Lillet Spritz Recipe (with Lillet Blanc)

Light, bright, and super refreshing, my Lillet Spritz recipe is one I’ll be turning to all summer long. It's made with just 3 ingredients in less than 5 minutes, this delightful bubbly cocktail brings a whole new meaning to Happy Hour.

❓ What is a Spritz?

You've likely experienced — or at least heard of — the classic Italian Spritz, the bright, orange-colored cocktail that originated in Italy during the 19th century. Passion fruit limoncello spritzes, basil spritzes and amaro spritzes are some of my go-to summer cocktails because they are so darn delicious!

A spritz is a classic cocktail and is technically defined as a wine-based cocktail, and within the past few decades, there have been so many variations of spritz that can vary greatly in flavor. Ultimately, the goal is to experience a bubbly, refreshing drink to enjoy during happy hour or with any meal - truly the ideal summer drink!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

In this French apéritif take on a spritz, I used bright, sweet, citrusy Lillet Blanc instead of the famously crimson red, bittersweet classic Aperol spritz. Then adding some orange slices, lemon slices and thyme - you end up with something akin to summer in cocktail glasses!

This delightfully refreshing cocktail recipe is not only delicious, it’s also a snap to make. All you need are three primary ingredients and either a cocktail shaker or a mason jar with a lid. In less than 5 minutes, you’ll have a tasty, elegant drink that will transport you to a beachside café in Marseilles.

🍴Ingredients 

One of the best things about spritz cocktails is their short ingredient lists. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Lillet Blanc - Lillet Blanc is a French aperitif that's created from a blend of wines, variated fruits, and botanicals that sit in oak barrels over a period of time to age. It has a lovely floral, fruity and refreshing flavor and is easily one of my favorite aperitifs to incorporate into cocktails! It’s also delicious served over ice with a thick wedge of orange zest.
• Sparkling Wine - I prefer using a dry sparkling wine for this spritz cocktail, as the Lillet lends a rather sweet, rich quality. I'd highly recommend stashing your wine in the fridge overnight before using so your cocktail remains extra chilled.
• Citrus Slices & Fresh Thyme - Choose your own adventure with your garnish. I love using a slice of orange, lemon, lime or grapefruit! If you have some dried citrus slices on hand, they would also be a delightful addition as a garnish in your wine glass. 
• Lemon Juice & Simple Syrup (Optional) - If you want a little extra zing and sweetener in your Lillet spritz, I suggest a squeeze of lemon and a dash of simple syrup. To get the most juice out of your fruit, give it a firm roll on the countertop for 10-15 seconds before cutting.

No lillet? No problem! Head on over to my Lillet substitute guide for some alternative options to consider.

📖 How to Make a Lillet Spritz

It truly takes less than five minutes to whip up this French Lillet Spritz with citrus notes:

Step 1: Add ice and Lillet into your wine glass.

Step 2: Pour the prosecco and a dash of soda water into the glass.

Step 3: Garnish with orange and lemon slices with a sprig of thyme! 

Not interested in the addition of sparkling wine? You can always use club soda, soda water (or even a bit of tonic water to make a lillet tonic) to lighten the lillet spritz cocktail!

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

• Citrus Basics: To prepare the citrus slices and thyme for this cocktail, I start by washing and oranges and lemons and pat them dry using a paper towel. Slice into thin rounds and set aside. 
• Citrus Primer: If you want to add a bit of citrus juice to your spritz - when in doubt, always go for fresh!! Although buying small amounts of bottled lemon juice can be tempting, I would highly suggest buying fresh lemons instead. Fresh citrus juice is much brighter and has a different degree of intensity. If you’re curious, buy fresh lemons and bottled lemon juice and try them side by side! It’s a great way to understand the differences in your own taste buds.
• Learn the basic spritz ratio. You’ll want about 3 parts sparkling wine to 2 parts liqueur and 1 part soda plus a splash of acidity and plenty of ice. In this recipe, that’s 3 oz sparkling wine, 1 oz each amaro (for a total of 2 oz), 1 oz soda, and a round or wedge of whatever citrus you prefer.

💭 Recipe FAQs

More Cocktails to Try this Summer!

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