, Kina Lillet, which is no longer being produced.
Lillet is a French aperitif that dates back to 1872 in Podensac in Bordeaux, crafted from a blend of 85% wine and 15% liqueur with quinine and orange peel. Three varieties are produced, Lillet Blanc, Lillet Rosé and Lillet Rouge, each using a different grape varieties as a base. The wine blend is then aged for one year in oak casks.
Lillet Blanc (17% ABV) is made from a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc and has many uses in cocktails and mixed drinks aside from a vermouth substitute in Martinis. One of the simplest ways to enjoy Lillet Blanc in summer is chilled, with ice and a slice of orange or in this Lillet Vive cocktail recipe with a splash of tonic water and summer berries.
Lillet Vive Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 50 ml Lillet Blanc
- 100 ml tonic water
Glassware: wine glass
Garnish: blueberries, raspberries, sprig of mint
Method
Build the drink in a wine glass with ice and garnish with fresh berries and a spring of mint.
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