Lillet

Kina Lillet, often simply referred to as Lillet, is a French aperitif wine that has a history dating back to the late 19th century. It is a fortified wine that is flavored with a blend of botanicals, including quinine, citrus peel, and various herbs. Here's a description of Kina Lillet:

  1. Origin: Kina Lillet was first created in the Bordeaux region of France in the late 1800s by brothers Paul and Raymond Lillet. Originally called "Kina Lillet" due to the inclusion of quinine from the cinchona tree (commonly known as "kina" in some regions), it was initially marketed as a quinine tonic.

  2. Ingredients: The main ingredients in Kina Lillet are Bordeaux wine (white wine), citrus liqueurs, quinine, and a blend of herbs and spices. The exact recipe and the specific botanicals used are proprietary and have evolved over time.

  3. Flavor Profile: Kina Lillet is known for its balanced and slightly sweet flavor profile with subtle bitterness from the quinine. It has prominent notes of citrus, particularly orange and grapefruit, along with hints of herbs and spices. The overall taste is refreshing, with a mild complexity that makes it an excellent choice as an aperitif.

  4. Alcohol Content: Kina Lillet typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 17%, which places it in the category of fortified wines. It is lower in alcohol content compared to many spirits, making it well-suited for sipping before a meal.

  5. Serving: Kina Lillet is typically served chilled and can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif. It is often garnished with a citrus twist, such as a lemon or orange peel, to enhance the citrus notes.

  6. Cultural Significance: Kina Lillet gained popularity in the 20th century and was a key ingredient in classic cocktails, most notably the "Vesper Martini" created by James Bond author Ian Fleming. In this cocktail, Kina Lillet was combined with gin and vodka. However, the formulation of Lillet changed over time, and the product available today is slightly different from the original Kina Lillet used in the Vesper Martini.

  7. Packaging: Kina Lillet is typically bottled in a clear glass bottle with a label that features the Lillet name and the product's logo. The bottle's design has evolved over the years.

  8. Availability: While Kina Lillet was reformulated and renamed "Lillet Blanc" in the 1980s, it is still available under the Lillet brand. Lillet Blanc retains many of the original flavor characteristics of Kina Lillet but with some adjustments to the recipe.

In summary, Kina Lillet, also known as Lillet, is a French aperitif wine that features a balanced flavor profile with citrus, quinine, and herbal notes. It is often served chilled and enjoyed as a refreshing aperitif or used as an ingredient in classic cocktails. While the product has evolved over the years, it remains a notable part of cocktail history and continues to be appreciated by those who enjoy aperitif wines with a hint of complexity.

Subtypes

Used in 3 drinks: