Lillet Blanc 750ml

With the weather warming up, my thoughts turn to this classic restorative drink, Lillet Blanc. Served simply from the fridge over ice it is just the thing to start the evening on the right note! I am definitely thinking about its slightly sweet, citrus taste when I am sitting in traffic going home. For a special preparation, we serve this shaken with 2 parts Ciroc vodka, strained and served up with an orange twist.

This white wine-based aperitif was created in 1887 in Bordeaux and originally had a high quinine content (presumably to treat malaria). Quinine is synthesized from the Kina-Kina tree, hence the drink’s original name: Kina Lillet. The original recipe was made famous by Ian Fleming in Casino Royal as a key component in the infamous “James Bond Martini.” This blend of fruit liqueurs and fortified wine was originally marketed as a tonic of great medicinal quality. These days there’s a new, friendlier Lillet with less quinine and it still lends itself to making cocktails, like the famous Edith’s Fizz.