Fortify Your Lillet With Vodka
Portland and many other cities are currently experiencing the first wave of artificial spring, which seems to work wonders for the collective mood. For me personally, the sunshine has awakened my cravings for patio drinks – drinks with a relatively low alcohol content and a bright fresh taste that can be eaten without any truly unfortunate consequences. And Lillet is the perfect base for this genre of cocktails.
Lille, crisp, sweet and refreshing, is a fortified, flavored wine, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be further fortified with a little vodka and a few drops of bitter. By combining a fair amount of Lillet Blanc with less vodka, you get a very springtime upside-down kangaroo situation , except you’re using Lillet instead of vermouth. (Full Disclosure: Although I have bought and written about Lillet several times already, this particular bottle I used to make this drink was shipped to me free of charge.)
If you prefer gin, I totally understand, but try it with vodka first for a cleaner, lighter experience. Using vodka instead of gin allows the honey and citrus-flavored aperitif to shine like the sun you should drink it under. This drink is good over crushed ice and good right in a super cold cocktail glass. Try both ways and see which one you like best.
To make it you will need:
- 2 oz Lillet Blanc
- 1 ounce vodka
- A few drops of bitter, angostura or orange
Combine vodka and Lillet in a stirring glass filled with ice and stir to cool. Strain through crushed or granulated ice, or serve in a chilled compartment for a silky, firmer drink. Add a few drops of bitterness and enjoy.