Lillet

Hailing from Pondesac, Lillet is a fortified wine that is produced with a combination of fruits, peels, and barks that are macerated in neutral alcohol and then combined with wine. The final blend is usually aged for several months in oak barrels.

The drink was first marketed as Kina Lillet—because it incorporated quinine liqueur—and it originally came as a white Blanc version. Following its success in the United States, the company also distributed Lillet Dry—more suitable for use in cocktails and long drinks—as well as the red wine-based Rouge version.

Both Blanc and Rouge Lillet aperitifs are typically served chilled, neat or on the rocks, and usually with orange, lemon, or lime slices. They also incorporate well in a wide variety of cocktails and long drinks.