Lillet Blanc French Aperitif Wine

Product Description

Lillet Blanc French Aperitif Wine: Bordeaux Wine, Citrus Liqueurs, and a Century and a Half of French Aperitif

Lillet Blanc is a French wine-based aperitif made in Podensac, a small village south of Bordeaux, where brothers Raymond and Paul Lillet founded Maison Lillet in 1872. Lillet Blanc is the oldest aperitif in the range, fruity, floral, and full of character. It’s made from selected Bordeaux white wines, mainly Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, blended with citrus liqueurs made by macerating sweet and bitter orange peels, cinchona bark, and other botanicals, then aged in oak. It’s bottled at 17% ABV, and Lillet says it has no artificial flavoring.

It’s not a vermouth. Lillet Blanc replaced Kina Lillet, which was more bitter, and it’s the aperitif behind the Vesper Martini that James Bond made famous in Casino Royale. Wine Enthusiast scored it 92, noting juicy pear and peach nectar.

What’s in the Bottle

• A blend of about 85% Bordeaux white wines and 15% macerated citrus liqueurs
• Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, aged in oak
• Sweet and bitter orange peels and cinchona (quinine)
• 17% ABV, 750ml
• About 96 calories per 2.5 fl oz serving, per the brand

Tasting Notes

From Lillet’s own notes.

Color: Golden.

Nose: Floral, with orange blossom, fresh mint, and vanilla.

Palate: Candied orange, orange blossom, honey, pine resin, and exotic fruit, soft and fleshy.

Finish: Long, with a subtle, lingering bitterness.

Food Pairings

Lillet suggests fresh oysters, and it’s also lovely with creamy goat cheese, olives, and charcuterie. It pairs well with salads, shellfish, and light summer dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it well chilled, over ice with an orange slice or a lemon peel. The classics:

• Lillet Spritz: Lillet with sparkling wine and a splash of soda
• Lillet Tonic: 1 part Lillet to 2 parts tonic, with cucumber, strawberry, or mint
• 50/50 Martini: Lillet and gin in equal parts
• Vesper Martini: Gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc
• Corpse Reviver No. 2: Gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and lemon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lillet Blanc? A French aperitif wine made from Bordeaux white wines and citrus liqueurs.

What proof is it? 17% ABV.

Is it a vermouth? No. It’s an aromatized wine.

Is it sweet? Off-dry to semi-sweet, with honey and orange balanced by a gentle bitterness.

Does it need refrigeration? Serve it chilled, and refrigerate after opening.

How do I drink it? Chilled, over ice, in a spritz, or in cocktails.

What’s the difference between Blanc, Rosé, and Rouge? Blanc is Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé adds Merlot for red berries, and Rouge is Merlot and Cabernet.

Explore More

Try the Lillet Rosé, or browse our Wine collection and Liqueur collection.

The Quality Liquor Store Guarantee

At Quality Liquor Store, we guarantee the authenticity and quality of every bottle we sell. All of our products are sourced directly from authorized distributors, and every order is carefully packaged to arrive safely at your door. Shop with confidence knowing your aperitif is in good hands.