Uploaded June 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this video, Charles-Philippe reviews Lillet Blanc and talks about its history. Learn about its tasting notes and overall experience as we explore it in detail.
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Reserve Bar: pntra.com/t/Qz9LQkdGP0NGSElERD9LQkdG?url=https%3A%2F%2Freservebar.myshopify.com%2Fproducts%2Flillet-blanc
Read About Quinquina & The Best Ones To Buy:
bespokeunit.com/spirits/quinquina
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Cufflinks: Vintage
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00:16 - Lillet Blanc's Background
Lillet is often regarded as a variety of Quinquina although that isn't technically correct anymore. Quinquina was invited as France's answer to the Gin & Tonic. Quinine, an anti-fever agent used to fight malaria to this day, was an active ingredient. It was issued to soldiers serving in the colonials abroad who developed a taste for it.
Back in France, it became a popular choice as the officers returned home. It was often served chilled or with ice as an apéritif. One of the first varieties introduced was Dubonnet. Dubonnet today is primarily produced in the USA as it was hard to obtain during the Second World War.
However, Lillet wasn't marketed as a medicinal drink. It was developed by Paul and Raymond Lillet who were inspired by the works of Father Kermann, a monk who travelled to Brazil. When he returned, he produced his own medicinal wine using herbs and spices.
The brothers launched their own production from Bordeaux, which was well-placed to import herbs and spices from the Caribbean, produce the drink locally, and then easily ship it to Paris.
Lillet was initially known as Kina Lillet, which referred to the quinine in its ingredients. It was synonymous with the Roaring Twenties and played an important role in cocktail culture. One of the most famous cocktails is James Bond's Vesper, which consists of 3 parts gin, one part vodka, and 1/2 a Kina Lillet, which is served with a lemon twist.
Interestingly, Ian Fleming made it up and disliked it when he finally tried his creation. In the 2006 film, Daniel Craig anachronistcally orders a Vesper with Kina Lillet. However, it no longer existed by this time.
In 1985, Lillet was acquired by Bruno Borie. To overcome dwindling sales against Martini, Lillet was reformulated into a sweet aromatised wine. The "Kina" was dropped as the quinine was removed. Consequently, it was no longer possible to reproduce authentic versions of cocktails like the Vesper or a Corpse Reviver No 2.
Since then, other quinquinas have become known, which offer a similar experience. For instance, Cap Mattei and Italian Americano. See our guide on Quinquina linked above to learn more about them.
3:45 - Lillet Blanc Review
Lillet Blanc is typically served ice cold so was kept in the freezer. The bottle has a stylish label and is quite elegant.
It's a pleasant apéritif to drink alone but CP prefers bitter quinquina like Byrrh or Cap Mattei.
The rob resembles a white wine like Chardonnay or Chablis. It's a little hazy.
it's very sweet on the nose, with notes of white flowers, exotic fruits, apricots, and peaches. However, it's not overly complex.
On the palate, it's quite reminiscent of a Sauternes white wine. After all, the base wine is quite similar. It's sweet with a moelleux texture and notes of honey, sweet citrus fruit.
And that's about it! Lillet is easy to drink, quite pleasant. It's a shame that it doesn't have any quinine anymore, though.
Nevertheless, it's a must-have cocktail ingredient and a great, sweeter alternative to Vermouth.
Already tried Lillet Blanc or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
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In this video, Charles-Philippe reviews Lillet Blanc and talks about its history. Learn about its tasting notes and overall experience as we explore it in detail.
Buy Now:
Drizly: drizly.sjv.io/gdR2r
Reserve Bar: pntra.com/t/Qz9LQkdGP0NGSElERD9LQkdG?url=https%3A%2F%2Freservebar.myshopify.com%2Fproducts%2Flillet-blanc
Read About Quinquina & The Best Ones To Buy:
bespokeunit.com/spirits/quinquina
This Video's Wardrobe:
Shirt: jdoqocy.com/click-7656949-13791851
Suit: click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=84gKhJ8XAxE&mid=41221&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indochino.com%2F
Cufflinks: Vintage
Watch: Vintage
Tie: Christian Dior Vintage
00:16 - Lillet Blanc's Background
Lillet is often regarded as a variety of Quinquina although that isn't technically correct anymore. Quinquina was invited as France's answer to the Gin & Tonic. Quinine, an anti-fever agent used to fight malaria to this day, was an active ingredient. It was issued to soldiers serving in the colonials abroad who developed a taste for it.
Back in France, it became a popular choice as the officers returned home. It was often served chilled or with ice as an apéritif. One of the first varieties introduced was Dubonnet. Dubonnet today is primarily produced in the USA as it was hard to obtain during the Second World War.
However, Lillet wasn't marketed as a medicinal drink. It was developed by Paul and Raymond Lillet who were inspired by the works of Father Kermann, a monk who travelled to Brazil. When he returned, he produced his own medicinal wine using herbs and spices.
The brothers launched their own production from Bordeaux, which was well-placed to import herbs and spices from the Caribbean, produce the drink locally, and then easily ship it to Paris.
Lillet was initially known as Kina Lillet, which referred to the quinine in its ingredients. It was synonymous with the Roaring Twenties and played an important role in cocktail culture. One of the most famous cocktails is James Bond's Vesper, which consists of 3 parts gin, one part vodka, and 1/2 a Kina Lillet, which is served with a lemon twist.
Interestingly, Ian Fleming made it up and disliked it when he finally tried his creation. In the 2006 film, Daniel Craig anachronistcally orders a Vesper with Kina Lillet. However, it no longer existed by this time.
In 1985, Lillet was acquired by Bruno Borie. To overcome dwindling sales against Martini, Lillet was reformulated into a sweet aromatised wine. The "Kina" was dropped as the quinine was removed. Consequently, it was no longer possible to reproduce authentic versions of cocktails like the Vesper or a Corpse Reviver No 2.
Since then, other quinquinas have become known, which offer a similar experience. For instance, Cap Mattei and Italian Americano. See our guide on Quinquina linked above to learn more about them.
3:45 - Lillet Blanc Review
Lillet Blanc is typically served ice cold so was kept in the freezer. The bottle has a stylish label and is quite elegant.
It's a pleasant apéritif to drink alone but CP prefers bitter quinquina like Byrrh or Cap Mattei.
The rob resembles a white wine like Chardonnay or Chablis. It's a little hazy.
it's very sweet on the nose, with notes of white flowers, exotic fruits, apricots, and peaches. However, it's not overly complex.
On the palate, it's quite reminiscent of a Sauternes white wine. After all, the base wine is quite similar. It's sweet with a moelleux texture and notes of honey, sweet citrus fruit.
And that's about it! Lillet is easy to drink, quite pleasant. It's a shame that it doesn't have any quinine anymore, though.
Nevertheless, it's a must-have cocktail ingredient and a great, sweeter alternative to Vermouth.
Already tried Lillet Blanc or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
CONNECT:
Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter
