Sensational Spritz cocktails are perfect for summer sipping

Whether it is a leisurely weekend with friends, a Sunday brunch, or even National Spritz Day, Spritz cocktails are bright, effervescent sippers that are perfect for the warm summer days. Combining a touch sweet, splash of herbal, and a burst of bubbles, the simple cocktail has become a favorite.

Long before the Aperol Spritz or Hugo Spritz was having a moment, some older generations might recall ladies enjoying a wine spritzer by the pool. The simple idea of cutting that glass of wine with a splash of soda water made day drinking a little more acceptable.

While today’s Spritz cocktails have come a long way from those ladies who day drink, the reality is the basis recipe across the glasses are basically the same. Whether the bubbles come from a sparkling wine or a soda can differ depending on the cocktail. Often a citrus note provides a bright, zesty flavor which can be contrasted with a slightly herbal or bitter note. Lastly, a fruit garnish brings a delightful visual which enhances the overall experience.

Here are some sensational Spritz cocktails for any occasion.

Lillet has a long storied history. While the brand balances the art and science in its craft, the flavors meld with a variety of other ingredients. From the versatile Blanc to the robust Rouge, a small pour can bring a taste of the French joie de vi·vre.

One recipe that is perfect for a sunny afternoon is the Lillet Rosé Spritz Recipe. Lovely in its simplicity, it is perfect with a simple cheese plate, a pasta salad, or however people please.

Lillet Rosé Spritz Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 parts of Lillet Rosé
• 3 parts of Soda Water
• Recommended Garnish: slice of grapefruit and / or orange

Method:

• Build Lillet Rosé and soda water with ice, strain into a white wine glass filled with ice. Garnish with either slice of grapefruit and / or orange.

For those people who prefer to just pour and enjoy, the CHANDON Garden Spritz is that option. The celebrate wine maker has taken all the hassle out of mixing.

The CHANDON Garden Spritz hits the three bs, bubbles, bitters and botanicals. While there is a sweetness from the house made garden liqueur, the flavor is still balanced. The zestiness from the Valencia oranges is the note that sets this offering apart.

While many people are still talking about that collaboration with Claussen for the Pickle Spritz, Spritz Society has always been ahead of the spritz trend. The canned cocktail offering is crisp, clean, and classic. The fruit flavors do not over power the delicate wine notes. It feels as if the drinker is transported to that high society Hamptons party.

One cocktail option using Spritz Society is the Tropical Breeze. Created by Meaghan Levy, Director of Food & Beverage at Canoe Place Inn & Cottages, this option brings bold flavors. Levy said, “Two of my favorite summertime cocktails are spritzes and spicy margaritas. The Tropical Breeze is the perfect combination of the two classics. The beautiful, sweet and refreshing notes of the Spritz Society Pineapple complement spicy rich round notes of the Thai bird chili and Tequila. It’s a must try!”

Tropical Breeze

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Tequila
• .5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• .5 oz Thai Bird Chili
• 4 oz Spritz Society Pineapple

Directions:

• Add all ingredients except the Spritz Society Pineapple to a shaker
• Add ice and shake for 2 minutes
• Strain over fresh ice into a glass
• Top with Spritz Society Pineapple
• Garnish with a lime wedge

Cool Cat Wine Spritzers celebrate California white wine with its offerings. The minority-owned brand has built a loyal following. While many people love the original (elderflower) option, the grapefruit flavor is quite enjoyable.

Here’s how to make its American Spritz cocktail.

Ingredients

• 3 oz of Cool Cat Grapefruit Sparkling Cocktail
• 1.5 oz Aperol

Instructions

• Over light ice, add your Cool Cat Grapefruit Sparkling Cocktail to a wine glass
• Pour in your Aperol.
• Gently mix the drink by swirling your glass.
• Garnish with an orange wedge-and enjoy

Martini & Rossi is one of the most iconic brands. For 160 years, the brand’s aperitivos have flavored a variety of cocktails. When cocktail creativity is part of the conversation, Martini & Rossi is always a smart choice.

With the Fiero Spritz, the cocktail will bring a vibrant conversation to the glass. Simply combine Martini & Rossi Fiero and Prosecco. Although the cocktail is slightly dry, it is lovely on a warm afternoon.

Another classic option is the floral forward St-Germaine Spritz. While that Elderflower Liqueur has great versatility, it is perfection in a spritz.

Another pour and enjoy option is Delola. Backed by Jennifer Lopez, the three expressions are Bella Berry, Paloma Rosa, and L’Orange. When enjoying some time with friends, the larger bottle ensures that everyone’s glass is full.

For drinkers who want a slight more potent potable. The Spritz cocktails can swap the soda water for something a little harder.

The Truly (The Best) Aperol Spritz does just that. Although some people raised a glass of the Americano Outlaw during the Women’s World Cup, this cocktail might need to be drunk a little more slowly.

Truly (The Best) Aperol Spritz

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces Prosecco
• 2 ounces Aperol
• 2 ounces Truly Hard Seltzer Grapefruit

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients plus ice in a mixing glass
• Stir to chill
• Pour over fresh ice in your favorite spritz glass
• Garnish as desired and enjoy!

Lastly, Spritz cocktails can skip the alcohol completely. Wilderton Bittersweet Apertivo. The botanical-driven non-alcoholic spirit is lovely. Without compromising on flavor, this option might be a great swap in between cocktails.

Know of some great Spritz cocktails? Share your favorites with #FoodSided.