This may be a controversial take, but we can no longer stay silent: the spritz is THE perfect cocktail.
Sure, we love our classic martinis, Old Fashioneds and Manhattans, but the spritz is the ideal bubbly, easy-sipping cocktail, especially in the Florida heat. Whether you like your drink syrupy sweet, herbal, bitter, citrusy or a little bit of everything, building your perfect spritz is easy as 123 (literally...more on that later).
Keep reading for the complete guide to spritzes, including the key components of a spritz, how to customize your own and flavor combo ideas to inspire you to spritz all spring long.
First, let’s cover the key components of a spritz (because it’s NOT any cocktail with bubbles in it). Every spritz needs 3 things:
And that’s it! Think about your favorite spritzes; the Aperol Spritz, the Hugo Spritz, the Limoncello Spritz...they all follow this formula.
The important thing here is the drink’s structure, not necessarily the specific ingredients or flavors. Each of the 3 ingredient pillars plays its part: the base spirit is the star of the show, giving the cocktail a backbone to build from. The complementary liqueur or flavor enhancer (think cordials, other aperitifs, syrups, jams/jellies, etc.) adds depth and complexity. Last but not least, the sparkling wine uplifts everything else in your glass with its bubbly effervescence.
As long as you have these 3 components, you’re well on your way to enjoying a delicious, refreshing drink.
As we know well, Florida spring isn’t like regular spring. It’s like, er, summer junior.
That’s why it’s a good idea to serve juicy, bubbly, refreshing and, most importantly, lower ABV cocktails at spring events, from backyard barbecues to showers to casual patio get-togethers.
High temps can dehydrate you and your guests quickly, so light, lower ABV drinks that can be sipped over long periods of time are essential. Most spritzes easily fit the bill.
Plus, spring is the season of new beginnings, and what better way to celebrate new life than by toasting with a tasty, bubbly drink?
If you’re someone who never measures ingredients when you’re cooking or baking, spritzes are your perfect match. It's the ultimate “a little bit of this, a little bit of that” cocktail. Regardless, there is a correct order for building a spritz, and it’s this:
No cocktail shakers, no muddlers, no bar spoons and, most importantly, NO DISHES. The spritz is that girl.
In fact, spritzes are so easy to make that you can spend your time and creative energy on getting fancy with the garnishes. Citrus peels, herb sprigs, fruit skewers and even edible flowers make gorgeous spritz garnishes.
Need some citrus-piration? Learn how to make these easy orange peel cocktail garnishes:
More of a make-ahead kind of host? Wow your guests without lifting a finger the day of your event with these easy ice hacks!
Now that you’ve taken Spritzing 101, it’s time to start stirring up your spritz. Here are some ideas for what to put in your spritz, organized by flavor profile:
All in all, the spritz is a tasty, choose-your-own-adventure cocktail that makes the Florida heat a bit more bearable. Happy spring spritzing!
You know what’s also a super simple, customizable, refreshing cocktail? Sangria. Learn how to build your perfect bowl of sangria below.
