Vesper Martini question

TheNextLeiter

I like to drink a couple every now and then at home since I have the ingredients on hand. But at most bars and restaurants, they don't have the key ingredient 'Lillet' (now called Lillet Blanc). So I'm wondering what would be a good substitute for it?

I know in The Mantis's video 'James Bond Cocktails', they use St. Germain for a variation of the drink. Has anyone tried this themselves to see if it's any good?

Westward_Drift

TheNextLeiter wrote:

I like to drink a couple every now and then at home since I have the ingredients on hand. But at most bars and restaurants, they don't have the key ingredient 'Lillet' (now called Lillet Blanc). So I'm wondering what would be a good substitute for it?

I know in The Mantis's video 'James Bond Cocktails', they use St. Germain for a variation of the drink. Has anyone tried this themselves to see if it's any good?

Actually Lillet isn't the Kina Lillet that was once availible (a dash or two of bitters makes it closer). An excellent substitute for Kina is Cocci Americano. I like it in a martini (non-Vespers) and on its own with a splash of soda and a twist of orange. I find it readily availible at liquor stores here in California, including BevMo, although it is still unknown to many bartenders outside San Francisco and the like. Try it for yourself, and see if any of the bars or restaurants in your area carry it.

Thomo

TheNextLeiter wrote:

I like to drink a couple every now and then at home since I have the ingredients on hand. But at most bars and restaurants, they don't have the key ingredient 'Lillet' (now called Lillet Blanc). So I'm wondering what would be a good substitute for it?

I know in The Mantis's video 'James Bond Cocktails', they use St. Germain for a variation of the drink. Has anyone tried this themselves to see if it's any good?

It is said that Cocchi Americano is the closest thing you can get to Kina Lillet taste wise, more so than Lillet Blanc. I've tried it and like it. The Gin should also be the export version at 47% - Enjoy

minigeff

Cocchi Americano with a dash of quinine powder should do the trick apparently.

TheNextLeiter

Yes, I've heard of cochi americono is a more accurate represtentation to the real thing. I'll have to try it the next time I have a chance.

Are there any other suggestions if that also isn't available at any restuarant/bar. Don't know if most bars in North Texas would carry them.

Cheers -{

Thomo

minigeff wrote:

Cocchi Americano with a dash of quinine powder should do the trick apparently.

I've had it without the quinine powder and it's really nice

barracuda

There is a company making what is supposed to be closer to Kina Lillet than Lillet Blanc, Tempus Fugit's Kina L'Avion D'Or.

I've not tried it so can't comment. Not that it will be any easier to find in a bar than Lillet Blanc though!

Thomo

TheNextLeiter wrote:

Yes, I've heard of cochi americono is a more accurate represtentation to the real thing. I'll have to try it the next time I have a chance.

Are there any other suggestions if that also isn't available at any restuarant/bar. Don't know if most bars in North Texas would carry them.

Cheers -{

I normally drink a Dry Martini, Gin and no vodka as you don't taste the vodka. Just go for a good vermouth and a good Gin. The Gin you pick will alter the taste, you'll need to find out which you like best, there are hundreds of Gins so you can enjoy that part, the tastings

Ward

Americano is becoming more fashionable so you should be able to find it in some bars. It's available at good wine shops for around $20.