A Lillet Blanc and tonic cocktail brings a touch of French elegance to any gathering. This light and refreshing drink puts a sophisticated spin on the classic gin and tonic.
Mix one part Lillet Blanc with two parts tonic water over ice. Then, add a slice of orange for a perfect aperitif.
The wine-based aperitif Lillet Blanc dates back to 1887 in Bordeaux, France. Its blend of white wine and citrus liqueurs creates notes of honey, orange peel, and herbs that shine when paired with crisp tonic water.
This simple yet refined cocktail works well for parties, outdoor sipping, or relaxing at home. The low alcohol content makes it an ideal choice for daytime events or as a pre-dinner drink.
Lillet Blanc & Tonic Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Collins glass or highball glass
- Bar spoon or long-handled spoon
- Ice bucket
- Citrus peeler or knife
- Small cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 oz 60ml Lillet Blanc
- 4-5 oz 120-150ml premium tonic water
- Fresh orange slice for garnish
- Large ice cubes
Optional: Fresh strawberry slice
Instructions
- Fill a Collins glass with large ice cubes to the top
- Pour 2 oz of chilled Lillet Blanc over the ice
- Add tonic water slowly to preserve carbonation
- Then, gently stir with a bar spoon 2-3 times to combine
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice
Notes
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Tasting Notes
A Lillet Blanc & Tonic offers bright citrus flavors with gentle herbal notes. The mix creates a light, refreshing drink perfect for warm afternoons.
The first sip brings forward orange zest and white wine aromas. These blend smoothly with the quinine from the tonic water, adding a subtle bitter edge.
Sweet honeysuckle and peach notes from the Lillet Blanc shine through. The tonic water adds crisp bubbles and balances the wine’s sweetness.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Orange peel
- White flowers
- Honey
- Fresh herbs
- Light bitter finish
The drink has a pale golden color with a slight shimmer. Its texture is silky yet effervescent, making each sip feel clean and bright.
When served cold, the botanicals become more pronounced. The drink remains balanced between sweet and bitter elements, neither overpowering the other.
Substitute
Lillet Blanc has a unique flavor profile that makes it hard to replicate exactly. A few alternatives can work when making this cocktail.
Cocchi Americano is the closest substitute. It matches Lillet Blanc’s bitter-sweet taste and herbal notes quite well. Mix it with tonic in the same proportions.
Dry vermouth mixed with a small amount of orange liqueur can work in a pinch. Use 1.5 oz dry vermouth with 0.25 oz of Cointreau or Triple Sec.
Other potential substitutes:
- White Port
- Blanc Vermouth
- Pineau des Charentes
- Lillet Rose (though this will change the color)
The cocktail will taste different with each substitute. Trying a few options helps find the preferred taste.
Remember to adjust the tonic water ratio based on the substitute’s sweetness level. Start with less tonic and add more to taste.
