This was my first cocktail made with Lillet Blanc and what a nice surprise it was! The sweet herbal/orange quality of the Lillet pairs exceedingly well with the smoky char of the Rye. This is a very sophisticated drink that will be respectfully enjoyed by every astute whiskey drinker, especially if they love a good rye.

Other versions of this recipe that I have seen don’t call for the orange peel or the rocks glass. A chilled cocktail glass seems to be preferred. However, I feel both are important. The orange peel accentuates the herbaceous quality in the Lillet while not over-powering the Rye and the ice a ice filled rocks glass help to open up the rye.

I used Rittenhouse 100Rye for this application but I have also tried Makers Mark bourbon with success. The bourbon is more assertive in this drink than the rye.

The furthered evolution of this drink is the Lillet Manhattan and Lillet Perfect Manhattan where the Lillet replaces the sweet vermouth. But those are a subject of another post.

Stargazer

Recipe:

1.5 oz Rye

1.5 oz Lillet Blanc

Dash Agnostura bitters

Slice of orange peel

Method:

Place rye, Lillet, bitters and orange peel into an ice filled cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into an ice filled rocks class.

Related posts:

1. The Sazerc Cocktail by Sean Hoard of PDT
2. Mamacita Cocktail by Cafe Rouge
3. The Americano and The Americano Grapefruit Cooler
4. The Globe Cocktail
5. Corpse Reviver #2