Forget limoncello! Lillet has become the fruity, floral drink of the summer, with global sales soaring from 70,000 cases in 2008 to 1.3 million in 2024. This classic French aromatised wine, first launched in 1887, is now a staple in pubs and bars worldwide, from London to Sydney.
What is Lillet?
Lillet is an aromatised wine, meaning it contains at least 75% wine with added herbs, spices, fruits, and sweeteners, and has an ABV of 17%. Unlike vermouth, which is herbal, Lillet is fruity and floral, flavoured with liqueurs made from sweet, bitter, and green oranges. It comes in three varieties: Blanc, Rouge, and Rosé.
A Brief History
Founded in 1872 in Podensac, Bordeaux, by brothers Raymond and Paul Lillet, the company launched Kina Lillet in 1887 as a medicinal tonic wine. The recipe was reformulated in 1985, reducing sugar and quinine for modern tastes. Lillet Blanc is made from 85% semillon and sauvignon blanc wine and 15% fruit liqueur, aged in oak casks. Lillet Rouge (launched 1962) is based on cabernet sauvignon and merlot, while Lillet Rosé (2011) blends semillon, sauvignon blanc, and muscatel grapes.
Why the Resurgence?
The revival is largely due to marketing by Pernod Ricard, which bought Lillet in 2008 and has made it a top growth target. The brand has had a classy redesign and even a Netflix tie-in with Emily in Paris. Spritzes remain a big trend, and Lillet Rosé is being promoted as the new Hugo or Aperol. In UK pubs like Greene King and Young's, spritzes account for 45% of cocktail sales. Taylor Swift's reported love for a French blonde cocktail (made with Lillet Blanc) also sparked interest.
Sustainability Efforts
Lillet has invested in sustainability: making one bottle in 2021 used half the water and energy of a 2017 bottle. Grapes are grown in south-west France, with 51% from certified sustainable vineyards. Wine is transported using bioethanol from waste products, and fruit for infusions is composted locally.
How to Serve Lillet
All varieties can be served straight, on the rocks, or with tonic. Here are four simple cocktails:
- Rhubarb Rosé Spritz: 50ml Lillet Rosé, 100ml rhubarb tonic, ice, slice of pink grapefruit.
- Vesper Martini: 20ml Lillet Blanc, 60ml gin, 20ml vodka, ice, lemon peel.
- Lillet Negroni: 30ml Lillet Rouge, 30ml gin, 30ml Campari, ice, orange slice.
- French Blonde: 60ml Lillet Blanc, 30ml gin, 60ml grapefruit juice, 15ml elderflower liqueur, ice.
With its heritage, sustainability, and chic appeal, Lillet is poised to be the drink of the summer—wherever you are.
