08/21/07 Lillet

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. This week we are answering questions from the email. A listener writes to ask "My friend served us Lillet and said it was made from wine and comes from Bordeaux - Is that correct? And could you recommend some ways to serve it?" Lillet does in fact hale from the French region of Bordeaux. It is an orange flavored aperitif served by itself over ice or as a part of a cocktail recipe. It is created from a recipe dating back to 1887, in which a white wine is infused with a blend of fruit liqueurs, spices and herbs to create a rather exotic beverage. It can be served throughout the day as a brunch cocktail, with luncheon and of course, before and after dinner. As an addition to a white wine on the rocks and as a flavor to club soda it is nothing if not versatile. I have seen a recipe using Lillet to make a Mojito and with Vodka and Gin in a Martin style drink called a Casino Royale. It's some James Bond thing & That being said Lillet is also delicious muddled with mint and fresh ginger. There is also a Lillet Red on the market and it is great after dinner with blue cheese and melon. I am sure if you go to the internet you will find tons of recipes and no doubt, many which sound appealing to you. But, do keep in mind Lillet may be an acquired taste. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at Vine to Wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.