For a taste of history, Lillet has created a number of recipes utilizing the fortified wine that are both inventive, refreshing and great for the change in seasons.
Suave Sophisticate
When it comes to Lillet and pop-culture, there was no bigger supporter than old 007 himself. The Vesper, the original Bond martini, made its first appearance in Ian Flaming’s first Bond novel, Casino Royale, later finding screen time in two film adaptations (1967 with David Niven playing Double-O, and in 2006 with Daniel Craig pulling top-billing) of the same name.
A relatively heavy-handed cocktail, the Vesper is not for the faint of heart. But it does have a level of the suave sophisticate that makes it a must for the home bar repertoire. Here, we’re offering the cocktail served in the latest rendition of Casino Royale, as ordered by Craig’s 007.
The Vesper
- 3 measures of Gordon’s Gin (3 oz.)
- 1 measure of vodka (1 oz.)
- 1/2 measure of Lillet Blanc (½ oz.)
Method, as quoted from film: “Three measures of Gordon’s; one of vodka; half a measure of Kina Lillet.* Shake it over ice, and then add a thin slice of lemon peel.”
* Kina Lillet was reformulated and rebranded Lillet Blanc in 1986.
Hair of the Dog
Consistently hailed as the best of the Corpse Reviver stable of drinks, the Corpse Reviver #2’s first written mention was in Harry Craddock’s 1930 tome to sips, The Savoy Cocktail Book. A true “hair of the dog” libation, Craddock wrote of the cocktail: “To be taken before 11 a.m., or whenever steam and energy are needed.” However, these sips can pack considerable punch, again, as per Craddock: “Four of these taken in swift succession will quickly unrevive the corpse again,” Enough said; enjoy!
Corpse Reviver No. 2
- 3/4 oz. gin
- 3/4 oz. Cointreau
- 3/4 oz. Lillet Blanc
- 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
- Dash absinthe
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice; shake thoroughly and strain into a chilled Champagne coupe.
Optional: Garnish with a lemon twist.
Related Content
For a look into Lillet’s illustrious and tasty history, click here >>
Party Time
As a fortified wine, Lillet has made its way into an array of cocktails but none seem as suitable as sangria. The simple punch-style recipe is always a fan favorite, glamming-up just about any soiree, while adding a little complexity to the cocktail offerings.
Lillet Sangria
Makes 6 Servings
- 2 cups Lillet Rouge
- 1 ½ oz. Crème de Framboise
- ½ cup fresh pink grapefruit juice
- ½ cup lemonade
Method:
Mix all ingredients together in a punch bowl. Add berries and lemon slices. Serve in tall glass filled with ice, including berries.
For a trio of cocktails using Lillet’s stable of three heavy hitters—Blanc, Rougeand Rose—head to page two.
This trio of cocktails—Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité (freedom, equality and brotherhood)—not only represents a collection of great cocktails, but also the national tripartite motto of France, sentiments all freedom-loving people of Earth can get behind. Viva la Lillet!
Liberté – Lillet Blanc
An ode to liberty, the Liberté cocktail takes understated fruit tea and splashes it with the sweet, floral flavor of Lillet Blanc, for a refreshing libation ideal for warm afternoons. Enjoy.
- 2 parts Lillet Blanc
- 1 part cooled fruit tea blend of your choice (peach, raspberry or orange)
- 1/2 part honey syrup*
- 2 parts soda water
- Large wedge of fresh lemon
- Small mint spring
In a Collins glass, add Lillet Blanc, tea and honey syrup. Top with ice and soda water, garnish with lemon wedge and mint sprig.
Égalité – Lillet Rosé
For those who can’t get enough of Florida citrus, more specifically, grapefruit, then Lillet Rosé is the bottle for you. Sweet with notes of pink grapefruit, Lillet Rosé is best – at least for me – when cut with something a little dry or sour, which is why I’m digging the Égalité. The equality portion of the tripartite, this cocktail calls on a dose of citrus to counter the sweetness for a nice, equal balance.
- 2 parts Lillet Rosé
- 3/4 part fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1/2 part fresh squeeze lemon juice
- 3/4 part simple syrup
- 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
- Soda water
Shake spirit, juices and syrup vigorously in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into ice-filled Collins-style glass, top with soda water, add bitters and garnish with grapefruit wedge or seasonal berries.
Fraternité – Lillet Rouge
Celebrating brotherhood, the Fraternité is the French answer to Bermuda’s Dark and Stormy. Substituting Lillet Rouge for the rum, this cocktail still maintains much of the sweetness imparted by the ginger beer, while the Lillet Rouge gives an earthiness missed by dark rum.
- 2 parts Lillet Rouge
- 4 parts Baritts Ginger Beer
- Lime wedge
In a Collins glass, add Lillet Rouge, and fill with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish lime wedge.
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