Lillet Spritz is a light and refreshing French apéritif with subtle notes of orange and honey. Make the original version or enhance it with prosecco to make a Sparkling Lillet Spritz. Either way, this is a drink you'll want to try soon!
A Lillet Spritz (pronounced lee-LAY) is truly a classic summer refreshment featuring Lillet Blanc, a French aperitif wine with flavors of orange, honey, and pine. The traditional way to make this summer spritz only requires 2 ingredients (plus a garnish). Equal parts of Lillet Blanc and club soda or seltzer water yield the perfect balance, allowing the complex flavors of the Lillet Blanc shine without overpowering them.
Want an even more spritzy spritz? You could make a variation of Lillet Spritz which uses the tried and true 3:2:1 spritz ratio, adding crisp and fizzy Prosecco to the mix. Either way you make it, it's the perfect poolside drink all summer long! It's lighter and much more refreshing than its famous cousins the Aperol Spritz and Campari Spritz (at least in my humble opinion).
Ingredient notes
- Lillet Blanc: Lillet Blanc is a classic French fortified white wine aperitif (17% ABV). It's made from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes from Bordeaux, and is infused with citrus liqueurs and aromatic herbs. It's known for its floral, fruity, and slightly bittersweet profile with notes of honey, candied orange, and pine.
- Club Soda or Seltzer Water: This adds effervescence, balances the flavor, and dilutes some of the sweetness. Make sure you use unflavored club soda or seltzer, as to not change the flavor of the drink.
- Orange: Some might say it's just a garnish, but I can't imagine a glass of Lillet Spritz without a slice of citrus floating inside! Alternatively some folks garnish with a slice or two of cucumber or a strawberry, but I think a half orange slice is the way to go. It's also literally what the Lillet company suggests.
- Prosecco (for Variation): Although the classic recipe is made only with equal parts Lillet Blanc and club soda or seltzer water, you could make a variation which follows the traditional 3:2:1 spritz ratio and includes Prosecco in the top spot.
How to make it
Fill a wine glass half full with ice. Add the Lillet Blanc and club soda or seltzer water. Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine.
Garnish with a half a slice of orange. Serve immediately.
Variation: To make a Sparkling Lillet Spritz, combine 3 ounces chilled Prosecco, 2 ounces chilled Lillet Blanc, and 1 ounce chilled club soda or seltzer water over ice.
Please scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe (in a printable recipe card) including ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.
Expert tips
Make sure to chill all the ingredients before making your spritz. This will dilute less of the ice when mixing everything together. Your drink will stay cool and refreshing, and taste better longer.
Be gentle when combining the ingredients. You don't want to lose the carbonation in the club soda/seltzer water. For the same reason, serve your drink immediately after making it to retain all those fizzy bubbles!
Only making one or two cocktails? Purchase cans or mini bottles of seltzer or club soda instead of larger bottles. You can easily put together a glass or two without having to open a bigger bottle!
Other recipes you may like
- Limoncello Spritz
- Hugo Spritz (St-Germain Elderflower Spritz)
- Ooh La La (A Mojito Inspired Elderflower Cocktail from Disney)
- Sangria de Cava (Cava Sangria)
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Lillet Spritz
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Lillet Blanc chilled
- 3 ounces club soda or seltzer water chilled
- Half a slice of orange for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass half full with ice. Add the Lillet Blanc and club soda or seltzer water. Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine.
- Garnish with a half a slice of orange. Serve immediately.
- Variation: To make a Sparkling Lillet Spritz, combine 3 ounces chilled Prosecco, 2 ounces chilled Lillet Blanc, and 1 ounce chilled club soda or seltzer water over ice.
Notes
- Make sure to chill all the ingredients before making your Lillet Spritz. This will dilute less of the ice when mixing everything together. Your drink will stay cool and refreshing, and taste better longer.
- Only making one or two cocktails? Purchase cans or mini bottles of seltzer or club soda instead of larger bottles. You can easily put together a glass or two without having to open a big bottle!
Nutrition
*All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.*
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