The island of Corsica went back and forth between French and Italian rule so many times that the natives consider themselves first and foremost uniquely Mediterranean and independent. Similarly this drink combines a French apéritif, Lillet Blanc, with an Italian digestivo, limoncello, for a multicultural Mediterranean cocktail. Topping it off with elderflower syrup and a little club soda makes this a lightly floral and citrusy drink that’s refreshing, yet deceptively potent.

What to buy: Elderflower syrup has a sweet, delicate floral flavor. Look for it at some specialty grocers and online.

Game plan: We’ve made this drink portable by mixing the base first, then putting it into a bottle for easy transportation to picnics or barbecues. Just top with the club soda right before serving. If you don’t plan to travel, you can just mix everything together in a 5-cup punch bowl and serve with a twist.

This recipe was featured as part of our Easter Picnic in a Jar menu.

  • Yield: 6 drinks
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: Under 5 mins 
  • Active: Under 5 mins 

Ingredients (6)

  • 13 ounces Lillet Blanc, chilled
  • 7 ounces limoncello, chilled
  • 3 1/2 ounces elderflower syrup
  • 1 3/4 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 (10-ounce) bottle club soda, chilled
  • 6 lemon twists (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the Lillet, limoncello, elderflower syrup, and lemon juice in a large measuring cup or medium bowl. Using a funnel, transfer to a 3-cup-capacity bottle (or 750-milliliter bottle) with a tightfitting lid and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
  2. When ready to serve, pour about 4 ounces of the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and top with about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 ounces of the club soda. Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired, and serve. (Alternatively, you can combine all of the ingredients except the lemon twists in a 5-cup punch bowl and serve immediately.)