The Mrs. is a delightful and uncomplicated cocktail that harmoniously combines the sophisticated notes of Lillet Blanc, the crispness of tonic water, and the subtle zest of grapefruit bitters. It’s a crisp, refreshing, and undeniably chic Lillet Blanc cocktail that’s sure to impress.
My husband, Mr. Bliss, and I journeyed through quite a lengthy courtship before finally tying the knot – eight years to be exact. And during those eight years, we experienced a few breaks, reminiscent of the on-again, off-again saga of Ross and Rachel. Thankfully, unlike their situation, no unexpected pregnancies occurred during our periods of separation (at least, not to my knowledge!).
Marriage is undeniably a significant milestone, and I always envisioned myself having children. However, at some point, I questioned the necessity of marriage in my own life. Did I truly desire to become someone’s wife, simply known as Mr. So-and-so’s Mrs.? And why should I change my name? My name felt like an integral part of my identity, and I fiercely guarded my independence and sense of self.
So, when the Mister whisked me away for a romantic weekend in wine country and proposed, I didn’t hesitate. I immediately said yes. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; I had spent several years carefully considering it. Those years allowed us to grow, both as a couple and as individuals. We had ample time to define our individual life goals and seamlessly integrate them into a shared life that balanced our common interests with a healthy dose of independence.
In March of 2001, I officially became a Mrs. It was, as the saying goes, one of the most wonderful days of my life. Our wedding day was filled with the joy and presence of friends and family from all chapters of our lives – both those spent together and those experienced apart. It was a day brimming with hope, laughter, adventure, a few comical mishaps, and vows to embrace even more of the same in the years to come.
Therefore, this post is a toast to all the Mrs. out there, celebrating the multifaceted experience of womanhood and partnership.
Mixology Monday: The Mrs. Cocktail
Are you a Mrs.? There’s a certain captivating duality to being a Mrs. – a blend of mystery and familiarity, calmness and excitement, sexiness and demureness.
It’s akin to possessing a dual identity: me/me and me/you; complex, yet surprisingly simple.
This cocktail, aptly named “The Mrs.,” embodies that very essence. Lillet Blanc takes the leading role, complemented by the equal partnership of tonic water and the unexpected, yet delightful, splash of grapefruit bitters.
For this recipe, I prefer using grapefruit bitters from The Bitter Housewife, a woman-owned company based in Portland, Oregon. Their bitters are crafted from pure, high-quality ingredients and enhance the elegant finish of this Lillet Blanc cocktail, rather than masking it with a sugary sweetness, as some other bitters tend to do.
Lillet Blanc Cocktail: The Mrs. – Recipe
This simple yet elegant cocktail combines Lillet Blanc with tonic water and a dash of grapefruit bitters for a refreshing and sophisticated drink. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
- 3 oz Lillet Blanc
- 3 oz tonic water
- 1 teaspoon Bitter Housewife grapefruit bitters
Instructions:
- Pour ingredients into a champagne glass and stir gently.
- Garnish with a grapefruit twist (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a splash of simple syrup or agave nectar to taste.
- Experiment with bitters: While grapefruit bitters are recommended, you can try other citrus bitters like orange or lemon for a different flavor profile.
- Sparkling Wine Variation: Substitute tonic water with sparkling wine for a bubblier, celebratory cocktail.
- Herbal Infusion: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the glass for an herbal aroma. Gently muddle it before adding the other ingredients.
- Fruit Garnish: Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to complement the Lillet Blanc.
- Make it a Mocktail: Replace Lillet Blanc with non-alcoholic white wine or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.
The Magic of Lillet Blanc
Lillet Blanc is a key component of this cocktail. Originating from France, it’s a blend of carefully selected wines and fruit liqueurs, giving it a unique and complex flavor. Its subtle sweetness and floral notes are the perfect base for this refreshing drink. The careful balance of flavors is what makes The Mrs. such a sophisticated and enjoyable experience.
The Role of Tonic Water
Tonic water not only adds effervescence to the cocktail but also contributes a subtle bitterness that complements the sweetness of the Lillet Blanc. It’s essential to use high-quality tonic water to ensure the best taste. The bubbles and slight bitterness balance the cocktail, making it a delightful and refreshing choice for any occasion.
The Bitter Housewife Grapefruit Bitters
The Bitter Housewife grapefruit bitters add a unique twist to the cocktail, enhancing the elegant finish without overwhelming the other flavors. The grapefruit bitters are made from pure ingredients, giving the cocktail a sophisticated and well-rounded taste. The dash of bitters is what sets The Mrs. apart from other Lillet Blanc cocktails, adding a layer of complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
The Mrs. cocktail is best served chilled in a champagne glass or coupe. Its light and refreshing nature makes it perfect for summer parties, brunch, or a relaxing evening at home. You can also serve it as an aperitif before a meal or as a celebratory drink at special occasions. Pair it with light appetizers like cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, or small savory bites to complete the experience.
A Toast to the Mrs.
This cocktail is named “The Mrs.” as a playful nod to the multifaceted experience of womanhood and partnership. It’s a celebration of identity, independence, and the joy of finding a perfect balance in life. Whether you’re a Mrs. or not, this cocktail is a delightful way to celebrate yourself and the special people in your life. Cheers to all the Mrs. out there, and to the joy of creating and sharing beautiful moments.
Nutrition Information (approximate):
- Calories: 188 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Sugar: 15g
- Calcium: 1mg
- Iron: 0.01mg
Note: Nutrition information is an approximation and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Tried this recipe? Please leave a star rating and comment! Then snap a pic of your dish and share it on social media. Tag @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife!
Are you a Mrs., and if so, was the decision to change your name an easy one for you? Do you plan to be a Mrs. someday or keep your last name?
If you’re a Mr., you can enjoy this drink as well. After all, a name is just a name, right? 😉
More Tasty Cocktail and Mocktail Ideas
- Bronx Martini (Link to Example)
- Old Man River Cocktail (Link to Example)
- Boulevardier and Aviation Cocktails (Link to Example)
- Mighty Mocktails (Link to Example)
Thanks to The Bitter Housewife for sending me their trio of delicious bitters to try. I honestly love them all and can’t wait to use them in more posts in the future!