The timeless spritz is the perfect example of less is more, often combining a bittersweet liqueur with sparkling wine and a splash of club soda to create a refreshing and easy-going drink. The classic drink is said to date back to the 1800s, when Austrian soldiers stationed in the Veneto region of Modern Italy would dilute wine with a spritz, or splash, of water.
Spritz cocktails can be somewhat divisive thanks to the bitter notes and punchy flavors commonly associated with their ingredients, but whether you enter into fall with an Apple Cider spritz, keep it classic with a Bicicletta, or try something new with a Chandon Garden Spritz, these iconic drinks are sure to win you over.
Campari Spritz
If Aperol spritz doesn’t excite you, never fear. There’s a new spritz in town, and Campari delivers a bitter and refreshing flavor profile, making it a sure bet as your go-to pre-dinner beverage and party cocktail.
With just five simple ingredients – grapefruit juice and slivers of peel for garnish, Campari, club soda or grapefruit seltzer, prosecco, and ice – this ruby red cocktail will be the ideal addition to your next summer event. Similar to other spritz cocktails, you can pre-mix the grapefruit juice and Campari in advance, but refrain from popping the prosecco and club soda until serving to maintain its bubbles.
Golden Gate Spritz
The Golden Gate spritz is the brainchild of bartender Claire Sprouse, who uses Lo-Fi gentian amaro, a gentle bitter and floral liqueur made using a base of fortified white wine. The amaro is mixed with bitter grapefruit juice and topped with a sparkling wine of your choice to create a vivid cocktail that perfectly replicates the deep hues of a setting sun.
Bring the drama by using a delicately adorned coupe glass and finish the drink off with a twist of grapefruit zest to visually tie the ingredients together. Batch mix the grapefruit juice and amaro in advance for parties and large gatherings, but add the chilled sparkling wine only when serving to preserve the carbonation.
Apple Cider Spritz
If you are after the ideal drink for fall, look no further than the Apple Cider Spritz. This seasonal twist on the classic Aperol spritz will usher in the cooler weather with open arms. The orange-herbal notes of Aperol perfectly marry with the spiced cider and pumpkin spice flavors, with the prosecco adding a flair of carbonation that ties these ingredients together.
For larger crowds, prepare a large pitcher of the Aperol, pumpkin spice mix, and cider in advance, adding it to a tall glass of ice and topping with prosecco when served. Because ciders vary in sweetness levels, opt for a French-style cider to prevent your drink from becoming too sweet.
Bicicletta
The Bicicletta is a tasty and classic Italian drink that is simple to make and even simpler to drink. Similar to the popular Aperol Spritz, it uses the slightly more bitter Campari, mixed with dry white wine and club soda in place of bubbly prosecco.
Because this drink only requires three ingredients, it is crucial to use fresh and fizzy club soda, high-quality Campari, and a white wine you would happily drink on its own, like a sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. Add a couple of orange slices for garnish, and you are all set.
An Americano in Paris
The Americano is often considered the illegitimate love child of a classic cocktail and a French aperitif, ready to transport you to the banks of the River Seine on a crisp spring evening. It is a fantastic option to switch up your go-to cocktail and can be enjoyed throughout the year.
It may take a little longer to prepare than a standard Aperol spritz, but it is worth every minute. In footed rocks glasses, add Pastis, which is swirled around to coat the inside of the glass before discarding. Next, add your vermouth and Campari and stir until well-combined. Fill the glass with plenty of ice and top it off with fizzing champagne, club soda, or a subtle sparkling wine of choice. Finish off with an orange peel garnish and enjoy!
Hugo Spritz
Finding its roots in Northern Italy, this lightly herbaceous and floral sparkling drink traditionally uses a locally produced elderflower cordial called acqua santa. However, it can be challenging to find based on where you live, and a more easily attainable substitute is St-Germain liqueur.
By foregoing the bitter notes of popular spritzers, the floral base of elderflower allows the natural citrus and lemon notes present in prosecco to make a statement. The cooling mint provides the nose and finish to the drink, creating a cooler and cleaner tasting spritz.
Blueberry Jam Gin Spritz
On a late summer afternoon, there is nothing more delicious than sipping on a fresh cocktail that not only quenches your thirst but delivers a flavor bomb of fruity goodness. A blueberry jam Gin spritz does just that, combining the sweet and tart flavor of blueberry jam with the herbaceous hit and bright citrus notes of Gin.
Keep the jam theme alive by using a recycled jam jar that can double as a mixing container and serving glass. Finish off this bright and bursting beverage with a small handful of fresh blueberries, a sprig of basil, and a twirl of lemon peel.
Night at the Spritz
Many spritzes are typically relatively low in alcohol, but New York City bartender Allison St. Pierre has chosen to omit it completely when creating the Night at the Spritz. Instead, she opts to replace the traditional bitter liqueur with Ghia, a spirit-free aperitif flavored with ginger, orange, and yuzu.
Mix this syrup with club soda and garnish with a twirl of orange peel, a rosemary sprig, and plenty of ice for an easy and delicious non-alcoholic option for your next dinner party or simply to enjoy sipping beside the pool.
