The Lillet Spritz is a light, bubbly and refreshing cocktail featuring Lillet Blanc and gin. Sit back, relax and enjoy it all summer long!
Looking for a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail to elevate your summer gatherings? Look no further than the Lillet Spritz. This elegant drink is perfect for warm weather and upscale events, combining simplicity with a touch of French finesse. Whether you’re a novice bartender or an experienced mixologist, the Lillet Spritz is a breeze to make, offering a delightful balance of flavors that will impress your guests.
Why you’ll love the Lillet Spritz
- Light, refreshing and bubbly!
- Tart and citrusy!
- A classy drink that you can enjoy all summer long!
- Easy to mix up!
- Pretty to look at!
What is Lillet?
Lillet is a renowned French aperitif wine with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Produced in the Bordeaux region, Lillet comes in several varieties, but Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rosé are the most popular for spritz recipes. Lillet Blanc features a bright, citrusy flavor with floral and honey notes, while Lillet Rosé boasts a more berry-forward profile with hints of orange blossom. These flavors make Lillet an ideal base for cocktails, providing a balanced sweetness and a complex, refreshing taste.
What is a Spritz?
A “spritz” generally refers to a type of cocktail that is light, refreshing, and often sparkling. The most famous example is the Aperol Spritz, which originated in Italy. A spritz typically includes a bitter liqueur (like Aperol or Campari), prosecco (or another sparkling wine), and a splash of soda water. The ingredients are usually combined over ice in a wine glass or large balloon glass and garnished with an orange slice. The drink is slightly bitter, effervescent, and refreshing, making it a popular choice for aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks). The term “spritz” can also apply to other variations that use different bitter liqueurs or even different bases like gin or vodka, always keeping the light and effervescent nature of the drink.
A spritz cocktail is defined by its effervescent nature, the inclusion of a bitter liqueur, low alcohol content, and a refreshing, slightly bitter flavor profile. These drinks are simple to prepare and are enjoyed for their light and invigorating qualities, making them perfect for casual, social occasions.
Understanding the Ingredients in the Lillet Spritz
- Lillet Blanc or Lillet Rosé: The star of the show, providing the drink’s distinctive flavor.
- Gin: Made with Juniper berries, give the drink its distinctive pine aroma and taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Creates a nice citrusy note.
- Simple Syrup: Gives the drink a nice sweet flavor.
- Sparkling Water: Adds effervescence and balances the sweetness of the Lillet.
- Strawberry and Mint Garnish: A strawberry and mint sprig enhances the drink’s aroma and visual appeal.
Lillet Blanc-Ingredients
- 2 oz Lillet Blanc chilled
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2-3 oz soda water
- 2 strawberries for garnish
- 1 mint sprig for garnish
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
Step-by-Step-Instructions
- Place glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill.
- Fill chilled glass halfway with crushed ice.
- Add Lillet Blanc, gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and top with soda water. Stir gently.
- Toss in a cut strawberry.
- Garnish the rim of the glass with a whole strawberry and a mint sprig.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Cheers!
Tips for the Perfect Lillet Spritz
- Serve in a Wine Glass: For the best presentation and drinking experience, serve your Lillet Spritz in a wine glass or a large goblet. These glass types help maintain the drink’s temperature and showcase its beautiful colors and garnishes.
- Chill the Glassware: Place your glassware in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water to chill. This step ensures your drink stays cold longer.
- Crush the Ice: Gives the drink a classy look while keeping the drink refreshing and cold.
- Experiment with Garnishes: Mix and match different citrus fruits, berries, and herbs to find your perfect combination. Fresh herbs like mint or thyme can add a refreshing herbal note.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of Lillet and/or simple sugar or increase the sparkling water. Conversely, for a sweeter spritz, add more Lillet and/or simple syrup.
Classy, Elegant and Sophisticated!
Creating a Lillet Spritz is incredibly easy to mix up. Whether you’re serving it at a summer party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cocktail is sure to impress with its refreshing and sophisticated flavors. So grab your ingredients and try out the recipe, explore different variations, and share your experiences with us in the comments below. For more delightful cocktails, check out many other recipes in our drinks-cocktail section. Cheers! And remember…
Life’s too short to eat bad food!
For other bubbly cocktails try:
Chambord and Champagne Cocktail
St. Germain Champagne Cocktail
Lillet Spritz
Equipment
- Cocktail or wine glass
- jigger
- Stir
Ingredients
- 2 oz Lillet Blanc chilled
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2-3 oz soda water
- 2 strawberries for garnish
- 1 mint sprig for garnish
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
Instructions
- Place glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill.
- Fill chilled glass halfway with crushed ice.
- Add Lillet Blanc, gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and top with soda water. Stir gently.
- Toss in a cut strawberry.
- Garnish the rim of the glass with a whole strawberry and a mint sprig.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Cheers!
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