Hurrah! Maison Lillet have declared today National Aperitif Day (16 May), so why not make it your business to get acquainted with this most agreeable of drinks? Made from a blend of wines, liqueurs, fruit and herbs Lillet (pronounced lee-lay) is fresh and flirty, light but with a bit of an edge – it’s wine with a whole lot of French style and attitude.
Try the Lillet Rosé, Rouge or Blanc in specially created aperitifs on the menus at Brasserie Zédel, Balthazar and Coq D’Argent in London, and Epernay Champagne bars in Leeds and Manchester. Alternatively, grab a bottle this evening and enjoy a glass over ice ina French stylee, or do it the British way in a simple but innovative cocktail like the one below.
Reverse Pink Vesper
50ml Lillet Rosé
20ml gin
10ml vodka
Pink grapefruit or orange twist
Method:
Stir over ice and serve in a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a pink grapefruit or orange twist.
Stir over ice and serve in a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a pink grapefruit or orange twist.

RRP: £17. For more information, see lillet.com