Lillet Blanc is an aromatized wine infused with herbs and fruits – here it meets autumnal pear and warm cinnamon. The thyme gives the drink an unexpected depth that only unfolds after the first sip. Perfect for the transition from afternoon to evening, when the heating is already on, but the candles aren’t lit just yet.
And this is what you need for the Lillet Winter Thyme
5 cl Lillet Blanc (aromatized wine)
5 cl pear juice (cloudy, not from concentrate)
2 cl cinnamon syrup (homemade or store-bought, but without artificial flavors)
3 cl lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 fresh pear (for garnish, variety Conference or Williams)
1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
2 fresh thyme sprigs (1 for the drink, 1 for garnish)
What matters
The trick lies in the thyme: don’t just rub the leaves between your fingers; hold them briefly over the shaker opening while shaking. This way, the aroma distributes evenly without leaving leaf residue to bite into later. If you can’t find fresh thyme, use rosemary – but only half the amount, otherwise it will dominate the drink. The cinnamon syrup shouldn’t be too sweet; if it’s too thick, dilute it with a little warm water before measuring.
Variations
- Lillet Winter Sage — Replace the thyme with fresh sage and reduce the cinnamon syrup to 1.5 cl. The sage gives the drink a peppery note that pairs well with roasted nuts.
- Lillet Winter Spice — Add 1 cl ginger syrup and garnish with a candied ginger slice. The ginger enhances the spicy component and makes the drink even warmer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace Lillet Blanc with Lillet Rouge?
Yes, but the drink will become fruitier and less herbal. Then reduce the pear juice to 3 cl and increase the lemon juice to 4 cl to maintain balance.
How long does the cinnamon syrup keep?
Homemade cinnamon syrup (sugar, water, cinnamon sticks) keeps in the fridge for about 2 weeks. Make sure it doesn’t ferment – if it bubbles or turns cloudy, discard it.
Can I make the drink without alcohol?
Replace the Lillet Blanc with an alcohol-free aperitif (e.g., based on grapes) and increase the pear juice to 7 cl. The flavor will be milder, but still complex.
