Summer has hit Hong Kong and the hot and steamy weather isn’t going to be letting up anytime soon. So, what else is there to do other than to cool down with a refreshing, ice-cold long drink? We’re always partial to the classic Spritz, but if you’re looking for something new and light for summer 2019, let us introduce you to Lillet, a classic French-wine aperitif.
Originating near Bordeaux in the late 1800s, Lillet is made from a subtle blend of rigorously selected wines from the region and fruit macerations. Best enjoyed straight up with some cool tonic water, Lillet Blanc is fresh and smooth (and low in alcohol!), with a fruity taste – just the thing for the summer months.
The easy drinking aperitif may have been around for years in France, but it’s set to be the drink of the summer in Hong Kong, with countless variations available across the city. From the classic Lillet and Tonic, to creative cocktails, the bars of the 852 have created an inventive array of Lillet based drinks for us to enjoy.
Want to try them for yourself? Click on the slideshow above to find out more about some of our favourite Lillet drinks that can be found right here in Hong Kong…
Known in the city for its beautiful interiors designed by Ashley Sutton, Dear Lilly invites guests into a floral fantasy world. Serving up The Mademoiselle Lilly ($118), a mix of Lillet Blanc, vodka, lychee liqueur, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice and homemade raspberry purée, sip yours overlooking the harbour views , or as part of the Dear Lilly Afternoon Tea Set Menu ($298 for two, plus $70 for a glass of champagne or Mademoiselle Lilly cocktail).
When: Open Sunday to Thursday, 11:30am to 11pm; Friday and Saturday, 11:30am to 1am
Where: Dear Lilly, Shop 4010, 4/F, ifc Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $118 for the Mademoiselle Lilly
www.diningconcepts.com/restaurants/Dear-Lilly
Please enjoy responsibly.
A spot that’s perfect for an al fresco Lillet drink is Old Bailey. Head to the lounge or the outdoor terrace and enjoy the Lillet Artiste ($80), made with Lillet Blanc, blackcurrant liqueur, lime, ginger ale and mint; or the Lillet Herbs ($80), with Lillet Blanc, Beefeater gin, lemon, pear and rosemary. Don’t forget to stop by for the daily “Book Club” happy hour, running every day from 4:30pm to 8:30pm and offering two for one drinks and a live acoustic set from 6pm Friday!
When: Open daily from 12pm. Happy hour daily from 4:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: Old Bailey, 2/F JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $80 for Lillet Artiste and Lillet Herbs (buy one get one free during happy hour)
www.oldbailey.hk
Please enjoy responsibly.
If you’re looking to treat yourself, there are few better places to head to than one of Hong Kong’s luxurious hotels, and the Conrad Hong Kong is always high on our list. Swing by here and enjoy either the Lillet Tonic (made with Lillet Blanc, Schweppes Tonic water, strawberries, cucumber and mint, $135); or the Lillet Jardin (Lillet Blanc, Pear Purée, Poire Williams liqueur and Absolut Elyx vodka, $135). Available until the end of July 2019, both drinks are sure to be the perfect refreshing antidote to the hot Hong Kong summer and can be found at Pacific Bar and Garden Café Terrace. A Lillet inspired French chic afternoon tea set is also available at Lobby Lounge until Wednesday, 31 July.
When: Pacific Bar open Monday to Friday, 12pm to 12:30am; Saturday and Sunday, 5pm to 12:30am. Garden Café open daily, 11am to 1am
Where: Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
How much: $135 for Lillet Tonic and Lillet Jardin; $538 for the Lillet French Chic Afternoon Tea Set for two
www.conraddining.com
Please enjoy responsibly.
More quality and refreshing Lillet drinks can be found at the Island Shangri-La. At the Lobster Bar, enjoy the Friandise ($130), made with Lillet Blanc, sparkling wine, fresh berries, rhubarb and rose cordial. Or opt for something different at the Waterside Terrace and try out the Thai Interval ($110), made with Lillet Blanc, sweet basil, Thai lime, pandan syrup and tonic water. Both cocktails are available from Friday, 21 June to Friday, 30 August 2019.
When: Lobster Bar open Sunday to Thursday, 3pm to 1am; Friday and Saturday, 3pm to 2am. Waterside Terrace open daily, 11am to 10pm
Where: Lobster Bar and Waterside Terrace, Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $130 for Friandise; $110 for Thai Interval
www.shangri-la.com
Please enjoy responsibly.
Vibes at The Mira Hong Kong celebrates midsummer with five Lillet-based cocktails available at just $88 during happy hours this June! Try out the refreshing GNT Blonde (Lillet Blanc, Fever Tree tonic, Bitter Truth lemon bitters and fresh orange slices); the classic Lillet Spritz (Lillet Blanc, prosecco, riesling, Bitter Truth orange bitters and fresh mint); and the Summer Cup (Lillet Blanc, Fever Tree ginger beer, Indi lemon tonic, fresh ginger and orange slices). The bar also offers the Negroni Bianco – a cheerful twist on a classic aperitif cocktail (Beefeater gin, Lillet Blanc, Biancosarti and Bitter Truth orange and lemon bitters); and the Lillet & Rouge, (Lillet Blanc, kiwi fruit, fresh watermelon juice, fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup).
For one night only, on Friday, 14 June, Vibes will also be hosting guest bartender Arlene Wong from The Pontiac to shake Lillet-based cocktails, set to the tunes of a live DJ. Find more details here!
Throughout June, you can also enjoy three fruity Lillet cocktails which will rotate weekly and be available during the Sunday brunch at Whisk.
When: Open Monday to Wednesday, 6pm to 12am; Thursday to Saturday, 6pm to 1am; Sundays, 5pm to 12am. Happy hour daily from 6pm to 9pm
Where: Vibes, 5/F, The Mira Hong Kong, Mira Place, 118 – 130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: $88 for all Lillet cocktails during happy hour
www.themirahotel.com
Please enjoy responsibly.
Want a taste of Lillet at the highest bar in the world? Head to Ozone try two unique Lillet concoctions created by the talented Oscar Mena – the Lillet Summer High Cup ($120), made with Lillet Blanc, vanilla bitters and ginger ale, or try the Dame de Lillet ($120), with Lillet Blanc, gin, lemon bitters and soda. Both drinks are available from Saturday, 22 June until Saturday, 31 August.
Ozone will also host the “Height of Fashion” Lunch with S.Nine by Susanna Soo, featuring Lillet cocktails on Monday, 22 June, from 12pm to 3pm. The event will feature a ladies lunch menu and free-flow standard drinks (priced at $600), and for an additional $600, guests will be able to enjoy free flow Lillet cocktails, Champagne and standard drinks!
When: Open Monday to Thursday, 5pm to 1am; Fridays, 5pm to 2am; Saturdays, 3pm to 2am; Sundays, 12pm to 12am
Where: Ozone, Level 118, The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong,
How much: $120 for Lillet Summer High Cup and Dame de Lillet
www.ritzcarlton.com
Please enjoy responsibly.
Head to Red Sugar’s amazing outdoor terrace and try out the Lillet Tonic ($98) and the Lillet is Iconic ($108) this summer. Available from now until Sunday, 30 June, the Lillet Tonic lets the flavours of Lillet shine, complemented by a choice of either classic, elderflower or Mediterranean tonic. For something different, the Lillet is Iconic is for you. The floral notes of Lillet Blanc are mixed with Beefeater gin infused with chamomile, lemon juice, honey syrup, and lavender bitters to create a fresh and light summertime drink.
When: Open Sunday to Wednesday, 4pm to 12am; Thursday to Saturday, 4pm to 1am
Where: Red Sugar, 7/F, Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: $98 for Lillet Tonic; $108 for Lillet is Iconic
www.shangri-la.com
Please enjoy responsibly.
– Wahtiki Island Lounge, Central: $90 per glass, available from 5:30pm until late
– Rúla Búla, Central: $40 per glass during happy hour; Monday to Friday, 4pm to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 6pm to 9pm.
Please enjoy responsibly.
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