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Aperitif Cocktails

Magic Hour

The Magic Hour cocktail, crafted by bartender Tom Macy for Brooklyn’s iconic Clover Club, is a light and elegant aperitif with just the right amount of sparkle. Known for its beautiful, golden-pink hue and balanced tartness, this low-proof cocktail combines Lillet Rosé, a hint of yellow Chartreuse, fresh grapefruit juice, and a splash of simple syrup, all topped with sparkling wine. The result is a refreshing, slightly herbaceous drink perfect for pre-dinner sipping or celebratory moments.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Skill level: Beginner

Serving: For 1 Person

Preparation: 5 minutes

Skill level: Beginner

Serving: For 1 Person

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz (45 ml) Lillet Rosé

1 tsp yellow Chartreuse

1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh grapefruit juice

1/4 oz (10 ml) simple syrup

Sparkling wine (such as Gruet), chilled, to top

Garnishes

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Grapefruit twist

Glassware

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Champagne flute

Technique

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Shaken and Top Up

Step

1

Add the Lillet Rosé, yellow Chartreuse, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup into a shaker filled with ice.

2

Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled, approximately 10 seconds.

3

Strain into a chilled Champagne flute.

4

Top with chilled sparkling wine for a festive fizz.

5

Garnish with a grapefruit twist, expressing the oils over the drink to enhance its aroma.

A Perfect Pre-Dinner Cocktail

The Magic Hour is designed to be enjoyed as an aperitif, with a profile that’s both refreshing and elegant. The cocktail's Lillet Rosé base imparts a delicate balance of berries and citrus notes, enhanced by a small measure of yellow Chartreuse, which adds subtle layers of honey, saffron, and herbs. The result is a cocktail that’s intriguing yet approachable—perfect for setting the tone for an evening ahead.

Why It Works: The combination of Lillet Rosé and yellow Chartreuse provides a complex, herbal undertone without overpowering the refreshing notes of fresh grapefruit and sparkling wine. The Lillet brings floral and citrus elements that harmonize beautifully with the herbal Chartreuse, while the grapefruit adds a touch of tartness that keeps the cocktail lively. For those looking for a bit more strength, a half ounce of gin can be added to give the drink a slight French 75influence without losing its light character.

A Versatile Aperitif: Low in alcohol and effervescent, the Magic Hour is an ideal choice when you want to enjoy a sophisticated drink without overwhelming your palate. The cocktail's balance of herbaceous and fruity notes makes it suitable for pairing with light appetizers or enjoying solo as a pre-dinner refresher.

Did You Know? Lillet Rosé, a popular choice in many aperitif cocktails, originates from Bordeaux, France, and has been enjoyed since the 19th century. This aromatized wine is flavored with citrus and quinine, giving it a subtle bitterness that adds depth to cocktails. In the Magic Hour, it works in tandem with yellow Chartreuse to create a bright, sophisticated drink that evokes the essence of the “magic hour” as day turns to night.

A Perfect Pre-Dinner Cocktail

The Magic Hour is designed to be enjoyed as an aperitif, with a profile that’s both refreshing and elegant. The cocktail's Lillet Rosé base imparts a delicate balance of berries and citrus notes, enhanced by a small measure of yellow Chartreuse, which adds subtle layers of honey, saffron, and herbs. The result is a cocktail that’s intriguing yet approachable—perfect for setting the tone for an evening ahead.

Why It Works: The combination of Lillet Rosé and yellow Chartreuse provides a complex, herbal undertone without overpowering the refreshing notes of fresh grapefruit and sparkling wine. The Lillet brings floral and citrus elements that harmonize beautifully with the herbal Chartreuse, while the grapefruit adds a touch of tartness that keeps the cocktail lively. For those looking for a bit more strength, a half ounce of gin can be added to give the drink a slight French 75influence without losing its light character.

A Versatile Aperitif: Low in alcohol and effervescent, the Magic Hour is an ideal choice when you want to enjoy a sophisticated drink without overwhelming your palate. The cocktail's balance of herbaceous and fruity notes makes it suitable for pairing with light appetizers or enjoying solo as a pre-dinner refresher.

Did You Know? Lillet Rosé, a popular choice in many aperitif cocktails, originates from Bordeaux, France, and has been enjoyed since the 19th century. This aromatized wine is flavored with citrus and quinine, giving it a subtle bitterness that adds depth to cocktails. In the Magic Hour, it works in tandem with yellow Chartreuse to create a bright, sophisticated drink that evokes the essence of the “magic hour” as day turns to night.

Twists and Other Similar Recipes

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