A Parisian Sip of Summer: French Spritz With Lillet Blanc
Warm evenings in Paris have their own kind of magic—the golden hour stretching endlessly, the scent of lavender in the air, and that perfect moment when a cool glass of something bright and bittersweet touches your lips. That’s when we reach for our favorite: the French Spritz with Lillet Blanc. Crisp, floral, and delicately citrusy, it’s the kind of drink that carries memories in every bubble.
We love sipping this after a long summer photo shoot in the Marais, where light bounces off cobblestone streets and café laughter spills into the air. This spritz isn’t just a drink—it’s a breath of fresh Parisian joy in a glass.
“Summer is a state of mind—and a well-mixed spritz helps you stay there.” – Imagine Living
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly light and refreshing for warm days
- Impressively elegant with minimal effort
- Easy to batch for gatherings or intimate soirées
- Lovely balance of citrus, floral, and herbal notes
- French sophistication with simple ingredients
“There is elegance in simplicity, especially when it’s served with ice and sunshine.” – Imagine Living
Ingredients: A Paris-Inspired Blend for French Spritz With Lillet Blanc
Makes 2 servings
For the Spritz
- 4 oz Lillet Blanc, chilled
- 4 oz tonic water or sparkling water, chilled
- 2 oz dry sparkling wine or Prosecco
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Orange slices, for garnish
- Fresh mint sprigs, optional for garnish
Equipment Needed
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Balloon wine glasses or large stemmed glasses
- Long-handled spoon or cocktail stirrer
- Ice tray
- Citrus knife or small paring knife for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting the Perfect French Spritz With Lillet Blanc
Step 1: Fill Your Glass With Ice
Start with a generous amount of ice in each glass—this spritz is all about being crisp and cold.
Tip:
Use large ice cubes if possible—they melt slower and keep the drink vibrant longer.
Step 2: Add the Lillet Blanc
Pour 2 oz of Lillet Blanc into each glass. Its subtle floral and citrus notes set the tone for the spritz.
“Imagine the golden swirl of Lillet catching the last rays of sun—it’s pure summer in motion.”
Step 3: Top With Sparkling Wine
Add 1 oz of dry sparkling wine or Prosecco to each glass for a refined effervescence.
Tip:
Choose a brut-style wine to keep the drink dry and refreshing rather than sweet.
Step 4: Add the Tonic or Sparkling Water
Pour 2 oz of chilled tonic water or sparkling water into each glass. This balances the flavors while adding more fizz.
Tip:
Use a neutral or lightly citrusy tonic to complement, not overpower, the Lillet.
Step 5: Stir Gently
Use a long spoon to give the drink a gentle stir—just enough to mix without losing too much sparkle.
Tip:
Stir with grace, not gusto—this drink is as much about finesse as it is flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a slice of fresh orange and a mint sprig if desired. Serve immediately and toast to good light and good company.
Tip:
Garnish with a twist of orange peel for extra citrus oils and aroma.
“A good spritz doesn’t just sparkle—it invites you to slow down and savor.” – Imagine Living
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Occasionally Perfect For: Golden hour in Paris
Pro Tips for the Best French Spritz With Lillet Blanc
- Chill all components ahead of time to avoid dilution from too much ice.
- Keep a bottle of Lillet in the fridge—once opened, it stays fresh for up to 4 weeks.
- Try freezing edible flowers into your ice cubes for a gorgeous visual touch.
- Garnish lightly; this spritz is delicate and shouldn’t be overwhelmed.
- Taste and adjust—add more tonic if you want it lighter, more Lillet for sweetness.
- Make it a pitcher cocktail by multiplying the ingredients and mixing in a carafe.
- Use stemmed glasses to preserve the chill and elevate presentation.
- Serve immediately after mixing to enjoy peak effervescence.
- Set the scene—this drink pairs best with soft music and good lighting.
- Let it linger. Sipping slowly lets the floral notes fully bloom.
“Every detail you care about in a spritz reflects what you love about life.” – Imagine Living
Creative Variations: French Spritz With Lillet Blanc, Your Way
Lillet Rosé Spritz
Swap Lillet Blanc for Lillet Rosé to bring in berry and pink grapefruit notes.
Tip:
Pair with fresh raspberries or a grapefruit twist for garnish.
Lavender-Infused Sparkler
Add a dash of lavender syrup and top with soda water.
Tip:
Use a restrained hand—lavender can easily overpower.
Cucumber Citrus Cooler
Muddle a few slices of cucumber before adding the Lillet.
Tip:
Strain before serving for a refined finish.
Basil Lemon Zest Spritz
Tear a few basil leaves and zest lemon into the glass before mixing.
Tip:
Clap the basil leaves before adding—they release more aroma.
Elderflower Dream
Use elderflower tonic in place of regular tonic.
Tip:
Pair with white edible flowers or apple slices for visual flair.
Blood Orange Twist
Replace regular orange slices with blood orange when in season.
Tip:
Slice them thinly for a ruby-hued visual and a sweet, tangy bite.
Grapefruit and Thyme Spritz
Use grapefruit slices and a sprig of fresh thyme.
Tip:
Roll the thyme sprig between your fingers to awaken its aroma.
Sparkling Rosé Variation
Use sparkling rosé instead of white to add blush and depth.
Tip:
This one’s stunning in coupe glasses for a vintage feel.
“When you play with flavors, you write your own summer story.” – Imagine Living
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how to elevate your French Spritz experience:
- Serve with a charcuterie board featuring brie, prosciutto, and fresh figs
- Pair with lemony grilled shrimp or a light summer salad
- Enjoy as a welcome drink for outdoor dinner parties
- Offer with a bowl of herbed almonds or marinated olives
- Sip solo with your favorite book and a view
Storage and Reheating
While spritzes are best made fresh, you can prep components ahead:
- Chill Lillet Blanc, tonic, and sparkling wine in advance.
- Slice and store citrus garnishes in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Avoid pre-mixing to preserve carbonation.
- If batching, mix just before serving and stir gently.
Tip:
Store leftover Lillet Blanc corked in the fridge and use within 3–4 weeks for best flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Warm Ingredients
Warm Lillet or sparkling water can flatten the drink.
Tip:
Always chill your bottles before mixing—this drink is best icy and bright.
Overloading With Garnish
Too many add-ons can muddle the spritz’s delicate balance.
Tip:
Stick to one or two elegant garnishes to keep it refined.
Stirring Too Vigorously
Aggressive stirring kills the bubbles and ruins texture.
Tip:
Use a gentle swirl to blend without losing effervescence.
Using Sweet Prosecco
A sweeter wine can throw off the balance of flavors.
Tip:
Opt for “brut” or “extra brut” for a crisp, dry finish.
Skipping the Ice
This drink loses its charm if it’s not ice-cold.
Tip:
Always serve over plenty of ice, preferably large cubes.
Forgetting the Tonic’s Role
Using the wrong mixer can overpower the Lillet.
Tip:
Choose a clean, quality tonic or sparkling water with low bitterness.
FAQs
Can I Make This Drink Without Sparkling Wine?
Yes—just use a bit more tonic water for a lighter spritz.
Tip:
Add a splash of citrus juice for complexity if skipping the wine.
What’s the Best Glassware for Serving?
A large stemmed wine glass or balloon glass is ideal.
Tip:
These glasses allow room for ice and garnishes while enhancing aroma.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version?
Yes, swap Lillet Blanc for a white grape juice and herbal tea blend.
Tip:
Use citrus peel and mint to mimic Lillet’s floral-citrus profile.
How Long Can I Store Opened Lillet Blanc?
Up to 4 weeks refrigerated, though flavor fades over time.
Tip:
Label the bottle with the date you opened it for tracking.
Can I Use Club Soda Instead of Tonic?
Absolutely—club soda makes it even lighter.
Tip:
Add a touch of orange bitters to replace tonic’s complexity.
What Foods Pair Best With a French Spritz?
Think light and savory—cheeses, seafood, olives, and citrusy salads.
Tip:
Avoid overly sweet or spicy dishes that compete with the spritz.
Is It Okay to Batch for a Party?
Yes, but don’t add sparkling elements until the last moment.
Tip:
Serve in a pitcher over ice with garnishes ready to go.
The Effervescent Joy of French Spritz With Lillet Blanc
This spritz isn’t just a drink—it’s a fleeting summer afternoon bottled and poured with love. With just a few thoughtful ingredients, you can craft a refreshment that’s elegant, easy, and undeniably Parisian. Whether you’re winding down after a shoot in Montmartre or catching golden hour on your own terrace, this French Spritz with Lillet Blanc brings that effortless charm with every sip.
French Spritz With Lillet Blanc
Equipment
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Balloon wine glasses or large stemmed glasses
- Long-handled spoon or cocktail stirrer
- Ice tray
- Citrus knife or small paring knife
Ingredients
- For the Spritz:
- 4 oz Lillet Blanc chilled
- 4 oz tonic water or sparkling water chilled
- 2 oz dry sparkling wine or Prosecco
- Ice cubes for serving
- Orange slices for garnish
- Fresh mint sprigs optional for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Fill Your Glass With Ice
- Fill each glass generously with ice to keep the drink cold and refreshing.
- Tip:
- Use large ice cubes to slow down dilution.
Step 2: Add the Lillet Blanc
- Pour 2 oz of Lillet Blanc into each glass.
- “Imagine the golden swirl of Lillet catching the last rays of sun—it’s pure summer in motion.”
Step 3: Top With Sparkling Wine
- Add 1 oz of dry sparkling wine or Prosecco to each glass.
- Tip:
- Use a brut-style sparkling wine to keep the drink balanced and not overly sweet.
Step 4: Add the Tonic or Sparkling Water
- Pour in 2 oz of chilled tonic or sparkling water.
- Tip:
- Choose a lightly citrus or neutral tonic for best results.
Step 5: Stir Gently
- Gently stir with a long spoon to mix the ingredients.
- Tip:
- Avoid over-stirring to maintain the sparkle.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Add an orange slice and optional mint sprig. Serve immediately.
- Tip:
- A twist of orange peel can add a burst of aroma.