As soon as the summer season approaches, we eagerly look forward to long sunny days and relaxing backyard gatherings. Nothing highlights the essence of summer’s warm weather more than a light, refreshing cocktail that can be savored throughout the year. One of my newest favorites is the Lillet Spritz, a delightful alternative to the Spritz craze of 2020, offering an effervescent blend of Lillet Rosé, a touch of sparkling wine, and a bright hint of summery citrus.
This cocktail perfectly resonates with the time of year and has the power to instantly transport you to France, putting you in a state of pure relaxation. It only takes a few beyond-simple steps to mix this drink, making it a crave-worthy addition to any backyard gathering. Next time you want to romanticize summer, be lucky enough to reach for this delightful sip, which goes beyond just any cocktail, capturing the very essence of our favorite season.
What is a Spritz?
Having experienced many classic cocktails, I’ve often heard that the Italian Spritz is a bright and refreshing orange-colored cocktail that originated in Italy during the 19th century. This delightful drink often features Passion fruit, limoncello, basil, or even amaro, making it a delicious choice for summer.
A classic cocktail, such as the Spritz, is technically defined as a wine-based beverage. Over the past decades, various spritz recipes have emerged, each offering unique variations. While these may vary in flavor, the ultimate goal remains the same: to provide an experience of a bubbly, refreshing drink that you can enjoy during happy hour or a meal. Indeed, a spritz makes an ideal summer drink.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delightfully refreshing spritz with Lillet Blanc.
- Transport to a beachside café in Marseilles.
- French apéritif is known for its bright, citrusy notes.
- Elegant cocktail recipe for summer.
- Ready in just 5 minutes with three primary ingredients.
- It is a delicious drink with sweet and bittersweet flavors.
- Assemble in a mason jar or cocktail shaker with a lid.
- Garnish with orange slices and lemon slices for a crimson and red hue.
- The thyme sprig adds a tasty aromatic twist.
- Rivals the classic Aperol spritz.
- Pour into cocktail glasses and snap a photo.
Ingredients
- Ice Cubes
- 1 oz Lillet Blanc
- 4 oz Sparkling Wine, chilled
- 1 oz Soda Water
- Citrus & Fresh Thyme Garnish
key points
- Lillet Blanc: A French aperitif created from a blend of wines, variated fruits, and botanicals, aged in oak barrels for a floral, fruity, and refreshing flavor, perfect for cocktails. It’s a favorite aperitif, delicious over ice with a wedge of orange zest.
- Sparkling Wine, chilled: Preferably dry to balance the sweetness of Lillet Blanc. Ensure it’s chilled by stashing in the fridge overnight.
- Citrus Slices & Fresh Thyme Garnish: Use a slice of orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit. Dried slices are also a delightful addition to your wine glass.
- Lemon Juice & Simple Syrup (Optional): For an extra zing and sweetener to your spritz, add a squeeze of Lemon Juice and a dash of Simple Syrup. Roll the fruit on the countertop before cutting to maximize juice extraction
How to Make a Lillet Spritz
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Fill a wine glass with plenty of ice cubes to keep your cocktail extra chilled.
- Ensure your Lillet Blanc and sparkling wine are well-chilled by storing them in the fridge overnight.
2. Mix the Base
- Pour 1 oz Lillet Blanc, a French aperitif with floral, fruity, and refreshing flavor, into the glass.
- Add 4 oz of dry sparkling wine. The sparkling wine’s rich quality pairs well with the sweetness of Lillet Blanc.
- Add 1 oz of soda water, or you can use club soda or tonic water for a different twist.
2. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish your spritz cocktail with a slice of orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit. You can also use dried citrus slices for a delightful touch.
- Top with a sprig of fresh thyme to enhance the aroma.
- Optionally, for an extra kick, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of simple syrup.
Tips
1. Citrus Basics
The key lies in the citrus itself when making a refreshing citrus-infused cocktail such as the easy Lillet Spritz. Start by thoroughly washing your oranges and lemons, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Carefully slice them into thin rounds and set them aside. Adding slices of citrus and sprigs of thyme not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful aromatic touch to your beverage.
2. Citrus Primer
When it comes to citrus juice for your spritz, without a doubt, always opt for fresh. While buying bottled juice might be tempting, I strongly suggest using real lemons for a brighter and more intense flavor experience. If you’re curious, try different citrus types to explore the differences and let your taste buds* determine your preferred degree of intensity.
3. Learn the Basic Spritz Ratio
To craft the perfect spritz, learn the basic ratio: 3 parts sparkling wine, 2 parts liqueur, and 1 part soda. This guaranteed formula provides just the right splash of acidity. Ensure you have plenty of ice in your glass, then mix 3 oz of sparkling wine, 2 oz of Lillet Blanc, and 1 oz of soda water. For the final flourish, add a round wedge of citrus whatever type you prefer to make your spritz not only taste incredible but look stunning too
Conclusion
As summer approaches, we eagerly anticipate long sunny days and backyard gatherings. Nothing embodies the essence of warm weather more than a light, refreshing cocktail like the Lillet Spritz. This delightful blend of Lillet Rosé, sparkling wine, and summery citrus instantly transports you to France and exudes pure relaxation.
With just a few simple steps, this crave-worthy drink is perfect for any occasion, capturing the very essence of the season. Next time you want to romanticize summer, reach for the Lillet Spritz and enjoy the quintessential taste of summer.
FAQs
What is a Lillet Spritzer?
The bubbly, refreshing Lillet Spritz is the perfect way to cool down in the summer. And it’s easy to combine equal parts premium club soda and Lillet Blanc. Build over ice and add an orange slice. Et voilà
How do you make Lillet?
Place three ice cubes in a wine glass and add 2.5 ounces of Lillet and 2 ounces of your favorite sparkling wine. Add half of an orange slice (twist for more orange flavor) and top with 3-1/2 ounces of club soda or your favorite sparkling water. Sparkling Lillet Spritz with orange.
Is Lillet like Aperol?
Although this aperitif is French instead of Italian, Lillet also makes an excellent, complex Spritz. It isn’t as extremely flavored as Aperol (existing somewhere in the middle of bitter and sweet), but it comes in Blanc (white), Rosé, and Rouge (red) options, so you have even more customization potential.
What is Lillet used for?
Aromatic, floral, and bright, it’s hard not to love Lillet. It’s summer in a glass, best sipped on its own, spritzed, or as a co-star in boozier beverages, such as a Corpse Reviver and a Vesper martini.
How are Lillet ideas?
For the uninitiated, Lillet (pronounced lee-LAY) is a French aromatized aperitif wine made with a blend of Bordeaux grapes and fortified with a blend of citrus liqueurs.
Can you drink Lillet alone?
With an ABV of 17%, Lillet Blanc is higher in alcohol than a standard glass of wine, but lower than many heavier fortified wines. When sipped solo, it’s best served chilled, and is often consumed neat or on the rocks with an orange slice.