In France, the evening meal doesn’t begin until the apéro hour is finished. This pre-dinner ritual, during which apéritifs and light bites are served, is a cherished tradition that helps people transition from the hustle and bustle of the day to a relaxing evening meal ahead.

While the apéro is similar to the American happy hour, both being social events centered around drinks, they feel very different. The American happy hour is more commercially driven, held at bars and restaurants offering discounted food and drinks. Restraint is not the norm, and no one thinks twice if a couple of cocktails are knocked back.

The French version, however, can be at a bar or restaurant, a sidewalk terrace, or even at someone’s home. One drink is standard, usually white wine, Champagne, or fortified wine like vermouth. Small snacks, like olives, nuts, and charcuterie, are served to whet the appetite, not to satiate it.

On the Scene Since 1872

One of my favorite apéritifs is Lillet Blanc, a fortified wine I discovered eons ago in college, thanks to an older, more worldly boyfriend. While he’s out of the picture, Lillet isn't—I still love it!

Lillet is produced in Bordeaux from wine macerated with various herbs, spices, and fruits. It’s then fortified with French brandy and aged in French oak barrels. The result is a slightly sweet, refreshing drink with citrusy notes. It comes in three versions: blanc (with aromas of orange and Welch’s grape juice), rosé (sweeter with red berry aromas), and rouge (like a sweet and fruity red wine).

My ‘go-to’ is always the classic: Lillet Blanc, with its inviting scent of oranges. I serve it on the rocks with a slice of orange—perfectly refreshing, especially on a sweltering summer evening! Be careful, though; it goes down very easily despite its 17% alcohol.

Lillet also works well as a cocktail ingredient—think of it as a substitute for vermouth, used to smooth out and bind the other ingredients while adding depth of flavor. One of the most iconic cocktails using Lillet is a Vesper, a type of martini made famous by James Bond in Ian Fleming's novel Casino Royale.

Four Cocktails With Lillet to Make This Summer

Note: each recipe makes one cocktail.

The Vesper

Ingredients

3 oz top-shelf gin

1 oz top-shelf vodka

1/4 oz Lillet Blanc

Instructions

1) Combine gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until combined and chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain into a Champagne coupe or cocktail glass.

2) Using a paring knife, Cut a strip of lemon peel about 1 inch wide. Run the peel over the rim of the glass before placing it in the drink as a garnish.