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Lillet Tonic Cocktail Drink

Lillet Tonic

Are you looking for a bright cocktail? This Lillet Tonic recipe is just the ticket! It’s a tasty drink, easy to make with simple ingredients.

Lillet Tonic Recipe

Spring calls for this refreshing Lillet Tonic recipe! The blend of Lillet Blanc, tonic water and fresh lemon makes it an absolute delight.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

130 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Lillet Blanc
  • Tonic water , to fill
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slice or zest, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Wine Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Bar spoon or long stirrer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your wine glass with ice cubes. Give it a quick stir to chill the glass and add more ice if necessary.
  • Add Lillet Blanc: Pour 2 oz Lillet Blanc over the ice.
  • Add Tonic Water: Fill up the glass with Tonic water (adjust the quantity to your taste).
  • Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lemon slice or peel and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Lillet Blanc: You can also make a delicious Lillet Tonic with Lillet Rosé. If you don't have any Lillet on hand, you can use another type of white vermouth, such as Dolin Blanc for example. Another white wine-based aperitivo, such as Cocchi Americano Biano, is also a good option. However, remember that substituting the Lillet with another type of apéritif will change the flavor profile of the drink greatly.
  • Tonic Water: If you're not a fan of tonic water's bitterness, you can substitute it with soda water or even a flavored seltzer for a different twist.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Lillet Blanc Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic vermouth or aperitivo as a substitute (Martini Floreale for instance). These are usually widely available in liquor stores; just make sure to choose one that’s not overly bitter. You can also use unsweetened white grape juice as a substitute for Lillet Blanc; it won't have the same complexity but will provide a similar base flavor.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

Good news! This recipe is already vegan-friendly. Just make sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they don't contain any hidden animal-derived products.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
130
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
15
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
17
g
6
%
Sugar
 
16
g
18
%

 

Lillet Tonic Cocktail Drink

Lillet Tonic Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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Spring calls for this refreshing Lillet Tonic recipe! The blend of Lillet Blanc, tonic water and fresh lemon makes it an absolute delight.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 130

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Lillet Blanc
  • Tonic water - to fill
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slice or zest - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Wine Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Bar spoon or long stirrer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your wine glass with ice cubes. Give it a quick stir to chill the glass and add more ice if necessary.
  • Add Lillet Blanc: Pour 2 oz Lillet Blanc over the ice.
  • Add Tonic Water: Fill up the glass with Tonic water (adjust the quantity to your taste).
  • Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lemon slice or peel and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Lillet Blanc: You can also make a delicious Lillet Tonic with Lillet Rosé. If you don't have any Lillet on hand, you can use another type of white vermouth, such as Dolin Blanc for example. Another white wine-based aperitivo, such as Cocchi Americano Biano, is also a good option. However, remember that substituting the Lillet with another type of apéritif will change the flavor profile of the drink greatly.
  • Tonic Water: If you're not a fan of tonic water's bitterness, you can substitute it with soda water or even a flavored seltzer for a different twist.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Lillet Blanc Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic vermouth or aperitivo as a substitute (Martini Floreale for instance). These are usually widely available in liquor stores; just make sure to choose one that’s not overly bitter. You can also use unsweetened white grape juice as a substitute for Lillet Blanc; it won't have the same complexity but will provide a similar base flavor.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

Good news! This recipe is already vegan-friendly. Just make sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they don't contain any hidden animal-derived products.

What is a Lillet Tonic?

A Lillet Tonic is a long drink made of Lillet Blanc, a French aperitif wine, and tonic water.  This refreshing drink is extremely easy to make as it only requires mixing these two ingredients. Its light and slightly bitter flavor profile is perfect for summer gatherings.

A side shot of a Lillet Tonic cocktail in a wine glass on a yellow tray surrounded by a white cloth, a jigger and a bar spoon

What is a Lillet Tonic made of – The ingredients

For the creation of a Lillet Tonic, you need these ingredients:

  • Lillet Blanc: A French aperitif wine that forms the cocktail’s base, providing a sweet and fruity flavor.
  • Tonic Water: Adds a bitter and fizzy element to balance out the sweetness of the Lillet Blanc.
  • Lemon Slice or Zest: Used as a garnish, they bring a nice pop of color as well as some extra citric notes for freshness.
  • Ice Cubes: Chill the drink, making it more enjoyable and refreshing.

Lillet Blanc and tonic water laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Lillet Tonic?

Follow our uncomplicated steps to make a refreshing Lillet Tonic:

1
<p>Start by filling a wine glass with ice to chill it. This will ensure that your Lillet Tonic stays cool and refreshing for a longer period of time.</p>

Start by filling a wine glass with ice to chill it. This will ensure that your Lillet Tonic stays cool and refreshing for a longer period of time.

2
<p>Pour 2 ounces of Lillet Blanc into the glass. Lillet Blanc is a French aperitif wine that forms the base of this cocktail. Its subtle sweetness and citrus notes make it a perfect choice for a tonic drink.</p>

Pour 2 ounces of Lillet Blanc into the glass. Lillet Blanc is a French aperitif wine that forms the base of this cocktail. Its subtle sweetness and citrus notes make it a perfect choice for a tonic drink.

3
<p>Add more ice if necessary and top up with tonic water. The tonic water adds a touch of bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the Lillet Blanc.</p>

Add more ice if necessary and top up with tonic water. The tonic water adds a touch of bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the Lillet Blanc.

4
<p>Stir the ingredients together gently to combine them. Avoid stirring too vigorously, as you don't want to dilute the flavors or make the drink go flat.</p>

Stir the ingredients together gently to combine them. Avoid stirring too vigorously, as you don't want to dilute the flavors or make the drink go flat.

5
<p>Garnish the drink with a lemon slice or peel for an extra hint of freshness and serve immediately.</p>

Garnish the drink with a lemon slice or peel for an extra hint of freshness and serve immediately.

History and Origin

The Lillet Tonic cocktail, a refreshing blend of Lillet Blanc and tonic water, has an interesting history that dates back to the late 19th century. The story begins in Podensac, a small village in the Bordeaux region of France.

In 1872, two brothers, Paul and Raymond Lillet, started their business as merchants of fine wines and spirits. They had a vision to create something unique – a product that would stand out in the crowded market of alcoholic beverages. Their idea was to blend Bordeaux wines with spices and handcrafted liqueurs. After several trials and errors, they finally perfected their recipe and introduced ‘Kina Lillet’, the precursor to today’s Lillet Blanc.

A Lillet Tonic cocktail, shot from above, in a wine glass on a beige surface surrounded by Lillet Blanc and tonic water

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Lillet Tonic drink?
A standard serving of Lillet Tonic contains approximately 136 calories. However, this can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
What is the alcohol content of a Lillet Tonic?
The alcohol content of a Lillet Tonic is around 5-7% ABV (Alcohol By Volume), which translates to 10-14 proof. This makes it a relatively light cocktail, perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.
What type of alcohol is used in a Lillet Tonic?
As the name suggests, Lillet Blanc, a French aperitif wine, is the primary alcohol used in a Lillet Tonic.
In what kind of glass should I serve a Lillet Tonic?
Traditionally, you serve a Lillet Tonic in a wine glass. The wide bowl allows the aromas to circulate and enhance the drinking experience.
What does a Lillet Tonic taste like?
A Lillet Tonic offers an exquisite balance of sweet and bitter flavors. The Lillet Blanc provides notes of honey, orange, lime, and mint, while the tonic water adds a refreshing bitterness.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Lillet Tonic?
The typical ratio for a Lillet Tonic is 1 parts Lillet Blanc to 2 parts tonic water. This ensures an ideal balance between the wine's sweetness and the tonic's bitterness, but can easily be adjusted to taste.
How should I serve a Lillet Tonic?
Serve your Lillet Tonic over ice to keep it chilled without diluting its flavors. It's best enjoyed cold on hot summer days.

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