Top 5 Spritz Cocktails To Refresh Your Summer

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As the warm sun graces us with longer days and balmy evenings, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a refreshing spritz cocktail in hand. These bubbly, vibrant drinks are not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to leisurely afternoons on the patio. With a delightful mix of flavours and a touch of effervescence, spritz cocktails are the ultimate summer sippers. We just returned home from the Amalfi Coast where we indulged in a variety of Spritz’s. My favourite was the Hugo Spritz! If you want to read about travelling to the Amalfi coast read my latest article here: The Amalfi Coast: Top Tips For Planning A Luxury Getaway

Join us as we explore the top five spritz cocktails, including the classic Aperol Spritz and the floral Hugo Spritz, guaranteed to elevate your warm-weather gatherings!

Prosecco, Cava Champagne - What's the difference?

I have been so curious to know the difference between Prosecco, Cava and Champagne. Aren’t they all just sparkling wine?

Well first off, Champagne is technically sparkling wine but it can only be called champagne if its from that region in France.

Primary flavours: Pear, toast, brioche, almond
Complex flavour profile with notes of citrus, apple, and sometimes tropical fruits
Yeasty notes reminiscent of brioche or toast, giving richness and complexity
Fine bubbles and high acidity

Prosecco, is sparkling wine found in the region of Veneto Italy.

Primary flavors: Green apple, pear, honey, cream
Pronounced yet delicate flavors of green apple, citrus and white flowers
Lighter, fruitier, and fresher than Champagne
Larger, more coarse bubbles compared to Champagne

Cava is sparkling wine from the region of Catalonia in Spain.

rimary flavors: Pear, melon, brioche, creamy mousse, subtle spices
Flavor profile of lemon peel, overripe apple, biscuit and matchsticks
Generally drier than Prosecco but less complex than Champagne
Lacks the pronounced biscuit/brioche notes of Champagne
Flavor develops more complexity with longer aging.

If you are looking for a more descriptive guide into Spritz cocktail making check out this book on Amazon: Spritz Fever: Champagne and Sparkling Wine Cocktails.

1. Aperol Spritz

The classic Aperol Spritz is a staple of summer sipping. This vibrant orange cocktail combines Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water, creating a refreshing drink that’s both sweet and slightly bitter.

Ingredients:

3 oz Prosecco
2 oz Aperol
1 oz soda water
Ice
Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a wine glass with ice.
Pour in the Prosecco, followed by the Aperol and soda water.
Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

2. Hugo Spritz

The Hugo Spritz is a delightful alternative to the traditional spritz, featuring elderflower liqueur for a floral twist. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy lighter, sweeter drinks.

Ingredients:

2 oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz soda water
Fresh mint leaves
Ice
Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

In a wine glass, muddle a few mint leaves gently.
Add ice, then pour in the elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, and soda water.
Stir gently to combine and garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge.

3. Limoncello Spritz

For a zesty and refreshing option, the Limoncello Spritz combines the bright flavors of limoncello with bubbly Prosecco. It’s the perfect cocktail to transport you to the sunny Italian coast.

Ingredients:

2 oz limoncello
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz soda water
Ice
Lemon wheel for garnish
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Fill a wine glass with ice.
Pour in the limoncello, followed by the Prosecco and soda water.
Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wheel and mint leaves.

4. Lillet Spritz

For a French twist, try the Lillet Spritz. This cocktail is light and aromatic, featuring the refreshing flavors of Lillet, a fortified wine.

Ingredients:

3 oz Lillet Blanc
2 oz soda water
Ice
Fresh berries or cucumber slices for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a glass with ice.
Pour in the Lillet and top with soda water.
Stir gently and garnish with fresh berries or cucumber slices.

5. Campari Spritz

For those who enjoy a more bitter flavor profile, the Campari Spritz is the perfect choice. This cocktail is bold and sophisticated, making it an excellent pre-dinner drink.

Ingredients:

3 oz Prosecco
2 oz Campari
1 oz soda water
Ice
Orange twist for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a glass with ice.
Add the Prosecco, followed by the Campari and soda water.
Stir gently and garnish with an orange twist.

Cheers! Salute! Santé! and Salud!

As summer unfolds and the days grow longer, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a refreshing spritz cocktail in hand. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, these five spritz cocktails—Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, Limoncello Spritz, Campari Spritz, and Lillet Spritz—are sure to elevate your warm-weather sipping experience. If you are searching for a great Happy Hour, check out my post on Key West: The Ultimate Happy Hour Guide And Tour.

I hope you’ve found inspiration to mix up these delightful drinks and share them with friends and family. Thank you for reading my blog article, drop me a comment, or ask me a question and cheers to a summer filled with sunshine, laughter, and delicious cocktails!