This light and refreshing Lillet Blanc Tonic is a fun spin on a classic gin & tonic. It’s a perfect summer drink to enjoy poolside, on a beach, or even at a picnic. Lillet Blanc is a French apéritif, meaning it’s a great drink to have before a meal to stimulate the appetite–perfect for a Texas barbecue!
For the Lillet Blanc Tonic, you’ll need 3 ingredients plus a garnish:
- Gin
- Lillet Blanc
- Tonic water
- Mint leaves & cucumber to garnish
What is Lillet Blanc?
Lillet Blanc is a French apéritif that is classified as an aromatized wine. It’s made with 85% Bordeaux region grapes and 15% macerated liqueurs. La Maison Lillet has been making aromatized wine since 1872 and has three varieties to choose from–Lillet Blanc, Lillet Rouge, and Lillet Rosé. Lillet Blanc replaced the original Kina Lillet that was used in James Bond’s Vesper Martini.
How do you pronounce Lillet Blanc?
As a French liquor, the ‘t’ is silent at the end of Lillet Blanc. Lillet is pronounced as “lil-ay.”
What does Lillet Blanc taste like?
Lillet Blanc is the sweeter of the three liquors from La Maison Lillet. The first thing you’ll notice is the floral aroma, followed by citrus, honey, and pine flavors.
Is Lillet Blanc a vermouth?
Vermouth is similar to Lillet in that they’re both amortized wines–a wine base fermented with spices and other fruits, such as citrus. Vermouth, however, is also a fortified wine, meaning the winemaker has added in a distilled spirit as well (usually brandy).
How long does Lillet Blanc last?
As a wine-based aperitif, it is best to store Lillet in the fridge so it won’t go bad. Lillet Blanc is best a few weeks after opening but should be enjoyed within the first month.
Lillet Blanc Tonic Recipe
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Lillet Blanc
- 4 oz tonic water
- Fresh mint & cucumber to garnish
How to Make a Lillet Blanc Tonic
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice and stir with a mixer to chill the glass.
- Add gin and Lillet Blanc. Stir to mix.
- Add the tonic water, pouring over a bar spoon for added bubbles.
- Stir once and garnish.
