Cocktails with Lillet Blanc
Lillet Blanc is a French aperitif wine with citrus and floral notes, famously used in the Vesper martini. Lighter and more citrus-forward than vermouth.
No Lillet Blanc? What to use instead
- Type
- Fortified Wine
- Strength
- 17% ABV
- Aroma
- Orange blossom, Honey, Citrus, Floral
- Taste
- Orange, Honey, Light bitter, Fresh
- Finish
- Clean, Citrus, Slightly sweet
7 drinks with Lillet Blanc
- Corpse Reviver No. 2Gin, Triple Sec, Lemon Juice
- Corpse Reviver No. 4Tequila Reposado, Triple Sec, Lemon Juice
- Corpse Reviver No. BlueGin, Blue Curaçao, Lemon Juice
- NecromancerAbsinthe, Elderflower Liqueur, Lemon Juice
- Twentieth CenturyGin, White Crème de Cacao, Lemon Juice
- VesperGin, Vodka
- White NegroniGin, Suze
History
Created in 1887 in Podensac, France, by brothers Paul and Raymond Lillet. The original formula included more quinine (like tonic). James Bond's Vesper martini introduced Lillet to many. The recipe was reformulated in 1986 to be lighter.
How it’s made
Made from Bordeaux wines (85%) blended with citrus liqueurs including sweet and bitter orange peels. It's fortified with fruit liqueurs rather than spirits. Aged in oak vats to integrate flavors.
Bottles to try
Lillet BlancMid-range
The original French aperitif, light with citrus and honey notes.
Lillet RoséMid-range
Pink version with red fruit notes, more berry-forward.
Cocchi AmericanoMid-range
Italian alternative closer to original Lillet, more bitter and complex.
Got Lillet Blanc at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.