Everyone knows the best way to get of out slump is to start drinking, preferably early in the day. ~wink~ Fortunately I know just the drink!Travel with me, friends, if you will, to a time not long ago. A simpler time, a time when the word "chef-testant" was not part of our collective lexicon. Of course I'm speaking of the time when the Food Network was actually worth watching - back when they featured actual recipes, not scads of inane challenges and contests. A time when they featured real chefs doing what they do best.
Some years ago, as I was watching my then favorite Food Network program, Cooking Live, Sara Moulton made a breakfast martini ... and immediately I fell in love. I quickly jotted down the recipe, by hand, and promptly mixed up a batch at the first opportunity. Heaven. The drink is a simple mix of Lillet, orange juice and champagne ... like a Mimosa but so much better. The sweet, floral notes of Lillet pair beautifully with the fresh juice and champagne, creating an enticing mix that's sure to have you begging for a refill.
The Breakfast Martini:
- 2 oz. of Lillet (Blanc)
- 2 oz. of orange juice (preferably fresh)
- some champagne for topping up the drink
Hint - those seeking a less potent potable should feel free to replace the champagne with either some unflavored seltzer or ginger ale ... though I can't imagine why one would do such a thing!
Lillet is a French aperitif, made in the village of Podensac which is near Bordeaux. Its made with a variety of wines, blended with herbs and fruit, and the exact recipe is a proprietary secret. It can be enjoyed - chilled - as is, and it also pairs well with any number of spirits. You can find a host of other cocktail recipes on their site.
As written this recipe will serve one and I guarantee you'll want another. Its light, refreshing, and entirely lovely. Perfect for a weekend brunch or, really, any time at all. I hope you'll try it.
So, what's your favorite breakfast cocktail? Curious Diva wants to know.
Bon appetit!
30 comments:
You know what they say, it's always happy hour somewhere in the world ;)
you mean when I am not pouring beer over a bowl of cereal...just kidding - I like chambourd with champagne and a tiny twist of lime...
I was just thinking "I have to Google Lillet" and then poof...you explained it. Good show!
My favorite morning cocktail is the remnants of all the nearly empty bottles from the night before mixed together with orange juice and chased with espresso. I'm a classy dude.
Good morning indeed! This cocktail looks so tasty and bright. I will be sure to add it to my arsenal of brunch cocktails. The last brunch I threw, I served Bellinis as the brunch had an Italian theme.
I haven't had a breakfast cocktail in many, many, many years...but my favorite has always been Amaretto and orange juice. mmmmmmmmmmm
I think we just located the 5th wandering sister! Are you sure we're not related? ;)
Check us out
www.TheWanderingSisters.com
Heavenly Housewife - truer words were never spoke. ;)
doggy - the breakfast martini comes *after* the beer and cereal. ;)
Love the chambourd/champange/lime combo too.
words words words - Dude, you know how to party! LOL
Tracy - mmmm, you can never go wrong with Bellinis, especially if the peaches are fresh. Its one of the few ways I enjoy peaches. LOL
Michele - I've never had Amaretto and OJ, but it does sound delicious.
The Diva Mom - I did check you sisters out and I loved what a I saw! Was going to leave a comment on your blog but did not see the comment section. :( Will drop you an email instead. Cheers!
You know that it's a happy hour anytime! Gotta do research on Lillet.
Unfortunately breakfast cocktails for me turn into "being sloshed by noon" so I sorta avoid alcoholic beverages altogether. Although, I will say, you take awesome pictures! It looks divine. :)
Duo - yes, you should, Lillet is lovely! Quite nice as a spritzer, mixed with a bit of sparkling water and lime.
Kimizzy - Normally, I'm unhappy with my pictures, but I must say I'm quite proud of this one. Thank you!
My dear, you know how to start the day off just right! Forget the caffeine buzz, I wouldn't mind a mimosa-esque hum. Of course, I'm generally more Puritanical that I let on - I fuss at Mr. Noodle if he wants a brew before noon but only because I'm not a beer-fan so I couldn't join him. Now, if he offered to make these (or a Moscow Mule), I may be inclined to allow adult beverages for the A.M. period!
Dear Noodle - we are two of a kind ... I'm not a beer girl either, nor do I normally start the day with a cocktail ... for these, however, I will make an exception! :)
I only indulge in a.m. cocktails for either Christmas morning or special occasion brunches. But given the happenings in my life these days, one or two of these might be just the ticket to make the day brighter. I also like old fashioned bloody marys.
I remember this recipe! I didn't know what lillet was. The drink looks delish!
Pixelgal - indeed ... drink up! ;) We'll have to try these for the next holiday. I think you'll like them.
Veri - yes, you have seen these before ... though, sadly, not in person. We'll have to remedy that!
Oh my, that looks like just the thing I need before firing up the oven! I think I might need of few sips of that at my next brunch.
Cookie B. @ Lightbulb Cuisine
Real treats from an Easy Bake Oven
call me traditional, but I am a fan of the spicey Bloody Mary with a salted rim and maybe even a jalapeno stuffed olive...
Another good one is Peach Absolute and Orange juice.
hmmmm...now I am thirsty!
Cheers!
we usually make mimosas for our brunches but I like the Lillet here so I think I'll try these delicious breakfast martinis next time!
That Wino is a fabulous bartender! I've had many of her concoctions. Sure glad we're related. :)
wow, i c u got on the tastespotting page with this one. god that site frustrates the hell out of me. i submitted like 10 different things and never got one thing on the food porn wall :P. Just like with my laundry, I dont know how to get the whites really white (ie, my photos have a greyish look about them). Anyways good job!!!!
Oooohh, such a beautiful creation!! Thank you for introducing me to Lillet - it sounds sublime!
Cookie B. - you certainly could use one of these before firing up that oven ... just think, you can make a tiny quiche to go with! ;)
Wino - I agree, I'm a big fan of the Bloody Mary and Bloody Bulls too. My husband makes a killer version.
5 Star - I should probably edit to say that this recipe uses the Lillet Blanc. Its really a nice twist on the classic Mimosa.
Diva Mom - I'm glad too. Count me in for the Wino's next round of drinks! ;)
Heavenly Housewife - I know! I'm ridiculously excited about the TasteSpotting thing! :) This is the first photo I've taken that I felt good enough about to submit there and I'm thrilled that it was accepted. Odd too, because it was taken at 11pm in my very dark apartment. Just luck, trust me, I don't know how I did it! LOL
Astra - thanks! Lillet is light, refreshing and lovely, especially mixed with something fizzy. :)
Hopefully I won't have to wait till the annual Wake and Bake to taste one...... or six of these.
If I can find the Lillet out here in the trailerparks of Ct. maybe I'll polish off a pitcherfull Sunday morning!!
My dear Mr. Stevens - this drink is right up your alley! Certainly must not wait until the next Wake and Bake! I hope to make the Friday Happy Hour in May ... and if so, the martinis will be on me!
If you do find the Lillet in the wilds of CT, make sure to buy the white Lillet, not the red.
Cheers!
TOTALLY getting thirsty looking at this!
I was too tired to come here yesterday but I should have come get this wake up call!
Breakfast martini - that's a fantastic idea.
Wow, Diva, this looks and sounds fabulous! Will most definitely trot it out for Mothers' Day brunch. Mom just LOVES her mimosas and will certainly appreciate one with such a yummy twist as Lillet. Don't think I'll be able to make mine as pretty as yours in that marvelous photograph, though. Congrats on the special posting!
The last time I had an a.m. cocktail was when they cracked open a bottle of wine in cooking school in Italy - Sharron and I were blitzed by the time lunch was served (it was what we were cooking at the time). LOL
Is it breakfast time yet? I'll be the one in the corner having your lovely breakfast martini and thinking that this lillet stuff is a lovely addition to the usual champagne+orange juice. Cue sound of slurping!
Steph - its making me thirsty too. LOL
Dana - one of the nice things about breakfast is that it happens every day ... so, still plenty of time to get your martini on. Cheers! ;)
the bear - ooh, I'm excited about you trying this at your bear family brunch for Mother's Day! I hope you love them ... and I think you will! Many thanks for you kind words, dear friend. :)
Deb - that is hilarious! How was the lunch?! LOL
Daily Spud - much like happy hour, its always breakfast time somewhere! The Lillet does make a very nice change from the usual champpers and oj.
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