9 Spritz Cocktails to Sip On this Summer

May 15, 2023 by

Spritz cocktails are refreshing, bubbly beverages that have quickly become favorites in the cocktail world. Known for their light and vibrant nature, spritz drinks are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to sophisticated soirées. Super versatile and easy to prepare, it’s no wonder they’re rapidly growing in popularity around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or brand-new to the cocktail game, there’s a winning spritz for everyone to enjoy!

1. Aperol Spritz

This Aperol Spritz cocktail recipe is easy to master and yields a gorgeous drink is everything you’d want on a warm summer’s afternoon. But it’s about more than the refreshing 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!

2. Campari Spritz

The Campari Spritz is another buoyant and sophisticated cocktail that has 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 it’s bold and bittersweet flavor 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 aromatized 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.

4. Tomato Spritz

The tangy Tomato Spritz cocktail combines 0.25 oz Bulldog Gin, 2 oz Cinzano Bianco Vermouth, 1.5 oz tomato juice, and 0.25 oz 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 flavor 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 flavorful 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 orange and spice flavors 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 favorite at cafes throughout Italy. Summer spritz cocktails 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-honored 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?

Preparation tips for perfect spritzes

Techniques for balancing flavors

Start with the base: Begin with your chosen spirit, such as Aperol, Campari, or another aperitif. Adjust the sweetness by adding simple 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 flavors. Start with a few dashes and taste as you go, gradually increasing if needed.
Fizzy finish: Top off your spritz with sparkling water, club 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 flavor.

Spritz cocktail pairing suggestions

Foods that complement spritz cocktails

Salty snacks: The refreshing nature of spritz cocktails pairs wonderfully with salty foods like olives, salted nuts, or a well-curated charcuterie board. The saltiness enhances the flavors of the drink, making each sip more refreshing.
Light appetizers: Dishes like bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, seafood ceviche, or a crisp caprese salad are perfect companions. Their light, fresh flavors 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 flavors and cleanse the palate.

Occasion-based pairing ideas

Brunch: Spritz cocktails are ideal for brunch, pairing seamlessly with dishes like avocado toast, eggs benedict, or a light fruit salad. The light and refreshing nature of the drink balances the richness of typical brunch fare.
Outdoor parties: Perfect for alfresco dining, spritz cocktails 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. The versatility of spritz cocktails makes them a hit for any laid-back event.

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A spritz cocktail is a refreshing drink made with a base alcohol such as Aperol or Campari, which is then charged with effervescent ingredients like Prosecco and club soda. It originated in Italy and is commonly enjoyed as an aperitif before dinner.

Yes, you can substitute Aperol or Campari in a spritz cocktail, depending on your taste preference. Aperol adds a slightly sweeter taste, while Campari provides a bitter flavor. You can also try other variations, such as using Cynar or Lillet instead.

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic spritz cocktail by replacing the sparkling wine with soda water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine alternative. You can also use a non-alcoholic substitute for Aperol or Campari, such as aperitif bitters or syrups. Add some fresh fruit or herbs for added flavor and garnish.