Sparkles and spritz: Best spritz cocktails to enjoy on New Years

While the sparkling wine bottles might be overflowing and some people are shaking up a themed cocktail, this New Years celebrations is all about the best spritz cocktails. Whether it the desire to have a lighter cocktail that ensures everyone is cheering when the ball drops or just appreciating that extra sparkle in the glass, a spritz is the cocktail style that is perfect for any celebration.

From the Aperol Spritz to a wine spritz to a variation of iterations, the cocktail originated from Italy and is often a combination of prosecco, digestive bitters and soda water. Although mixologists have varied the basic recipe, the cocktail is generally considered lighter and is often considered an aperitif. In many ways, it was the low-ABV cocktail of choice before the category became a beverage trend.

As the cocktail style has become more popular, various mixologists, restaurants, and brands have offered their spin on the Italian classic. Even though there are wine options, like Spritz Society, the colorful, handmade cocktails are perfect for the end of the year celebration.

Which best spritz cocktails are New Years ready?

Since the spritz originated in Italy, the vibrant Amalfi coast inspired this cocktail from Amalfi by Bobby Flay at Caesars Palace. A relatively classic version of the cocktail, the nuanced flavor comes from the Aperitivo Cappelletti. Although many people would love to be sitting in this picturesque countryside, a sip of this stunning cocktail can be a taste of what’s to come in 2023.

Amalfi Spritz from Amalfi by Bobby Flay at Caesars Palace Las Vegas

Ingredients

• 1½ oz. Aperitivo Cappelletti
• 3 oz. Prosecco
• 1-2 oz. club soda

Method

• Fill a spritz glass with ice cubes. Add the Cappelletti first, then top with the prosecco and club soda. Do a quick stir with bar spoon from the bottom of the glass to pull up the bitter.

Garnish

• Orange Slice

St. Germain has long been a favorite liqueur. The elderflower flavor pairs well with numerous beverages. The floral bouquet awakens the palate, and the slight sweetness makes it approachable.

With this cocktail from St. Germain, the combination of pear and elderflower is a lovely contrast of juicy and floral. The slight sweetness from the honey seems to capture a blooming garden and a wish for a spring awakening.

Spiced Pear & Elderflower Spritz

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz St Germain
• ¾ oz pear juice (strained)
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz quatre èpices honey syrup
• 3 drops saline

Method

• Shake, strain, top with sparkling wine and a splash of soda.

During the holiday season, certain flavors capture the moment. Cranberry is a popular choice around the holidays. In this Holiday Spritz featuring EBY blanco, the sweet, tart, and herbal make a melodious combination in the glass.

Two Turtle Doves Jalisco Holiday Spritz

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz EBY blanco
• 1 oz cranberry liqueur
• 1/2 oz rosemary syrup
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 3 dashes orange bitters
• Dry Prosecco, to top

Directions

• Add first five ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake briefly.
• Strain into a wine glass filled with ice.
• Top with Prosecco, and garnish with cranberries and fresh rosemary.

For those who want to see the night through a pink colored glass, this cocktail from The Pale captures that colorful moment. The combination of bring mint brings some vibrancy while the raspberries bring some juiciness.

The Pale Soirée Spritz

Ingredients

• 4 medium raspberries
• 5 mint leaves
• .5 oz lime juice
• .5 part simple syrup (1:1)
• 3 parts The Pale rosé wine
• 1 part of rosé sparkling wine

Method

• Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice
• Garnish with 2 raspberries in a pick and a mint leaf.

What spritz cocktails will you be enjoying on New Years? Do these sparkling cocktails add to the celebratory atmosphere of the evening?