Summertime calls for refreshing libations, and one of the most popular across the world is the Aperol spritz. However, it is not the only kid on the block — there are myriad ways to create a fizzy, light cocktail that hits all the bases.
Whether you like dry, lightly bitter, floral or fruity drinks, here are six delicious spritz recipe alternatives to your classic Italian apertif to keep you refreshed all summer long.
Elderflower Spritz
This drink combines California’s Gray Whale Gin with white vermouth, elderflower liqueur and Prosecco or Cava for a fun floral take on the classic spritz that can be scaled up to please a crowd. Top with soda water for extra refreshment.
- 1.5 parts Gray Whale Gin
- 0.5 part Carpano Bianco
- 0.5 part elderflower liqueur
- 2 parts Prosecco or Cava
- Club soda
- Lemon twist
Add all ingredients to a wine glass and top with ice. Garnish with lemon twist.
Belle de Brillet is a Cognac-based liqueur with a wonderful, bright pear flavor that shines in this … [+]
Belle Pamplemousse
Belle de Brillet is a delicious French spirit crafted from Williams pear eaux-de-vie, Cognac, water and vanilla sugar made with fresh vanilla from Madagascar. Mixed with bright citrus and sparkling wine, this is the taste of summer in a glass.
- 1.75 oz Belle de Brillet
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 3.5 oz grapefruit soda
- 1 oz Prosecco
Pour all ingredients into a glass full of ice and stir gently. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
This delicious spritz combines fresh lemon juice with the almond flavor of DiSaronno Originale.
Disaronno Spritz
A low-alcohol drink with a distinct character. The unmistakable almond taste of Disaronno combined with fizzy bubbles and lemon juice makes a refreshing and thirst-quenching cocktail.
- 1.5 oz Disaronno Originale
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Club soda
- Lemon peel
Add Disaronno Originale and lemon juice to a white wine glass/spritz glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon peel.
Made with a unique citrus liqueur from Burgundy, this spritz is absolutely lovely.
The Stardust Spritz
Eau d’Or Liqueur is a unique liqueur from Pegasus Distillerie, a Burgundy-born premium spirits brand that arrived in the US this spring, featuring citrus fruits, cane sugar and orange blossoms. Originally crafted by the master distillers of Versailles under Louis the XIV, it was deemed a luxury product.
- 2 oz liqueur elixir Eau D’Or
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 2 oz ginger beer
- 2 oz cremant de bourgogne or prosecco
Blend Eau D’Or Liqueur withlemon juice. Top with ginger beer and Cremant de Bourgogne or Prosecco. Garnish with an orange zest.
Perfect for summer, this peachy spritz will be one of your favorites to mix at home.
Little Death
This summery cocktail was created by Daintree Rooftop and Lounge in NYC, where you can get one if you’re a local. Juliette is an artisanal peach liqueur crafted in the Rhône Valley with pêche de vigne —- French heirloom peaches.
0.5 oz Juliette Peach Liqueur
1 oz Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro
0.25 oz Ginger Gyrup
0.25 oz Cucumber Syrup
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
Top: Champagne
Fill your glass with ice. Add Juliette Peach Liqueur, Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro, lemon juice, cucumber syrup, and ginger syrup. Gently stir and top with champagne of choice. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon
Chinola’s Dominican passion fruit liqueur adds a splash of tropical fun to this superb spritz.
2 C’s Spritz
Chinola are natural, low ABV liqueurs made in the Dominican Republic from 100% fresh fruit and neutral cane spirit, with no artificial additives and a commitment to eco-friendly practices. The passion fruit flavor in this fantastic liqueur cannot be beaten. Talk about an instant trip to the islands.
- 1 oz Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur
- 1.5 oz Candela Mamajuana Rum
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 3 oz sparkling wine
- 1 oz club soda
Build in a glass over ice. Stir and garnish with lime wheel.