Lillet, a well-known French aperitif from Bourdeaux, was first created in 1872 — made to encapsulate the spirit of “l’apero,” the distinctly French tradition of unwinding after a long day with a drink in hand before dinner. (Wait a minute, that sounds a lot like happy hour here …)
Whatever you want to call the hour of the aperitif, Lillet is a blend of 85 percent Bourdeaux wines and 15 percent citrus liqueurs. There are three varieties: Lillet Blanc, with a golden color and floral nose; Lillet Rouge, with a ruby color and raspberry nose; and Lillet Rosé, a soft pink with floral and berry nose.
This cocktail, Égalité, was named after the champagne-style blend with which Lillet Rosé was created. It uses the varietals found in both the Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rouge.
Égalité
2 parts Lillet Rosé
3/4 part fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
1/2 part fresh squeeze lemon juice
3/4 part simple syrup
2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
Soda water
Shake spirits, juices and syrup vigorously in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into an ice-filled Collins-style glass and top with soda water.
Add bitters. Garnish with raspberries.
— Created by Lillet French Aperitif
