Summer is a season to be savored. We spend all year looking forward to the long, sunny days, backyard gatherings, and of course—the delightful sips. When the warm weather sets in, I crave a light and refreshing cocktail emblematic of summer’s essence. If that resonates, then it’s time to mix up a Lillet Spritz.
While I also fell victim to the Aperol Spritz craze of 2020, there’s nothing quite like the effervescent blend of Lillet Rosé, sparkling wine, and a bright hint of summery citrus to transport me straight to France. (In other words, a state of pure relaxation.) If you’re looking for more ways to romanticize your summer, you’re in luck. I’m taking you through the beyond-simple steps to make my favorite summer cocktail.
Ingredients You Need for a Lillet Rosé Spritz
Let’s chat about the simple components that make this spritz so special. First, start with your glass—cocktails always taste best when served correctly. To make your Lillet Spritz feel like a true European vacation, I serve my cocktail in a large, stemmed wine glass. It captures the perfect casual-elegant feel.
Lillet Rosé. While the classic Lillet Spritz is made using Lillet Blanc, I’m a pink girl (and this is Barbiecore summer, after all), so I thought it fitting to opt for my favorite bottle of Lillet Rosé. I love its delicate fruity aroma—it lends a flavor that’s lighter than Sangria but still summery nonetheless. It’ll be the driving factor and foundation of your Lillet Spritz cocktail.
Sparkling Wine. This is where I tend to veer from tradition. Prosecco, a sparkling Italian white wine, steers this drink away from the purely French vibes. However, I love the citrusy lemon notes it lends to my glass, perfectly balancing out the sweet, fruity flavor of the Lillet Rosé. Otherwise, champagne or your favorite sparkling wine work wonderfully.
Next, it’s time to introduce the star of the show—Lillet Rosé! For one drink, I measure out two ounces of the apéritif and pour it over the ice. This will give your drink a subtle, floral sweetness and add a touch of elegance.
Orange Bitters. While optional, I love the complexity orange bitters introduce to my drink. The resulting flavor is tropical with a little spice. It gives your Lillet Spritz that je ne sais quoi factor.
Club Soda. More bubbles make the spritz, after all. Once you’ve mixed your other ingredients, top off your drink with either club soda or sparkling water.
Citrus and Fruit Slices. Add a pop of color and flavor with your favorite citrus and fruit slices for garnish. I love thin slices of orange, lime, and strawberries. A few fresh herb sprigs (thyme would be gorgeous) from the garden wouldn’t hurt either!
Step 2: Prepare Your Glass
While more finicky drinks call for a chilled glass, here there’s no need. Simply fill your wine glass with ice cubes. This will keep your Lillet Spritz cool and refreshing while you sip.
Step 3: Add an (Optional) Dash of Orange Bitters
While this Lillet Rosé Spritz couldn’t be easier, it leans heavily on the complex layers of flavor each component adds to the cocktail. The orange bitters are optional, but I find that they bring a hint of bitterness and a lovely citrus quality to the mix. If you’re feeling adventurous, try giving it a go!
Step 4: Pop the Bubbly!
The Lillet Rosé Spritz was made for three things: relaxation, summertime sipping, and celebration. So open up your bottle of bubbly and add the spritz’s signature effervescence. Measure out two ounces of your sparkling wine and pour it into the glass. The bubbles will mingle with the Lillet Rosé, creating a symphony of flavors.
For a refreshing sparkle and to balance the flavors, top off your Lillet Spritz with club soda. It adds a gentle fizz to your cocktail, keeping everything refreshing and light.
Step 5: Garnish with Citrus and Fruit Slices
We’re not only going for flavor here—the Lillet Spritz is all about the aesthetic presentation. Garnish your cocktail with slices of citrus and fruit. Lemons, limes, oranges, and berries all work. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also infuse the cocktail with a burst of fresh, tangy flavors.
Before taking your first sip, give your drink a gentle stir, combining all of these beautiful flavors. Now it’s time to enjoy! Whether you’re saying Cheers! Santé! or Chin Chin! I guarantee you’ll love indulging in the summery simplicity of a Lillet Rosé Spritz.
Some Tips for Lillet Rosé Spritz Success
Experiment with garnishes. Switch up your cocktail’s finishing factors and fruit combinations to find a flavor profile you love. One of the beautiful things about this simple spritz is that you can customize it to fit your flavor preferences. Add edible flowers, swap in liqueurs, or opt for a flavored sparkling water. It’s your spritz—sip like you mean it!
Sweeten it up. Prefer your drink on the sweeter side? Omit the orange bitters and add a splash or simple syrup or a sugar cube.
Swap out your wine glass. A tall, elegant tumbler keeps your drink chilled and shows off your spritz beautifully.
Use frozen fruit instead of ice cubes. Slow sipper? Keep your spritz from getting watered down and add a burst of fruity flavor by adding frozen strawberries to your cocktail.
Adjust your proportions. Love the flavor of the Lillet Rosé? You can always increase it. Prefer a more bubbly sipper? Add a little extra sparkling wine.
Cheers to mastering the art of the Lillet Rosé Spritz! You’ll love its delicate, beautiful blend of ingredients, mixed with citrus accents and a little sparkle. Enjoy it with family beside the grill or gathered with friends for a garden party. However you sip it, be sure to savor the summer of spritz!