Refreshing Lillet Rosé Tonic Cocktail 

Elegant without any fuss – This 3 ingredient cocktail couldn’t be easier but is an absolute head-turner, especially if you make floral ice cubes as I did. 

Customizable – You can easily adjust ratios or flavors to suit your tastes. Want more sweetness? Add some simple syrup. More tart? Go for more lemon juice. Or, you can even add a few dashes of citrus bitters for a more complex bitter profile. 

No special equipment needed – This cocktail is mixed right inside the glass and without the need for a cocktail shaker or mixology gear.

Lillet rosé is a French fortified wine with a beautiful pink hue. It is made from wines, specifically from the Sémillon grape, in the Bordeaux region of France and fruit liqueurs. It has notes of berries, orange blossom, and grapefruit.

It is a type of aperitif or pre-dinner drink. If you like to learn more about aperitif cocktails, be sure to check out my post about aperitifs vs. digestifs. 

Lillet rosé – It can be found at most well-stocked liquor stores. If you can’t find the rosé version, Lillet blanc also works wonderfully in this drink. 

Lemon juice – As with all cocktails, fresh citrus juice always tastes best. If I’m just making a single drink, I use my hand juicer. If I’m making a big batch, my electric citrus juicer is very helpful. 

Tonic water – Opt for a high quality tonic water for best flavor. Fever-Tree or Q Mixers both make great versions. I also like to make my own seltzer with my SodaStream and then flavor it with a concentrated tonic syrup, like Jack Rudy. 

Garnishes – These are totally optional. I like to use fresh mint and a lemon wedge. I also made my own floral ice cubes, which make for such a beautiful drink and play up the floral nature of this drink. I have a more information how to make floral ice cubes below.

Step 1: Add the ice cubes and Lillet to a large wine or collins glass. I used a boxy wine glass like these.

Step 2: Add the lemon juice and top with tonic water.

Step 3: Garnish with fresh mint and/or lemon wedge, if desired. 

Swap out the tonic water for a sparkling wine such as prosecco for more of a wine spritzer vibe.

Use herbs in your ice, such as lavender, rosemary, or thyme.

Add a touch of sweetness with the addition of simple syrup or orange juice. My lemon-lime simple syrup would be a great option!

Muddle some fresh berries in the bottom of the glass before starting, like I did in my Blueberry Gin and Tonic. Once the drink is assembled, give it a good stir to incorporate a more fruity flavor. 

If you’re making a batch for a get-together or holiday, mix the Lillet and lemon juice in your pitcher up to 1 day ahead of time and refrigerate. Add the tonic water just before serving to maintain the bubbles texture. Serve over ice and with your garnishes as usual.

Can you drink Lillet Rosé straight?

Yes, Lillet Rosé can be enjoyed chilled straight or over ice. Its aromatic, floral, and slightly fruity profile makes it a delightful aperitif sipper.

How long does Lillet last once opened?

For optimal flavor, try to consume it within 1-2 months after opening.

Does Lillet need to be refrigerated?

Yes, you should refrigerate your fortified wines, like Lillet. It keeps the flavors fresh and you can extend the shelf life.

What is the difference between Lillet Blanc, Lillet Rouge, and Lillet Rosé?

Lillet blanc has a light floral and honey flavor and is made from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The rosé has a similar light flavor but more of fruity, ripe berries vibe.

Like the blanc, the rosé uses Sémillon grapes as its primary base. Lastly, Lillet rouge comes from Merlot grapes and also has a fruit-forward flavor like the rosé, but more along the lines of dark fruits, like blackberries and plums.