What is Lillet Blanc?

Lillet Blanc is a French white wine that is infused with fruits, herbs, and other botanical ingredients. It was invented in 1887 and originally flavored with quinine. The current version is lower in quinine. It is not vermouth because it does not contain wormwood (but does contain liqueur).

What does Lillet Blanc taste like?

Lillet Blanc has a lightly sweet taste that is floral and fruity. For this reason, it's a perfect addition to spring and summer cocktails.

What is a good substitute for Lillet Blanc?

Any sweet white vermouth will work in its place.

The Garden Party – Garlic Head

Description

Whip up a Garden Party Cocktail for a refreshing, colorful beverage to that will please a crowd! It’s easily made nonalcoholic and has a ginger sugar rim. Single glass and punch options are included.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For cocktail pitcher base (see notes for single option):

Juice from one orange (about 1/3 cup)
1 sprig of basil
6 dashes angostura bitters (optional for nonalcoholic version)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
4 large strawberries, sliced
4 oz (1/2 cup) Lillet Blanc (ginger beer for nonalcoholic version)
Lemon slices, strawberries, and more basil to garnish
4 –6 cups chilled sparkling water (or chilled Prosecco for a stronger cocktail)

For ginger sugar:

1/3 cup organic cane sugar, or Turbinado sugar
1 tsp grated fresh ginger or 1/4 cup candied ginger, chopped

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Instructions

In a shaker, combine orange juice, basil, bitters (if using), fresh ginger, strawberries, and Lillet (or ginger beer). Use a muddler or spoon to press the ingredients down so the fruit juices release.
Add some lemon slices, more pieces of strawberry, and a few sprigs of basil to a medium pitcher. Strain contents of shaker into the pitcher and top with cold sparkling water or chilled Prosecco just before serving.
If desired, add sugar and ginger to a shallow bowl, stirring to combine. Rim the edges of four couple glasses with a lemon wedge and then swirl upside-down in the sugar, coating the rims in the ginger sugar mixture. Alternatively, coat just one side in the ginger sugar (like a margarita).

Notes

For a single cocktail variation, combine 2 TBS orange juice, 3 leaves basil, 1 dash bitters, 1 strawberry, 1 oz Lillet/ginger beer in a shaker. Middle to combine, strain into a glass, and top with ~1 cup sparkling water.

Be sure to add sparkling water/Prosecco just before serving, as the bubbles will fade after some time.

Nutrition information for Lillet Blac and sparkling water variation.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Category: Drink
Method: Stirring
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: One fourth of recipe
Calories: 59.3 calories
Sugar: 6.4 grams
Sodium: 0.2 milligrams
Fat: 0.1 grams
Saturated Fat: 0 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 7.7 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Protein: 0.4 grams
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams