Lillet Liberte cocktail
Celebrate life, liberty, happiness, equality, fraternity… with the Lillet Liberté.
I first tried this cocktail on a 2013 trip to Seattle. At the time it was on the specialty drink menu of Maximilien Restaurant in Pike’s Place. The French bistro overlooks the Puget Sound, and this cocktail was a grand accompaniment to a great lunch.
This cocktail is also known simply as the Liberté cocktail. Regardless of how it’s called, the star ingredient here is Lillet Blanc, a French apéritif with a rich mix of fruity and herbal flavors. It’s a fantastic drink to pair with a light dessert.
What you’ll need: Gin, Lillet Blanc, and Bitters.
In a shaker over cracked ice, pour in 1 1/2 ounces of gin and 2 1/2 ounces Lillet Blanc. Add in a dash of orange- or citrus-flavored bitters. Shake and then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
How I like it: I used Bombay Gin Sapphire and Angostura Bitters to whip up this drink and attempt to replicate Maximilien’s perfection pictured above. It’s best to use your gin of choice. I’ve found this cocktail is often trotted out in the summer, especially around Bastille Day (July 14), but it most certainly can be enjoyed year round.
For a variation of my approximated recipe, check out The Kitchn’s version.
At home or dining out, drink responsibly.
