Everybody knows that summer and spritz go hand in hand — but we’ve got some news for you, and it may come as a shock. This year, the tried and tested favourite is taking a back seat in favour of another European sensation, and it’s poised to be the drink of the season. Step forward: Lillet, the wine-based aperitif that you didn’t know you needed on your bar trolley, until now.

Crisp, light and refreshing, Lillet is the French tipple from Bordeaux which comprises the best fruits and fruit peels, all of which are carefully selected for their freshness and aromatic richness. Each blend is prepared with a great love of detail: each year the cellar masters carefully select the best fruit-blended wines, all of which have been crafted from a recipe passed down through generations. The result? An elegant French aperitif perfect to be enjoyed as a refreshing drink ahead of balmy, summer evenings. Simply serve Lillet Blanc or Lillet Rosé over ice and top with tonic or sparkling water and garnish with either zesty citrus to truly enhance the summer-ready, citrus flavours, or experiment instead with summer fruits or herbs.

For those who want to experience the summer tastes of Lillet, the Viaduct Harbour’s Soul Bar & Bistro will be hosting a pop-up dedicated to the beverage throughout the month of October. ‘Le Jardin by Lillet’ will not only serve up a specially curated Lillet Spritz cocktail menu, but attendees will also be able to unleash their inner creative and garnish theirs via the ‘Lillet Your Way’ trolley, laden with flowers, fruit and herbs. Mouthwatering libations with no clean up required? Now that’s something we can get on board with.