Cocktail culture · Summer drinks · Aperitif guide

The Lillet Spritz + Delância Rosé: your new sparkling summer ritual

How a centuries-old French aperitif became the season's most elegant spritz - and why a rosé infused with pomegranate & rosemary makes it even better

Summer 2026

8 min read

Cocktails & aperitifs

"The Lillet Spritz is fast becoming the drink of the moment - refreshing, floral, and effortlessly chic. But the secret to taking it to the next level? Swapping the sparkling wine."

If you've been paying attention to what's in people's glasses this summer, you've already noticed it. The Lillet Spritz has surged past Aperol, Hugo, and limoncello spritzes to claim its place as the aperitivo of the season - and for good reason. Lillet, the beloved French aromatised wine from Bordeaux, offers something its rivals simply cannot: a delicate, fruity complexity that tastes like summer itself.

But there's a version of the Lillet Spritz that most people haven't tried yet - one that replaces the usual sparkling wine with something more interesting. Our rosé, infused with pomegranate and rosemary, transforms this already-beautiful drink into something truly unforgettable. Check it out here.

What is a Lillet Spritz?

A Lillet Spritz is a light, low-ABV cocktail built around Lillet - an aromatised wine blended with fruit liqueurs and botanicals, produced in Podensac, Bordeaux, since 1872. Unlike vermouth (which is herbal and dry) or Aperol (bitter and bright orange), Lillet is unmistakably floral and fruity, with notes of citrus blossom, honey, and fresh orange peel.

The classic recipe is simple: Lillet Rosé or Blanc, a generous pour of sparkling wine, a splash of sparkling water, and a twist of citrus or a fresh herb. The result is pale, effervescent, and deeply refreshing.

Global sales of Lillet have soared from 70,000 cases in 2008 to over 1.3 million in 2024 - and the Lillet Spritz is driving that growth, now accounting for a significant share of spritz orders across UK pubs and bars.

Why the sparkling wine matters more than you think

Most Lillet Spritz recipes simply call for "sparkling wine" - typically prosecco. And while prosecco works perfectly well, it's also the path of least resistance. It adds bubbles and mild fruit, but it rarely adds anything surprising.

The sparkling wine you choose fundamentally shapes the character of your spritz. A drier crémant will sharpen the florals in Lillet Blanc. A rosé cava will deepen the berry notes in Lillet Rosé. And an infused sparkling rosé? That's where things get genuinely exciting.

The key insight: The spritz formula is built on contrast: the richness of the aperitif, the brightness of the sparkling wine, and the dilution of the soda. Change the sparkling wine, and you change everything.

The upgrade: rosé with pomegranate & rosemary

Our sparkling rosé, infused with pomegranate and rosemary, was practically made for the Lillet Spritz. Here's why the pairing works so beautifully:

Pomegranate

Pomegranate brings a deep, tangy sweetness that mirrors the fruit liqueurs already present in Lillet Rosé. It amplifies the berry notes without adding extra sugar, and its colour deepens the gorgeous blush of the drink - turning a standard pink spritz into something jewel-toned and visually stunning.

Rosemary

This is the element that surprises people. Rosemary adds an aromatic, herbaceous backbone that gives the drink structure and longevity. Where most spritzes fade on the palate, the rosemary note lingers - earthy and green against all that fruit and fizz. It's what transforms a good drink into a memorable one.

The sparkling rosé base

The fine bubbles in our rosé are gentle enough not to overpower Lillet's delicate aromatics, while the wine's natural acidity keeps the whole glass lively from first sip to last. This is the sparkling wine that actually earns its place in the glass.

The recipe

Lillet Spritz with pomegranate & rosemary sparkling rosé

What you need

60 ml Lillet Rosé, chilled
90 ml pomegranate & rosemary sparkling rosé
30 ml sparkling water
Ice (large cubes preferred)
Fresh rosemary sprig
Pomegranate seeds to garnish
Orange slice or twist

How to build it

Fill a large wine glass with ice
Pour Lillet Rosé over the ice
Top with the sparkling rosé, gently
Add a splash of sparkling water
Lightly press the rosemary sprig to release the oils
Garnish with pomegranate seeds and orange
Serve immediately

Bartender's tip: Always pour the sparkling wine after the Lillet, and never stir - a gentle swirl is all you need. Stirring kills the bubbles and muddies the layers of flavour. The drink should be light, bright, and alive.

Lillet Spritz vs other popular spritzes

The spritz category has never been more crowded. So where does the Lillet Spritz sit among its competitors?

Aperol Spritz - the reigning champion, bitter, orange, and iconic. But divisive: many people find Aperol too sweet or too bitter.

Hugo Spritz - elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and mint. Delicate and floral, but lacks depth for serious aperitivo drinkers.

Limoncello Spritz - sharp, citrus-forward, and summery. Great with food but one-dimensional on its own.

Lillet Spritz - the most elegant of the group. Floral without being sweet, complex without being challenging. And with our pomegranate & rosemary sparkling rosé, it has a depth and originality none of the others can match.

When to serve a Lillet Spritz

The Lillet Spritz is the definition of an aperitivo - a drink designed to open the appetite, stimulate conversation, and mark the transition from day to evening. It's perfect for:

Garden parties and alfresco dining - the floral aromatics and pale rosé colour are made for outdoor light. Serve in large wine glasses with plenty of ice and a sprig of fresh rosemary standing tall.

Pre-dinner cocktail hour - low enough in ABV (around 8–10% when built) that guests stay fresh for the meal ahead, but interesting enough to hold everyone's attention.

Celebrations and brunches - the pomegranate brings enough colour and drama to feel celebratory without requiring champagne prices.

Frequently asked questions

What sparkling wine is best in a Lillet Spritz?

Traditionally prosecco, but any dry to off-dry sparkling wine works well. The best choice is one that complements Lillet's floral, fruity character rather than competing with it. Our pomegranate & rosemary sparkling rosé is specifically designed to pair with Lillet - bringing fruit, herbs, and fine bubbles in a single ingredient.

Is a Lillet Spritz the same as a Lillet Blanc cocktail?

Not exactly. Lillet Blanc cocktails are a broad category (including the French Blonde and Vesper variations). A Lillet Spritz specifically refers to Lillet served long, over ice, topped with sparkling wine and sparkling water - closer in format to an Aperol Spritz than to a stirred cocktail.

Can I make a Lillet Spritz without alcohol?

Lillet itself contains 17% ABV and is not available in a non-alcoholic version. However, you can approximate the flavour profile using a non-alcoholic aromatised wine, paired with non-alcoholic sparkling rosé and a squeeze of fresh pomegranate juice with rosemary-infused soda.

How much Lillet goes in a spritz?

The standard measure is 50–60 ml of Lillet per serving. This gives you enough flavour and ABV to anchor the drink without overwhelming the sparkling wine. Our recipe uses 60 ml for a more pronounced Lillet character.

What's the difference between Lillet Blanc, Rosé, and Rouge?

Lillet Blanc is the lightest and most citrus-forward. Lillet Rosé is fruitier, with red berry notes and a delicate pink colour - ideal for the spritz format. Lillet Rouge is richer and more vinous, better suited to winter drinks or as a straight apéritif on the rocks. For the spritz, Rosé is the first choice.

The bottom line

The Lillet Spritz has earned its moment. It's everything a modern aperitivo should be: beautiful, approachable, and genuinely interesting. And by replacing ordinary sparkling wine with our pomegranate & rosemary rosé, you're not just making a spritz - you're making a statement.

Into the Wild.