Step into the realm of elegance with a glass of the delightfully refreshing Sunday in the Park cocktail. This cocktail, with its vibrant and distinctive blend of flavors, offers a wonderful journey of senses that you can indulge in any day of the week. I love herbal cocktails, and with subtle notes of fresh thyme, this lively Lillet Blanc cocktail really delivers!

Sunday in the Park Cocktail with a bottle of Lillet Blanc in the background.

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Cocktails are so much fun to mix and sip! Whenever I go out to eat, I always look at the cocktail menu and scan for something that looks new and interesting. That’s where I fell in love with Lillet Blanc. This French wine blend is fabulous in cocktails, and with subtle herby notes from the thyme, this Sunday in the Park classic cocktail is refreshing, flavorful, and delicious.

What you’ll love about SUNDAY IN THE PARK COCKTAIL

A Taste Adventure: The medley of Lillet Blanc, bourbon, and lemon creates a truly remarkable taste profile, making each sip an exciting experience.
Versatility: Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home, hosting a casual get-together, or throwing a lavish party, the Sunday in the Park cocktail fits right in.
Ease of Preparation: Mixing up this cocktail doesn’t take a professional bartender. You can whip up this luxurious drink in your kitchen with a few staple ingredients.
Customizable: Love your cocktail a bit fizzy? Just top it up with some soda water. Prefer it straight up? You’ve got it! This cocktail can be easily tailored to match your preference.

What Does Sunday in the Park Taste Like?

The Sunday in the Park blends the citrus-floral notes of Lillet Blanc with the depth and slight sweetness of bourbon. A hint of sourness from the lemon juice plays off against the simple syrup’s sweetness, while Angostura bitters introduce another layer of flavor. Garnished with thyme, the cocktail finishes with a subtle earthy aroma, and if topped with soda water, it takes on a playful effervescence. It’s a drink of harmony, balancing sweet, sour, and bitter with finesse.

Ingredients

Lillet Blanc: A classy French aperitif wine that’s wonderfully citrusy and floral. If unavailable, you may use other aperitif wines like Cocchi Americano.
Bourbon: Gives the cocktail its depth and warmth. Can’t find bourbon? Rye whiskey makes a decent substitute.
Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing tartness that balances the cocktail’s sweetness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the best.
Simple Syrup: Enhances the drink with a touch of sweetness.
Angostura Bitters: A cocktail staple that adds a complex, spicy flavor. Orange bitters can be used for a slight twist.
Thyme Sprigs: Not just for garnish, it adds an earthy aroma.
Soda Water (optional): Ideal for those who enjoy a fizzy cocktail. You can skip this if you prefer your cocktail straight up.

What is Lillet Blanc

Lillet Blanc, the star of the Sunday in the Park cocktail, is an enchanting French aperitif wine. Produced in the Bordeaux region, it is a blend of Bordeaux wines and macerated citrus liqueur. Its bright and zesty flavor profile lends a refreshing tone to cocktails, making it a popular choice among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike. It’s a testament to the cultural richness and history of France, offering a delightful sip of tradition in every glass.

How to Make Sunday In The Park Cocktail

Combine the Lillet Blanc, bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, a dash or two of bitters and 2 sprigs of thyme in a cocktail shaker filled with 3-4 ice cubes.
Shake vigorously for two minutes to ensure the flavors mingle well.
Strain the cocktail into a tumbler and garnish with a fresh sprig of thyme.
Top up your cocktail with soda water if you like a bit of fizz, and add an ice cube if desired to keep it chilled.

Chef Jenn’s Tips

If you’re not a fan of thyme, feel free to substitute it with rosemary for a different twist.
Experiment with different types of bitters to transform the flavor profile of your drink.
Don’t have bourbon on hand? Use rye whiskey instead; it won’t compromise the cocktail’s detectability.
Don’t make more than 2 servings of this cocktail at once to keep the flavors robust.

This Lillet Blanc cocktail pairs beautifully with light appetizers such as cheese boards, crudité platters, or bruschetta. If you’re enjoying this drink with a meal, opt for dishes with delicate flavors like grilled fish or chicken salad. These air fryer BBQ chicken thighs would also be delish with this cocktail. The key to pairing food with cocktails is to balance the flavors without overshadowing the cocktail.

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