Citrus Spritz Cocktail Recipe
I adore crafting lively and rejuvenating beverages that are within the reach of anyone hoping to entertain with some effortless mixology. Take my Citrus Spritz Cocktail!
It is, at heart, a take on the classic spritz. “What is a spritz?” you ask.
The spritz is a Venetian cocktail that pairs sparkling wine with a bitter liqueur (like Aperol). The drink has a sweet and sour (or bitter) flavor profile that is so balanced and refreshing, you could almost drink it for breakfast (more on that possibility later).
What makes this particular spritz a cocktail you might want to serve at your next gathering is the addition of orange juice. “Why orange juice?” you ask.
Carry on, as I will soon explain.
Ingredients
Prosecco or Sparkling Wine:
Bringing fizz and nothing but fizz, this ingredient is all about low-calorie fun.
Aperol:
Yields a flavor that is both sweet and sour; it has a low alcohol content; it contributes bright color.
Fresh Orange Juice:
High in vitamin C; contributes natural sweetness and fruity notes.
Fresh Lemon Juice:
Rich in vitamin C; supplies a tangy, revitalizing flavor.
Simple Syrup:
Counteracts bitterness; contributes sweetness for a more palatable flavor.
Ingredient Quantities
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- 2 ounces Prosecco or sparkling wine
- 1 ounce Aperol
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice, for garnish
- Lemon twist, for garnish
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Instructions
1. Chill the glass by filling it with ice cubes while preparing the cocktail.
2. In another mixing glass, unite 1 ounce of Aperol, 1 ounce of orange juice that has been freshly squeezed, and 1/2 ounce of lemon juice that is fresh.
3. Pour 1/2 ounce of simple syrup into the mixing glass and stir gently to combine.
4. Remove the ice from the cooled glass.
5. Strain the mixture of Aperol and citrus into the glass that has been freshly chilled.
6. Very gradually pour 2 ounces of Prosecco or sparkling wine into the bowl with the mixed ingredients.
7. Stir the drink gently to combine the ingredients completely.
8. Add an orange slice to the drink for a vibrant burst of color and a pleasing citrus smell.
9. For an added pop of flavor and appearance, twist a lemon on top, and let its oils spill out.
10. Serve without delay, and make sure that the cocktail is relished at the moment, while it is still cold and invigorating.
Equipment Needed
1. Mixing glass
2. Chilled cocktail glass
3. Bar spoon or stirrer
4. Citrus juicer or reamer
5. Jigger or measuring tool
6. Knife
7. Ice cube tray or ice dispenser
8. Strainer
FAQ
- What can I use instead of Prosecco?Any dry sparkling wine or a more luxurious dry Champagne can take the place of Prosecco.
- Can I make the cocktail in advance?The most favorable time to prepare the Citrus Spritz is immediately before serving, which helps maintain the sparkling wine’s freshness and effervescence.
- Is there a non-alcoholic version?Certainly, you can substitute Prosecco with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine and leave out the Aperol.
- How can I adjust the sweetness?Change the quantity of simple syrup to fit your taste. Start with a small amount and increase it if you want a cocktail that’s on the sweeter side.
- What is a simple syrup, and can I buy it?Simple syrup consists of equal parts sugar and water, which are heated until the sugar dissolves. It’s a cinch to make at home, but you can also buy it at most grocery stores.
- Can I use bottled orange juice?For the best flavor, freshly squeezed is recommended, but a suitable alternative is high-quality bottled orange juice.
- What glass should I serve it in?Enjoy the refreshing flavors of the Citrus Spritz served in a rocks glass filled with ice. Or for a more elegant presentation, serve it in a wine glass, also filled with ice.
Substitutions and Variations
2 ounces of Prosecco or sparkling wine
2 ounces of Champagne
2 ounces club soda (for a version that is free of alcohol)
1 oz Aperol
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce orange-flavored liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
1 ounce fresh-squeezed orange juice
1 ounce juice of tangerine
1 ounce juice from blood oranges
0.5 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce juice from a lime
1/2 ounce juice from yuzu fruit
0.5 ounces simple syrup
1/2 ounce syrup made with honey
.5 ounces agave nectar
Citrus Spritz Cocktail Recipe
My favourite Citrus Spritz Cocktail Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Mixing glass
2. Chilled cocktail glass
3. Bar spoon or stirrer
4. Citrus juicer or reamer
5. Jigger or measuring tool
6. Knife
7. Ice cube tray or ice dispenser
8. Strainer
Ingredients:
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- 2 ounces Prosecco or sparkling wine
- 1 ounce Aperol
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice, for garnish
- Lemon twist, for garnish
“`
Instructions:
1. Chill the glass by filling it with ice cubes while preparing the cocktail.
2. In another mixing glass, unite 1 ounce of Aperol, 1 ounce of orange juice that has been freshly squeezed, and 1/2 ounce of lemon juice that is fresh.
3. Pour 1/2 ounce of simple syrup into the mixing glass and stir gently to combine.
4. Remove the ice from the cooled glass.
5. Strain the mixture of Aperol and citrus into the glass that has been freshly chilled.
6. Very gradually pour 2 ounces of Prosecco or sparkling wine into the bowl with the mixed ingredients.
7. Stir the drink gently to combine the ingredients completely.
8. Add an orange slice to the drink for a vibrant burst of color and a pleasing citrus smell.
9. For an added pop of flavor and appearance, twist a lemon on top, and let its oils spill out.
10. Serve without delay, and make sure that the cocktail is relished at the moment, while it is still cold and invigorating.