The spritz is an iconic summer drink, but my very favorite type of spritz isn’t made with Aperol — instead, it uses Lillet. If you haven’t tried Lillet before, it’s a little like vermouth, but with a hefty bitter edge from quinine that I love. If you enjoy the bitter and refreshing edge of tonic water, then I reckon you’d love Lillet Blanc too.
My usual go-to Lillet spritz recipe is equal parts of Lillet and sparkling water, plus an absolute ton of cucumber slices, all served in a big copa glass over a large ice cube. I find that the cucumber gives a crisp, juicy addition to the drink and makes for a lovely low-ABV sipper.
Lillet has its own take on the spritz though, and I am furiously taking notes. As well as cucumber, this uses citrus slices and mint leaves, and adds in sparkling wine along with the club soda. It sounds absolutely delicious, and given that the recipe is in batch form, it’s going to be my first port of call for hosting this summer.
Lillet Spa Spritz
Ingredients:
- 24 lemon or orange slices
- 24 cucumber slices
- 1/2 cup of mint leaves
- 2 cups Lillet Blanc
- 1 750 ml bottle of Mumm Sparkling Brut Prestige
- 2 cups club soda
Method:
In a pitcher, add citrus slices (lemon, orange or lime), fresh cucumber and loosely packed mint leaves. Pour in chilled Lillet Blanc, one bottle of Mumm Sparkling Brut Prestige and club soda. Stir to combine and serve over ice.
