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Aperitif Revival: 5 BEST Kina Lillet Substitutes

On a warm summer night, nothing beats a refreshing cocktail.

However, many popular drinks call for ingredients that can be hard to find, such as Kina Lillet.

Kina Lillet is a French aperitif made with quinine, citrus, and spices.

It has a slightly bitter flavor that is perfect for balancing out sweet ingredients.

If you’re looking for a Kina Lillet substitute, there are several options available.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best substitutes for Kina Lillet that you can use in your favorite cocktails.

What is Kina Lillet?

Kina Lillet is a French aperitif that has been around since the 19th century.

It is made from a blend of wines and liqueurs, and it has a unique bittersweet taste.

Kina Lillet is often used in cocktails, and it is also popular as an aperitif on its own.

It can be served over ice or mixed with soda water.

Kina Lillet was created in 1887 as a white wine liqueur mixed with fruit flavors and quinine.

Quinine is what gave the drink its original bitter taste.

Today, the quinine has been replaced with herbal extracts, and the recipe remains a closely guarded secret.

Kina Lillet is still produced in the town of Podensac in southwestern France.

Kina Lillet has a complex flavor that is both sweet and bittersweet.

It is often used in cocktails, and it can also be enjoyed on its own.

To make a Kina Lillet cocktail, simply mix it with your favorite spirit and serve over ice.

If you prefer, you can also add soda, water, or juice to create a refreshing spritzer.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Kina Lillet for the Extinct Aperitif

If you’re a fan of James Bond, you’ve probably heard of Kina Lillet.

This French aperitif was featured in Casino Royale, where it was Vesper Lynd’s drink of choice.

Unfortunately, Kina Lillet is no longer in production, so if you want to make a Vesper, you’ll need to find a substitute.

Here are 5 of the best substitutes for Kina Lillet:

1 – Lillet Blanc and Angostura Bitters

what is lillet blanc
what is lillet blanc

Lillet Blanc is a French aperitif wine that is dry and slightly bitter.

It is made with oranges and botanicals and has a similar flavor profile to vermouth.

Angostura bitters are a type of aromatic bitters that are made with herbs and spices.

They are often used in cocktails to add flavor and depth.

While Lillet Blanc and Angostura bitters share some similarities, they are different in taste and function.

Lillet Blanc is dry and slightly citrusy, with a subtle bitterness from the orange peel.

Angostura bitters are much more intensely flavored, with notes of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.

They can be used to add flavor to any cocktail but are particularly well-suited for drinks with a lot of citrusy or sweet flavors.

If you want to substitute Lillet Blanc for Kina Lillet in a cocktail recipe, simply use an equal amount of Lillet Blanc and add a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters.

2 – Amaro Angeleno

Amaro Angeleno is an Italian liqueur that is gaining popularity in the United States.

It is made with a blend of herbs, roots, and citrus peel and has a bittersweet flavor.

Amaro Angeleno can be enjoyed on its own or used as a substitute for Kina Lillet in cocktails.

The taste of Amaro Angeleno is complex and well-rounded.

The bitterness of the herbs is balanced by the sweetness of the citrus peel, and the roots add a touch of earthiness.

This liqueur is also refreshingly crisp, making it a perfect choice for summer cocktails.

To substitute Amaro Angeleno for Kina Lillet in a cocktail, simply use equal parts.

For example, if a recipe calls for 1 ounce of Kina Lillet, use 1 ounce of Amaro Angeleno instead.

This substitution will work well in any cocktail that calls for a sweet and bitter liqueur.

3 – Cocchi Americano

Cocchi Americano is an aperitif wine that originated in the Piedmont region of Italy.

It is made from a blend of Moscato and Pinot Bianco grapes, and it has a light, fruity flavor with hints of orange and vanilla.

Cocchi Americano is often used as a substitute for Kina Lillet, another aperitif wine.

While the two wines have similar flavors, Cocchi Americano is less sweet than Kina Lillet and has a more pronounced citrus flavor.

Cocchi Americano can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with sparkling wine or soda water to create a refreshing spritz.

It is also an excellent choice for making cocktails, such as the classic Americano or Negroni.

4 – Reserve Jean De Lillet

Jean de Lillet is a French aperitif wine that is similar to Kina Lillet.

It is made with Kina juice, sweet and bitter orange peels, and quinine.

Jean de Lillet has a light, fruity taste with floral notes and a hint of bitterness.

It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other drinks.

Jean de Lillet can be used as a substitute for Kina Lillet in cocktails.

To make a substitution, simply mix equal parts of Jean de Lillet and gin.

This will give your cocktail the same light, fruity flavor with a hint of bitterness.

5 – Kina L’Avion d’Or

Kina L’Avion d’Or is a French aperitif that is made with white wine and quinine.

It has a light, fruity taste with hints of citrus and floral flavors.

Kina L’Avion d’Or can be enjoyed on its own or as a mixer in cocktails.

It is also a popular substitute for Kina Lillet, which is no longer produced.

To make a Kina Lillet substitution, simply mix equal parts Kina L’Avion d’Or and gin.

This will create a drink that is similar in taste and appearance to the classic Kina Lillet cocktail.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kina Lillet is a French aperitif wine that is no longer produced.

However, there are many excellent substitutes that can be used in their place.

The five substitutes listed above are all great choices for making cocktails or enjoying them on their own.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a Kina Lillet cocktail, don’t be afraid to experiment with one of these substitutes.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Kina Lillet for the Extinct Aperitif

Elevate your extinct aperitif experience with the 5 best substitutes for Kina Lillet. Discover perfect alternatives that seamlessly replicate the unique flavors of the now-extinct aperitif, ensuring a delightful and authentic tasting experience.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Lillet Blanc and Angostura Bitters
  • Amaro Angeleno
  • Cocchi Americano
  • Reserve Jean De Lillet
  • Kina L’Avion d’Or

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  • Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
Keyword Substitutes for Kina Lillet for the Extinct Aperitif
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