Lillet Blanc
With Lillet Blanc you can make
Vesper
French Blonde
Calypso
Vesper Dry Martini
Smoked Pear
Blanco Diablo
20th Century
Summer Negroni
Corpse Reviver #2
White Negroni
We've got 15 cocktails that can be made with Lillet Blanc.
Find out what to make with Lillet Blanc
Q&A
What is the history behind Lillet Blanc?
Lillet Blanc's origins trace back to 1872, when it was first produced by Paul and Raymond Lillet in Podensac, France. Created in the Bordeaux region, it combines a blend of local wines and macerated citrus liqueurs derived from oranges and lemons. Originally marketed as a tonic wine, it gained popularity over the years as a versatile aperitif and cocktail ingredient. Its unique recipe, featuring a combination of white wines and citrus, has remained a closely guarded secret, making Lillet Blanc a distinguished and enduring component of the mixology world.
How does Lillet Blanc differ from traditional vermouth?
Lillet Blanc and traditional vermouth share some similarities, as both are wine-based aperitifs infused with botanicals. However, Lillet Blanc is distinct in its use of Bordeaux wines and macerated citrus liqueurs, which provide a brighter and more citrus-forward profile compared to vermouth. Additionally, Lillet includes a hint of quinine, giving it a subtle bitterness not commonly found in vermouth. While vermouth can be either sweet or dry, Lillet Blanc sits in a unique position with its crisp, floral, and slightly sweet flavor that is less herbaceous than many vermouths.
What is the best way to serve Lillet Blanc?
Lillet Blanc is best enjoyed chilled or over ice to highlight its refreshing qualities. It pairs beautifully with a thin slice of orange or lemon, which enhances its citrus notes. For a simple yet elegant aperitif, serving Lillet Blanc on the rocks with a citrus garnish is an excellent choice. Additionally, it's a versatile cocktail ingredient, perfect for light and sophisticated drinks, such as the Vesper Martini or Lillet Spritz, where it's mixed with sparkling water and garnished with fresh fruit.
Can Lillet Blanc be used in shaken or stirred cocktails?
Lillet Blanc is incredibly versatile in mixology and can be used effectively in both shaken and stirred cocktails. In shaken drinks, such as the Corpse Reviver #2, it contributes a lively, bright character to the beverage, blending well with the other ingredients. For stirred cocktails, like the Vesper Martini, it adds depth and complexity, providing a smooth, well-balanced drink. The choice between shaking or stirring usually depends on the desired texture and clarity of the final cocktail.
What are good substitutes for Lillet Blanc if I can't find it?
If Lillet Blanc is unavailable, suitable substitutes include dry vermouth, Cocchi Americano, or a good quality white wine aperitif that has a similar balance of sweetness and bitterness. Cocchi Americano is particularly close in flavor profile, as it also contains notes of citrus and a hint of quinine, making it an excellent alternative. While these substitutes can mimic the taste and feel of Lillet Blanc in cocktails, they each bring their own unique characteristics, so slight adjustments to recipes might be necessary to achieve the desired flavor balance.
Ingredients like Lillet Blanc
Other Fruit Wines
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