09 July Lillet Rose Reverse Martini

We keep 3 bottles of the aperitif, Lillet, in our refrigerator - Blanc, Rouge, and Rose. While each has subtle individual differences that are pleasing, my favorite has always been Lillet Rouge. That is, until tonight.

The Lillet website has some great ideas for using the three aperitif either on their own or in a mixed cocktail. This one appealed to us and maybe it will to you as well. For more on how to use Lillet, visit their website.

As a French company, Lillet uses the metric system. Mathematicians and purists may wish to convert metrics to US standard; I however just used the ratio of 4 Lillet Rose to 1 Gin and added a dash of Orange bitters.

Lillet Rose Reverse Martini

In a shaker filled with ice, pour

• 8cl of Lillet Rosé

• 2cl of Gin

• 2 dashes of Orange Bitters

Place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds. Pour into the glass (suggested: Coupe) using a cocktail strainer. Squeeze the orange peel to release the flavour and place in the glass.

05 June: A Variation on the Queen's Cocktail

Ever since we discovered Queen Elizabeth’s fondness for a pick-me-up Dubonnet Cocktail, it’s been added into our cocktail rotation. The Queen’s cocktail is a 2 to 1 ratio, Dubonnet Rouge to a dry gin, served over ice with a twist of lemon. The Bisson version is more like a 1 to 1 ratio. We are fans of gins on the more juniper-y side, so while we have some artisanal favorite spirits, when anticipating a quarantine, we managed to buy a gigantic bottle of Tanqueray which is pretty darn good.

To change things up, last night we opened the Lillet Rose (pink) and substituted that for the Dubonnet Rouge in the Queen’s Cocktail.

It was a winner with which that I believe Her Highness would be on board.