Confession: I’m not a big drinker. Yes, I work in advertising. Yes, I’m a bit of an anomaly. I can pinpoint where things took a turn for the “I don’t think I can party anymore” – 21st birthday, an entire bottle of Veuve and a three-day hangover. We won’t mention the few times I’ve tried to hop back on the party animal horse (cough… my first agency holiday party). There’s been a huge bonus to being that 1-to-three-drinks-max girl at the party, though: I’ve started to actually appreciate a good cocktail, glass of wine or refreshing cider. And Caesars – never forget the mighty Caesar.
When you’re having just a few casual drinks, taste becomes so much more important than it did when you were downing vodka shots by the pair. I’m not going to say I’ve become a wine snob or anything like that, but I’ve definitely discovered some favourites. Last week, a beautiful media kit from Lillet Blanc arrived at my doorstep and I just had this feeling I’d be able to get behind the traditional French aperitif.
I knew the flowery French Lillet Blanc would taste great on the rocks, as it’s traditionally served, but I wanted to try a drink that would really quench my thirst on a hot, muggy day like the ones we’ve been having. And, let’s be honest, I also wanted something that looked impressive with minimal amounts of work. I turned to my reigning goddess, Martha Stewart, for suggestions and came across the Basil Lillet Slush. Basil happens to be one of my favourite flavours ever and is growing in abundance in the pots on our deck, so a Basil Lillet Slush it was.
My best girlfriend Martha knows what she’s doing – the salty sweet rim combined with the Lillet Blanc’s aromas of candied oranges, honey, pine resin and exotic fruits pair perfectly with garden fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon. The result is a gorgeously slushy drink that felt fresh and heady at the same time. It’s also the most vibrant, summery shade of green. And yes, I hauled my Vitamix out to our backyard kitchen for the occasion. Sometimes I’m a good blogger. Tell me this doesn’t look superbly drinkable:
Along with being superbly drinkable-looking, it’s also jacked up with three shots of booze. So it’s seriously boozy along with being pretty. Win-win? I made mine with a shot of the Skinnygirl Vodka I keep in my freezer at all times for ’emergencies’. While the salty-sweet rim is delicious, I’d recommend your ratio be 2 parts sugar to every 1 part salt vs. half & half – this is definitely a bevvie that could benefit from some sweetness!
Martha Stewart’s Basil Lillet Slush
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Coarse salt
- 5 medium basil leaves
- 2 ounces Lillet Blanc
- 1 ounce vodka
- 2 tablespoons Simple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Garnish: basil sprig
- Mix together sugar and 1 teaspoon salt on a small plate or saucer. Wet the outside rim of a chilled wineglass with water. Holding glass by the stem, rotate rim in sugar-salt mixture to coat.
- Puree basil leaves, Lillet Blanc, vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice, and ice in a blender until smooth. Pour into prepared glass, and garnish with basil sprig.
If you’re looking for a fun new addition to your bar cart that’s the perfect summer sipper and addition to summery cocktails, pick up a bottle of Lillet Blanc at the LCBO for under $18. Enjoy it straight up, on the rocks or as part of a delicious cocktail. My next Martha-Lillet experiments will be the Lillet Rose Spring Cocktail, Lillet Basil Cocktail and the Lillet and Cucumber Aperitif.
Have you ever tried Lillet? Do you have a suggestion for an amazing bottle of wine (I love whites – especially Riesling) or cocktail I need to try? Let me know in the comments!
[disclaim]This product was sent to me for editorial consideration and review. I’m sharing it with you because I love it and think you will, too! [/disclaim]
