A spritz is simply the most refreshing drink in summer, especially if you're drinking in the daytime. Part alcohol and part soda water, they are always cold and hit the spot perfectly when you're sat in the warmth of the sun. What's more, they couldn't be easier to make at home so use these summer spritz recipes for your next barbecue or dinner party.
Aperol Spritz
It's a classic for a reason and the popularity of the Aperol Spritz shows no signs of dying down anytime soon. You need just four ingredients to make it (well five, including ice): Aperol, prosecco, soda water and a slice of orange – what could be easier? It's a 3-2-1 ratio of ingredients, meaning even the most amateur of home bartenders can't get it wrong. Follow our Aperol Spritz recipe for a taste of the Italian sun, or, if you can't choose between rosé and an Aperol spritz, take a look at the rosé Aperol Spritz recipe instead, which brings the two together in one drink.
Campari spritz
If the Aperol Spritz is too sweet for you but you like the idea of it, you can always follow the recipe and replace the Aperol with Campari for a slightly more grown-up take on the famous spritz.
Campari soda
Perhaps even easier than an Aperol Spritz is the humble Campari soda, though you need to have less of a sweet tooth to enjoy this one. Most people either fall into an Aperol or Campari camp, depending on whether they like their drinks on the sweeter side or with a more bitter note. Campari is the latter and the classic way to drink it is served over ice and topped off with soda and a slice of orange. You can tailor the ratio to your liking, with more Campari for those who like a strong hit of bitter orange notes, and more soda for something longer and more refreshing.
Vermouth and soda
Hop to Spain and any time of year and you'll notice a lot of locals with small tumblers filled with either a red or pale yellowy-green liquid, complete with an olive and slice of lemon or orange. This is the humble vermouth and soda and yes, you have been missing it from your life all this time. The premise is simple; take either red or white (bianco) vermouth as per your choosing – red has more spice notes and tends to be sweeter, whereas white can be drier, though dry vermouth is an entirely different, clear liquid altogether and not what you want here – pour it over ice, add an olive and slice of orange for red, or lemon for white and top off with soda. Oh so simple, oh so delicious.
Cucumber spritz
The combination of vodka, vermouth, tonic water and cucumber make this pretty much the most refreshing cocktail in the world and it's exceptionally good to sip on those truly hot days. Simply take 30 ml of vodka and the same of dry vermouth and pour over ice with 70ml sparkling water and 70ml tonic water before garnishing with two cucumber ribbons (use a potato peeler to create those). The best time for a cucumber spritz is over lunch or late afternoon when you've returned for a day at the beach and are feeling showered and refreshed.
Hugo spritz
When you're looking to impress but still want to keep things light and breezy, the Hugo is your cocktail of choice. You will need: A small handful of mint; 20ml elderflower cordial; and 20ml gin (you can leave this out but it helps to balance the sweetness from the elderflower and prosecco). Add ice, 120ml prosecco, 25ml soda water, and a lime wedge.
Scrunch the mint up so you release the oils and pop it in the bottom of a large wine glass, then pour the gin and cordial over and leave for a couple of minutes to infuse. Next, fill the glass with ice and pour the prosecco and soda water over. Gently stir the ingredients to combine and garnish with a lime wedge and sprig of mint.
Limoncello spritz
There are many ‘summer drinks’ out there but not many have quite the transportive effect that opening a sunshine-yellow bottle of limoncello. Mellow the citrus-y Amalfi Coast classic down a tad by turning it a spritz in seconds. Just add prosecco and soda – and garnish with a sprig of thyme.
St Germain spritz
Similar to the St Germain Fizz, this elegant and simple summer cocktail is a light and floral favourite for elderflower fans. Simply use the 3-2-1 ratio of the classic spritz with St Germain elderflower liqueur, prosecco and soda. Top with a lemon twist (and optional edible flowers). For a fully French tipple, switch prosecco for Champagne.
Italicus spritz
The Italian ‘rosolio’ liqueur Italicus is sweet and citrussy, dominated by the unusual flavour of bergamot. It also has the most stylish bottle, a vision on any drinks tray. Since it hails from Italy, it's usually mixed with prosecco–try one part Italicus to two parts prosecco, which is quite light enough on its own, or top it up with soda water if you want something even more refreshing.
This article originally appeared on House & Garden UK.
