Lillet Spritz

This Lillet Spritz is a light and bubbly drink that is incredibly refreshing. A simple blend of Lillet Blanc, Prosecco and soda water, this is the ideal drink to enjoy on a hot summers day, a toast for the holidays, or to serve at a cocktail party. 

 

This Lillet cocktail is a delicious drink for when you want something light and effortless. This amazing, sparkly drink is so refreshing from the first sip. When I was in Italy, I indulged in all the amazing Spritz cocktails I could, from Hugo Spritz to Aperol Spritz to Limoncello Spritz. You just can’t go wrong when you mix Prosecco with something fruity and floral. Mixed over a glass full of ice cubes and garnished with Rosemary and Orange slices, this Lillet Sprtiz is so simple to make it will quickly become one of your new favorite cocktail recipes and a delightful addition for those hot summer afternoons or when you want to be fancy for a dinner party. 

What is Lillet Blanc?

---

Classically used in a Lillet Spritzer, Lillet Blanc is a French aperitif that is fruity, floral, and refreshing. It is a Bordeaux wine that consists of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. After the wine is produced, it’s blended with a variety of citrus peels (especially orange), with herbs and spices, and then aged over several months in oak barrels. The result is a wine-based aperitif with the signature herbal and citrusy Lillet Blanc’s amazing aromatic qualities. 

 

 

Why You Will Love This Classic Lillet Spritz Cocktail

---

• This bubbly cocktail recipe is quick and easy to mix with a handful of simple ingredients.
• This classic Lillet cocktail is the perfect spritz for any gathering and any time of year, whether it be a hot summers day or a cozy winters night. 
• You can be versatile with your garnishes and even use Champagne instead of Prosecco.
• The key ingredient list for this Lillet Spritz recipe can be found at any local liquor store.
• This Lillet blanc spritz is a classic cocktail and the perfect balance of sweet, citrusy, and herby!

 

Ingredients You Will Need For This Lillet Spritz Cocktail

---

• Lillet Blanc: Lillet Blanc is fruity, floral, and bright French apéritif. Its prominent flavor is that of orange and grapefruit with a subtle lemon zest. You will also get a hint of herbs like chamomile and a faint floral flavor. It’s delicious!
• Soda Water: After a bit, the prosecco will lose some of its bubbliness, so the premium club soda helps keep this lillet spritz recipe bubbly. 
• Prosecco: Prosecco is a sparkling wine that is bright and bubbly with fruity and floral flavors. It is commonly used in aperitifs. You can also substitute Champagne or Cava. 
• Garnishes: I love to garnish with fresh thyme or Rosemary sprigs and an orange slice to give a beautiful color pop, but you could also use a lemon slice. 

 

 

What Is An Aperitif?

---

Aperitif is a light, dry alcoholic beverage. Champagne, Vermouth, Gin, and Lillet are just a few examples. They are often served before a meal to stimulate the appetite and prepare the palette for your meal. In Europe, the practice of enjoying an apéritif before dinner is usually done while everyone sits and visits. 

 

 

 

 

How To Make This Lillet Spritz

---

1. Place a slice of orange in a large wine glass and then add a large scoop of ice.
2. Add in the lillet blanc, prosecco, and club soda, and gently stir.
3. Garnish with rosemary or thyme and another orange peel or orange slices. 

 

 

Ways to Modify This Lillet Blanc Spritz

---

• If you want to skip the prosecco for this refreshing drink, you can do equal parts Lillet blanc and Soda water although it will likely lose its bubbliness a little quicker. 
• You can get creative with this classic Italian Spritz with zest and herbs for garnish. Use slices of fresh lemons, grapefruit, or even lime for a little extra zing. And try a fresh mint or a sprig of fresh thyme. 
• There are a few different types of lillet that can be substituted in this recipe, Lillet rouge and lillet rose which have a slightly deeper flavor. 
• Many would say there aren’t any Lillet Blanc substitutes, and I would agree. It’s a blend of Bordeaux wines and not a vermouth. It’s one of a kind in the list of classic cocktails. If you want to try fruit liqueurs, some would use Cocchi Americano Bianco. 

 

Prosecco vs. Champagne

---

Prosecco is a floral and fruity-flavored sparkling wine. It is commonly used in spritzes, like the classic Aperol Spritzes, or in a Hugo Spritz, made with St Germain Elderflower Liqueur and a personal favorite. Bubbly prosecco is generally more fruity and lighter in flavor, with notes of fruit pear, apple, honeysuckle, and floral flavors. Dry champagne has a taste similar to that of a dry white wine. It is also fruity but has the added flavor of nuts, cream, and toast. Champagne has bigger bubbles than prosecco, and the aging process takes much longer for champagne. Prosecco will not last as long in your liquor cabinet as champagne will. Both are great drinks and in a pinch, you could use them interchangeably.

 

 

Where Did Lillet Blanc Originate?

---

Lillet Blanc, originally called Kina Lillet, originated in Bordeaux, France, in the late 19th century. It was created by the Lillet family, who were inspired to create a light, refreshing wine-based aperitif that was infused with fruit and herbs. It gained popularity among cocktail enthusiasts in the 1920s after the prohibition in the United States, and there has been no looking back in recent years.

 

 

What Does a Lillet Spritz Pair Well With?

---

On those warm sunny days cocktail parties, serve this Lillet Spritz with an amazing Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey, Prosciutto, Pear, and Gorgonzola Bites, or my favorite, Balsamic Zucchini and Pepper Crostini. Or, for a night in, try this light drink with Crab Linguine or Chicken Chasseur. 

 

 

Here are a few appetizers to enjoy with this Lillet Spritz cocktail: 

• Spicy Feta Dip
• Balsamic Zucchini & Bell Pepper Crostini
• Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Board
• Whipped Cheese with Blistered Tomatoes
• Goat Cheese, Pesto & Sundried Tomato Tower

---

If you make this Lillet Blanc Spritz Cocktail let me know in the comment section below, I would love to hear what you think, or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram, I love seeing your photos!