The pre-dinner drink ritual is one Michael and I often indulge in when we are traveling, and though it takes a different form (and name) in different countries, it’s always a memorable experience. A chilly Paloma in a crowded cantina in Mexico City, an Aperol Spritz and a plate of cicchetti along the canals of Venice, or a neat glass of Vermouth in the heart of Madrid – these shared moments are all paired with a conversation recounting the day’s adventures, and ultimately, they become their own delightful memories.
This post is not sponsored, but contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links (at no additional cost to you!). I received the three products featured with no strings attached - but I enjoyed them so much I wanted to share them with you today.
This, of course, begs the following question:
Why not continue this tradition at home?
It sounds so simple, right? But at home, time seems to slip away, and there’s often so much on our to-do list that stopping to mix a drink in order to relax can feel like too much work.
Enter Le Moné, a low-alcohol Meyer lemon apéritif that’s ready to drink as-is – or to be paired with your favorite spirit to create an innovative cocktail! The base of Le Moné is a bright, acidic wine fortified with brandy, which is then given a bit of zing thanks to Meyer lemon, and balanced out with 100% organic blue agave. The original Meyer lemon formula is as delicious as it sounds, but they’ve also upped the ante by creating delightful combinations like Lemon, Raspberry, and Lavender and Lemon Blackberry.
Michael and I spent the past few weeks enjoying three varieties of Le Moné on their own, in a couple of the brand’s recommended pairings, and by putting our own spin on things to create a cocktail that reminds us of our recent trip to Guadalajara.
Each one of today’s cocktails can be made within minutes (within seconds, really, if you’re serving the apéritif chilled or over ice), and like all recipes, I highly recommend keeping a kitchen scale on hand to speed things along and make cleanup a breeze. You can of course pair these drinks with a fancy charcuterie plate, but I prefer to keep things simple and serve these on their own or alongside nibbles I have already, like mixed nuts or popcorn.
When the day is complete, we like to make sure we spend more time enjoying ourselves than working – so here are three easy-to-make options for your next l’heure de l’apéro:
LE BRAMBLE
Le Bramble
(adapted from Le Moné) Serves 1
3 oz. Le Moné with Blackberry
1 oz. Vodka
Mint and Blackberries for garnish (optional)
Combine Le Moné and vodka in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake until well-chilled (the shaker should be nearly too cold to hold). Strain and serve over ice; garnish with mint and blackberries, if desired.
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LE BERRY 75
Le Berry 75
(adapted from Le Moné) Serves 1
3 oz. Le Moné with Raspberry & Lavender
1 oz. Gin
Prosecco
Lavender and Lemon for garnish (optional)
Combine Le Moné and gin in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake until well-chilled (the shaker should be nearly too cold to hold). Strain into a champagne coupe or flute, and top with Prosecco. Garnish with lemon wheel coated in culinary lavender, if desired.
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EL CANTARIT-ISH
El Cantarit-ish
(inspired by a drink served at Cantaritos El Güero) Serves 2
5 oz. Le Moné
2 oz. Blanco Tequila
3 oz. Orange Juice
1½ oz. Lime Juice
1½ oz. Lemon Juice
1 oz. Agave Nectar
Sparkling Water with Grapefruit or Grapefruit Soda
Lime Wheel and Tajín for garnish (optional)
Add Le Moné, Tequila, citrus juices, and agave nectar to a clay vessel or pitcher filled with ice, and stir until combined. Top with sparkling grapefruit beverage, and adjust for sweetness if needed (add more lemon/lime juice if too sweet, or add more agave nectar if too tart). Serve with a chili-lime wheel or in a glass rimmed with Tajín if desired.
This all sounds great – but where do I buy Le Moné?
Believe it or not – online!
Le Moné currently ships to over half of the U.S. (you can check the current list of states here), and they’re working to expand their distribution. It might seem obvious, but you do need to be 21+ to order Le Moné and to sign for the package when it is delivered. Shipping is currently a flat rate of $10 – or free if you purchase more than one bottle. And you can save even more by ordering a bundle, so check with your friends before placing an order. Cheers!
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Which variety are you most excited to try? And which cocktail are you making first?!
I rarely drink alcohol, but all the drinks look delicious. On to another topic: the dress you’re wearing is SO, SO cute and flattering!
It’s great how all of the varieties are fairly low ABV, for an aperitif – and that they can be lightened up even more with sparkling beverages or sodas.
And thank you! I love wearing this dress in the warmer months; it was a great thrift find!