Today I am joining a few others to share summer drinks. If you haven’t had a little gathering, this is your chance to have a summer happy hour before September hits! We all have a few fun ideas for you..
My cocktail is a Lillet Spritz. I love this drink because it’s light and fruity. I’m not a big drinker and I like something with less alcohol, especially in the heat of summer. This drink is simple and you can make a batch before your guests arrive. Gather some pretty garnishes and lovely glasses and you’re all set.
What is Lillet?
Lillet is a French aperitif that is traditionally served over ice with a lemon twist. I remember my first time having it, a Croatian boyfriend ordered me one, when I was 23 and I was instantly in love with its honey, orange and floral notes. I still think about that cocktail and feeling so grown up having one with its pretty lemon twist.
My friend Elaine, recently had us for a summer dinner party. I brought the makings for the drink of the night. E had found the recipe and had these lovely dried oranges from California that she wanted to use in the drink.
You can also use fresh oranges slices or lemons as we did and a sprig of mint.
There is also a new version of Lillet, called Lillet Rose which has hints of strawberry and you could swap Lillet Blanc for that and float a few strawberries in it.
I brought this cute pitcher bought at my favorite local home store, Home by Ling Interiors in Los Gatos -and you can also buy it here online. It’s called a Cannes Rattan Pitcher and I have the medium.
Elaine has serious bar style and the perfect outdoor entertaining set up which I plan to share on a future post. Don’t you love the tray and her cute straws and napkins?
Her enamel tray she found at CB2 and is part of their bar collection. I love the Tiffany blue color and it’s so cute on her bar. They also have a white version that’s slightly different. I love the idea of propping it up against the back of the bar or having it with fun napkins and straws in a glass as Elaine styled it.
This recipe could not be simpler.. It’s two bottles, one of Lillet and one of prosecco. Surprisingly both fit in this medium pitcher. I try and choose a decent prosecco or Cava. If anyone has a favorite, please comment below. If you’re unfamiliar with Lillet, it can be found here at Total Wine.
Lillet Spritzer
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Lillet Blanc
- 1 bottle Prosecco, Cava or other sparkling wine
Instructions
- Mix bottles in a pitcher. Add slices of oranges and fresh mint sprigs and stir. Add 3-4 ice cubes in a glass, pour over spritzer and garnish with more mint sprigs and orange slices.
To make it for one..
I experimented and made myself a single version of this, but lightened it up a bit more. For a single serving, just combine equal parts of Prosecco and Lillet over ice with slices of citrus and mint sprigs. To make a light version, I just do one jigger of Lillet with fizzy water, or for a tall glass one jigger of Lillet, one of prosecco and fill the rest of the glass with bubbly water, depending on how light you like it. You can also substitute ginger ale for the Prosecco.
An easy appetizer to pair with your cocktail..
One easy appetizer I love to make late summer is figs with goat cheese and walnuts drizzled with honey. These couldn’t be easier and are so delicious.
Make sure you get figs that are firm, but have some give, slice them in half and place a small spoonful of goat cheese on each side. I like Laura Chenel Thyme & Rosemary, a local cheese, but any chèvre will do.
Place a dollop on each half, top with a walnut and drizzle the plate with a thin stream of honey and a tiny pinch of sea salt.
You’ll find these go perfect with the Lillet Spritzers, or any frizzy drinks!
A few things you may need…
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Now please check out these other great blogs for more summer drink ideas…
You can pin this graphic to Pinterest to save all our drink ideas…
If you missed our last fun food collaboration, Appetizers Inspired by Travel, I shared caprese bites and the others had delicious ideas as well.
Thanks for stopping by! So happy to have you visit my California blog.
Kim
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Gorgeous! And what an easy recipe too! I love how light and refreshing it looks, especially with the citrus/herb garnish – perfect! And is there anything better than figs???
Thanks so much Sheri! I know I’m a fig fan too.. xo
Thanks Sheri! I agree about figs. They are one of my favorite things about summer!
I used to drink LILLET as my cocktail in place of wine as I would fix dinner! oh I haven’t seen that in years!
When last in France which was six years ago I believe we saw the factory and if my memory serves me correctly Lillet is the name of a village in France.
. Does anyone know.?
I do not drink alcohol anymore but if I did this would be on my radar. I too liked lighter drinks than the norm!
They must be pretty those drinks like Juliet at make mine a spritzer makes!
Xxx
I believe it is named after the brothers who created it. That was their last name. More info here about it’s history..
https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-lillet-liqueur-guide/
I tried to make it look pretty with the mint and oranges!
Kim! I am familiar with the Lillet bottle but would have never known what to do with it! I love a drink like this where I need only two things, and it can be made at the last minute! Perfect to have a bottle of Lillet on hand, a good Prosecco chilling in the refrigerator all summer…just in case!
xx
Annie, me too.. I love the simplicity of it! I know nice to have ready if someone pop by and we always have citrus in the yard here! I need a mint plant in the kitchen..
Hi Kim
This sounds fabulous. I am with you on cocktails. I don’t like overly sweet and heavy ones or those that knock your socks off. This sounds perfect. I can’t wait to try it. I love figs and blue cheese this time of year so fabulous and fresh!
Cindy, I have to try figs with blue cheese too! xo
First of all, hold everything … while I buy that pitcher! You know I’m a huge fan. Ok … pitcher ordered. It can’t get here soon enough. Obviously I love this drink. Hello! I’m not very experienced with Lillet and need to give it a whirl. Can’t wait to hear more about Elaine’s bar … that tray! I may need it too. Oh my gosh, Jim is going to ban me from reading your blog … I’m keeping UPS in business. This drink is so pretty, and I love that its light. The lighter the better as far as I’m concerned. Cheers! xo
Juliet isn’t that the cutest? Surprising how much can fit in it. Both bottles fit in the medium one. I think you would like Lillet. It’s light and has a great smell and taste.I agree lighter is good!
This sounds amazing. We have the Prosecco…just need the Lillet. They look lovely with the dried orange slices… wish you were here and we could have one in the Ladies Loft~
Just pinned this!
Mary Ann
I wish I could have one in the loft too! xo
Kim, everything you prepare just looks and I have no doubt is yummy. You are so good at creating special things and the
presentation that goes along with it. Who needs alcohol when you can create wonder teas like what you did. You would run out
of water and Almond Milk in our home before you would ever run out of alcohol. Thank you for sharing.
Warm virtual hugs.
Katherine, What a kind thing to say. Thank you. You guys sound like us. We aren’t big drinkers.. We had to quit our wine club, as we never drank it!
Kim, this sounds delicious! I am going to try this and the figs too! Love your beautiful presentation! I will see you Saturday for meanderings.
Thank you Elizabeth!xo
These posts are so much fun! I just spent $400.00 at Cb2, I hope you get a nod.
Really? Wow thank you Gayle. They do have some very cool things. have you been to the new store in Santana Row? xo
Such a great post, a perfect cocktail and appy for a summer evening! Can’t wait to try!
Thanks Barb!