Everything You Need to Know About the Perfect Summer Cocktail
Ahhh, summer. It’s hot, it’s humid, and you’d much rather be at the beach, pool, or lake than doing…well, whatever it is you’re doing right now. Thank goodness for the occasional breeze.
So, what are you sipping while you’re relaxing on the porch, waiting for the sun to sink and the temperature to follow?
My recommendation? A spritz.
Light, bubbly, endlessly customizable, and incredibly refreshing, a spritz is practically the official cocktail of summer.
So, What Is a Spritz?
The spritz originated in Italy, and the classic formula couldn’t be simpler:
3 parts sparkling wine + 2 parts liqueur (or aperitif) + 1 part soda water.
Pour everything over ice in a large wine glass, add a garnish, and you’ve got a beautiful cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is to drink.
The best part? There are no spritz police.
Prefer rosé instead of sparkling wine? Go for it. Want to swap club soda for Sprite, flavored sparkling water, or another bubbly non-alcoholic mixer? Absolutely. A spritz is more of a style than a strict recipe, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.
A Few Classic Spritzes
Hugo Spritz (my personal favorite!)
Prosecco, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, club soda, and fresh mint.
Aperol Spritz
Prosecco, Aperol, club soda, and an orange slice.
Lillet Spritz
Sparkling wine, Lillet (Blanc, Rosé, or Rouge), sparkling water, and a slice of citrus.
Limoncello Spritz
Sparkling wine, limoncello (or another “cello” liqueur), club soda, and fresh basil.
Make It Your Own
Have a favorite cordial or liqueur? Give it the spritz treatment. Nearly any flavor can work with sparkling wine and a splash of bubbles.
And don’t limit yourself to Prosecco. Cava, Champagne, Crémant, or any sparkling wine you enjoy will do the trick.
For the bubbly component, club soda is traditional, but flavored sparkling water or another sparkling non-alcoholic beverage can add another layer of flavor.
Now for my favorite part—the garnish.
Take a walk through your garden (or the produce aisle). Mint, basil, rosemary, lemon balm, citrus slices, strawberries, cucumbers—almost anything fresh can elevate your drink.
A quick tip: Before adding herbs, place them in the palm of your hand and gently smack them with your other hand. This bruises the leaves just enough to release their aromatic oils, giving your spritz even more flavor.
And don’t be afraid to get creative. Last summer I had a cocktail at Theodosia in Duck, North Carolina, created by mixologists Matt Joyner and Zach Thomas, that was garnished with an impossibly thin slice of roasted beet. It was as beautiful as it was delicious.
Raise a Glass
Need an excuse to mix one up? National Spritz Day is August 1, making it the perfect opportunity to try a new combination.
Whether you’re on the porch, by the pool, at the beach, or simply dreaming of cooler temperatures, there’s a spritz with your name on it.
Cheers to summer!
*Image Credits to Wedgewood cheese bar “Just Peachy” spritz.