Pretend You’re Lounging on a Yacht in Monaco While You Sip on Lillet Cocktails at These 8 Spots in SoCal

The Aperitif Will Elevate Your Happiness, Any Hour of the Day

Written By: Charlotte Farrell Where to Drink Lillet
Photographed By: Chad Mellon

When you sip on a cocktail, it can have one of two effects on you other than that notable warm, fuzzy feeling: you either blindly drink it without a second thought, or you savor it, thinking about how you could share it with the world because everyone deserves to taste something so magical. And in some cases, you get a drink that makes you wonder, ‘What is that delicate flavor that hits the palate? It’s like getting a soft bouquet of roses placed right under your nose?’

The answer is Lillet. Since 1872, the golden liquid has been the aperitif of choice when it comes to elevating a cocktail, all while making you feel like you should be sipping it on the coast of France draped across the bow of a 50-foot-yacht.

Their core product, the Lillet Blanc, presents aromas of candied oranges, honey, pine resin and exotic fruits, and the effect is a full and fresh party on your taste buds. It is best served either on the rocks, with a bit of tonic and cucumber, as a “Vesper”—think gin, vodka, Lillet and garnished with a lemon peel—and in so many other forms and concoctions. Pro Tip: Check out their Instagram account @lillet.usa for more recipes and aperitif chic ideas!

Lest we forget, their range includes other equally vivacious flavors that can be enjoyed on their own or splashed in your favorite drink. That lineup includes Lillet Rosé, Lillet Rouge, Réserve Lillet Blanc and Réserve Lillet Rouge.

You’ll notice their signature and oh-so-Instagrammable bottles at the bar, and even more so now that we have you dreaming about a straw hat and infinity pool with a cocktail in hand. Especially in Southern California, we are #blessed with yearlong summer-like temps and beachy breezes, so it gives us ample opportunities to drink some Lillet or a Lillet cocktail without worrying about the chill outside. Here are some of our favorite spots throughout SoCal that serve the aperitif:

Where to Drink Lillet