15 Spritz Cocktails: Recipes & Tips for Picture-Perfect Sips

Spritz cocktails are beautifully bubbly beverages that have become staples of sun-filled Italian summers. Traditionally served as an aperitif, these low-ABV drinks typically combine effervescent ingredients like prosecco, soda water, and a bitter liqueur for a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and fizzy. From the classic Aperol Spritz to modern twists with white wine, spritzes are simple to prepare and easy to adapt to your taste. Whether served at a casual gathering or enjoyed a sophisticated soirée, it’s no wonder they’re always in season.

1. Aperol Spritz

This Aperol Spritz cocktail recipe is easy to master and yields a gorgeous drink that is everything you’d want on a warm summer’s afternoon. But it’s about more than the gorgeous taste — it’s an Italian way of life, deeply rooted in their love for slow living.   

Get in on this popular after-work tradition and recreate a bit of Italy in your own backyard. We suggest garnishing it with fresh orange slices and pairing your Aperol Spritz cocktail with a cheese platter and cured meats for the ultimate aperitivo hour!    

Read next: 20 Aperol Cocktail Recipes to Try Today 

2. Campari Spritz

The Campari Spritz is another buoyant and sophisticated cocktail that’s been enjoyed all around Europe for ages. This classic Italian spritz cocktail is made with just three simple ingredients: Campari, Prosecco, and club soda. It’s really no wonder that its bold and bittersweet flavour profile has captured the hearts and taste buds of foodies worldwide.  

More inspo: Drink Like an Italian: 8 Campari Cocktails to Try 

3. Lillet Spritz  

Lillet is a French aromatised aperitif wine. It consists of wine fortified with citrus liqueurs, and there are many varieties to choose from, including Lillet Blanc, Rosé and Rouge, depending on the base grapes. Lillet has a little more alcohol than a glass of wine and the French usually enjoy it chilled neat, on the rocks, or as a Lillet Spritz with a measure of club soda or sparkling mineral water in the mix.  

Read next: What is an Aperitif and When is it Served? 

4. Tomato Spritz

The tangy Tomato Spritz cocktail combines 10ml Bulldog Gin, 60ml Cinzano Bianco Vermouth, 45ml tomato juice, and 10ml cherry tomato shrub. Combine the ingredients in a glass with ice, then top it off with equal parts club soda and Prosecco. Read all about making a shrub here – it is most often done using fruit like berries, but using tomatoes is just as easy.    

Tomato lovers, rejoice! 10 Tasty Tomato Cocktails to Try at Home 

5. Cynar Spritz

When you first learn that Cynar is an artichoke liqueur, you’ll probably expect a bitter herbal flavour profile, and you would not be wrong. However, the fascinating thing about cynarine (an active ingredient in artichokes) is that takes your tastebuds on a bit of a ride… 

If you’re a fan of artichokes, you’ll know that any food or drink you consume after eating one tastes sweeter. And that’s exactly what happens when you drink Cynar! Now add some Prosecco and club soda to make a Cynar Spritz and get ready to have your worldview shaken — in the best way possible… 

All about Cynar: A Beginner’s Guide to Cynar & the Best Cynar Cocktails 

6. Hugo Spritz

Made with elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, and club soda, the Hugo Spritz is a delightful floral drink that packs a flavourful punch at a nice low ABV. This makes it the perfect after-work drink to serve if you’re living the lighter side of life. If you do want to give it an extra kick, you can add a bit of gin, but this cooling cocktail is equally delicious without. 

Go floral! 8 Tasty Elderflower Cocktail Recipes You’ll Adore 

7. Americano  

The Americano is a gorgeous bitter-sweet blend of the orange and spice flavours of Campari complemented by the fruity and spicy character of Cinzano Vermouth Rosso, charged with effervescent club soda to make a languid long drink that’s a favourite at cafes throughout Italy. Summery sips do not come classier than this.  

8. Limoncello Spritz

Paired with Prosecco and club soda for a beautifully bubbly finish, the light, and lovely Limoncello Spritz is the flirty cousin of the time-honoured Aperol Spritz. We love that adding a few sparkles to this sunny liqueur creates a tall, cool summer spritz cocktail that can be sipped at leisure. 

More lemony goodness: 11 Lively Limoncello Cocktail Recipes for all Lemon Lovers 

9. Non-Alcoholic Spritzer

If you’re looking for spritz cocktail recipes with little to no alcohol content, we’ve got to introduce you to the Non-Alcoholic Spritzer. To be fair, there are countless variations you could try, but we really love our go-to Grapefruit Spritzer recipe. To make it, you simply add lime and grapefruit juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Then add agave syrup and a pinch of salt and shake until adequately chilled. Strain into an ice-filled glass and top with club soda.  

Learn more here: What is ABV Anyway? 

10. Citrus Spritz

A captivating take on the traditional spritz formula, the Citrus Spritz mixes Courvoisier cognac with orange juice and soda water for a bubbly, fruit-filled experience. Light and lovely, it’s a perfect summer sipper. Pair it with bruschetta or goat cheese crostini, so the fresh, bright flavours can enhance the cocktail’s citrus notes.

Learn more: Campari Spritz (Aperitivo Hour, Culture and Tradition)

11. Strawberry Daiquiri Spritz Mocktail

This zesty pink drink is always a hit at any garden party. To make one, blitz a handful of hulled strawberries and 60 ml alcohol-free gin in a blender. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice, top it off with 180 ml ice-cold lemonade, and garnish with a slice of fresh lime.

Insider info: Loris Contro on Aperol (Creative Cocktails, Food Pairings & Trends)

12. White Wine Spritz

A super easy low-sugar cocktail to make when you’re in a rush and not too keen on using a whole bunch of ingredients, the White Wine Spritzer is a top choice among those who lunch for a reason. It’s light, delicious, and simple to pour. Simply add ice to a wine glass and pour in equal parts white wine and sparkling water. You can adapt the ratio to suit your preference. We like to use a dry white wine like Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc.

Cheers, dears! 20 Cocktails with Aperol to Try Today

13. Elderflower Spritz

Looking for a low-sugar cocktail that still comes to the party with plenty of flavour and personality? This is the one you want, bestie. To make this delightful Elderflower Spritz, combine 60 ml elderflower liqueur, 90 ml dry sparkling wine, and 60 ml soda water in a Collins glass over ice. Garnish with a slice of cucumber or lemon wheel.

Blooming lovely: 13 Tasty Elderflower Cocktails You’ll Adore

14. Sparkling Pomegranate Kombucha

For a summery clinker with a hydrating, gut-healthy twist, try Sparkling Pomegranate Kombucha. To make a batch for four friends, muddle a slice or two of fresh ginger in the bottom of your pitcher. Then add half a cup of pomegranate juice and 700 ml of your go-to kombucha. Give it a stir, pour it into serving glasses, and garnish with a few pomegranate arils.

Bellisima! Discover Venetian Aperitivo Culture with the Aperol Spritz

15. Spicy Pineapple Tequila Spritz

Tequila and pineapple juice is such a sunny combination, and the Spicy Pineapple Tequila Spritz might just be the most joyful of them all. Start by making a jalapeño simple syrup using the recipe from our easy guide to syrups. Once the syrup is cooled, combine 30 ml jalapeño simple syrup with 90 ml pineapple juice and 60 ml blanco tequila in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, strain into a serving glass over fresh ice, and top off with sparkling water and a squeeze of fresh lime. You can also rim the glass with a lime wedge and tajin seasoning if you’re feeling fancy.

Preparation tips for perfect spritzes

Techniques for balancing flavours

• Start with the base: Begin with your chosen spirit, such as Aperol, Campari, or another aperitif. Adjust the sweetness by adding sugar syrup or fruit juice—citrus juices like orange or grapefruit work particularly well to balance bitterness.
• Mind the bitterness: Use bitters sparingly to add a layer of complexity without overwhelming the other flavours. Start with a few dashes and taste as you go, gradually increasing if needed.
• Fizzy finish: Top off your spritz with sparkling water, soda, or prosecco. This adds effervescence and can lighten the overall drink. Adjust the amount based on your preference for a more subtle or pronounced bubbly effect.

Learn more: What is an Aperitif and When is it Served?

Glassware & garnish recommendations

For glassware, opt for wine glasses or large, round glasses that allow for plenty of ice and garnish. Speaking of garnishes, fresh citrus slices, herbs, and edible flowers not only add visual appeal but also enhance the drink’s aroma and flavour.

Spritz cocktail pairing suggestions

Foods that complement spritz vibes

• Salty snacks: The bubbly nature of spitzed drinks pairs wonderfully with salty foods like olives, salted nuts, or a well-curated charcuterie board. The saltiness balances out the flavours of the drink, making each sip more tasty.
• Light canapés: Dishes like bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, seafood ceviche, or a crisp caprese salad are perfect companions. Their light, fresh flavours complement the spritz without overwhelming the palate.
• Main courses: For a fuller meal, consider pairing with grilled fish, seafood pasta, or a vibrant garden salad. The acidity and effervescence of the spritz can cut through rich flavours and cleanse the palate.

Occasion-based pairing ideas

• Brunch: Spritzes are ideal for brunch, pairing seamlessly with dishes like avocado toast, eggs benedict, or a light fruit salad. The light and effervescent nature of the drink balances the richness of typical brunch fare.
• Outdoor parties: Perfect for alfresco dining, these easy clinkers complement a variety of finger foods such as sliders, flatbreads, or a diverse charcuterie board. They’re great for sipping casually while enjoying the fresh air.
• Casual gatherings: For relaxed evenings with friends, pair your spritz with tapas or simple hors d’oeuvres like stuffed mushrooms, mini quiches, or crostini.

There you have it – a short and fizzy introduction to the wonderful world of spritz cocktails. Tag us when you share your beautifully bubbly creations on Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter to get more inspiration for summery sips. In the meantime, visit the Aperol, Campari, and Bulldog Gin websites for more gorgeous recipe ideas…