Lillet Rouge

Kina Lillet, the original bitter quinine aperitif wine, was discontinued in 1986 when the Lillet house reformulated the product to create the sweeter, less bitter Lillet Blanc. The original Kina Lillet called for in James Bond's Vesper Martini recipe is no longer commercially available. Cocchi Americano is the most widely recommended substitute for its similar quinine bitterness and citrus character. We stock Lillet Blanc and Cocchi Americano at Celtic Whiskey Shop, available online with nationwide delivery.

The traditional French serve for Lillet Blanc is chilled straight in a wine glass with a slice of orange, served as an aperitif before a meal. Some French drinkers add a splash of soda water for a lighter, longer serve. Lillet Blanc is not typically consumed as a cocktail ingredient in France, where its value as a refreshing standalone aperitif at 17% ABV is the primary appeal. The Vesper Martini application is an Anglo American interpretation rather than a French one.

Lillet Blanc is best served well chilled at around 6 to 8 degrees Celsius in a large wine glass over ice with a thin slice of orange, which complements the quinine bitterness, white wine fruit, and citrus peel character. As a cocktail ingredient, Lillet Blanc performs well in a Corpse Reviver No. 2 alongside gin, Cointreau, and fresh lemon, where the quinine bitterness adds complexity to the citrus framework. Lillet Rouge suits pairing with fresh raspberry as a garnish.