Want to craft the perfect spritz? Here's what you need to know: A spritz is a refreshing, low-alcohol cocktail that combines vermouth, sparkling wine, soda water, and garnishes. Originating in Italy's Veneto region, the spritz has evolved into a global favorite, celebrated for its balance of bittersweet flavors and versatility.
Key Points:
- What You Need: Premium vermouth (like SCHOFIELD'S or ESTATE), prosecco or sparkling water, and fresh garnishes (citrus, herbs, or olives).
- Why It’s Popular: Low alcohol content, mindful drinking trend, and a growing appreciation for aperitivo culture.
-
How to Make It:
- Classic Vermouth Spritz: 50 ml dry vermouth + 100 ml sparkling water.
- Aperitivo Spritz: 75 ml prosecco + 50 ml aperitivo + 25 ml sparkling water.
- Add ice, stir gently, and garnish.
- New Recipes to Try: Seasonal options like Summer Berry Spritz (sweet vermouth, strawberry puree, prosecco) or lighter versions like The Light Hugo (dry vermouth, alcohol-free sparkling wine, elderflower cordial).
Quick Tips:
- Use wide-bowled glasses for better aroma and carbonation.
- Pair with Italian snacks like marinated olives, seafood crostini, or goat cheese.
- Experiment with seasonal ingredients for unique twists.
Whether you're hosting a party or relaxing at home, mastering the spritz is all about balance, fresh ingredients, and creativity. Dive into the full guide for recipes, garnish ideas, and expert tips!
Vermouth Spritz: An Easy Cocktail Recipe
Key Spritz Ingredients
Vermouth Selection
SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth, crafted with 28 botanicals in English white wines, brings notes of white flowers and a bright citrus finish, making it a standout choice for spritz cocktails. ESTATE Sweet Vermouth, made in South London, adds a deeper, richer flavor. Both have earned high praise for their quality.
Aperitivo and Amaro Basics
The bitter elements are what give a spritz its signature taste. Asterley Original Aperitivo offers a fresh spin on the classic aperitivo style, while Dispense Amaro blends London and Sicilian influences with 24 botanicals, including gentian, hops, and wormwood.
Dispense Amaro stands out with its modern flavor, highlighting fruit peel notes. It's easy to enjoy for those new to cocktails but still satisfying for seasoned drinkers.
Bubbles and Garnishes
Once you've chosen your bitters, the bubbles and garnishes complete the drink. Dry or brut prosecco works well to balance the vermouth's sweetness. For something different, try Cava or sparkling rosé - Cava's drier finish pairs nicely with stronger amari. Adding a splash of quality club soda or sparkling water can lighten the drink while keeping it crisp and refreshing.
Garnishes should complement your mix of vermouth and aperitivo. Citrus slices are a classic choice, but you can also experiment with fresh herbs or seasonal fruits to enhance the botanical flavors.
Pro Tip: Pair SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth with elderflower tonic or cucumber tonic for a fresh twist on the classic spritz, highlighting its intricate botanical notes.
Making a Perfect Spritz
Mixing Instructions
Creating the ideal spritz is all about nailing the right proportions. Stick to these ratios for a consistently great drink:
-
Classic Vermouth Spritz:
- 50 ml SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth
- 100 ml sparkling water
- Ice
-
Aperitivo Spritz:
- 75 ml prosecco
- 50 ml Asterley Original Aperitivo
- 25 ml sparkling water
- Ice
Start by filling a highball glass with ice. Add the vermouth or aperitivo, then pour in the sparkling water. Stir gently to keep the bubbles intact.
Pro tip: Swap in 40 ml of ESTATE Sweet Vermouth for a well-rounded flavor.
Garnish Guide
A thoughtful garnish can boost both the aroma and flavor of your spritz. Here’s how to choose the perfect finishing touch:
-
Citrus Options:
- SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth: grapefruit twist
- Asterley Original Aperitivo: orange slice or twist
- ESTATE Sweet Vermouth: lemon twist
-
Herbal Accents:
- Gently bruise fresh herbs to release their oils.
- Rosemary pairs beautifully with SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth.
- Sage works well with ESTATE Sweet Vermouth.
-
Presentation Tips:
- Always use fresh garnishes.
- Place citrus twists on top of the drink to release their oils.
- Opt for high-quality, unpitted olives.
- For special occasions, add edible flowers that are safe for consumption.
sbb-itb-f74956d
New Spritz Recipes
Seasonal Spritzes
Try spritz recipes that make the most of seasonal ingredients paired with premium vermouths.
Spring Garden Spritz
- 50 ml SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth
- 25 ml St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- 100 ml sparkling water
- Garnish: Mint and edible flowers
Summer Berry Spritz
- 50 ml ESTATE Sweet Vermouth
- 25 ml fresh strawberry puree
- 75 ml Prosecco
- Garnish: Strawberry and basil leaf
Autumn Orchard Spritz
- 40 ml ESTATE Sweet Vermouth
- 25 ml Asterley Original Aperitivo
- 75 ml sparkling apple cider
- Garnish: Cinnamon stick and apple slice
Light Alcohol Options
These lighter versions of classic spritzes offer reduced alcohol content while keeping the flavor intact. A traditional spritz typically has around 11% ABV, but these recipes provide a gentler option.
The Light Hugo
- 25 ml SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth
- 100 ml alcohol-free sparkling wine
- 15 ml elderflower cordial
- Sparkling water to top
- Garnish: Mint
Garden Refresher
- 30 ml ESTATE Sweet Vermouth
- 15 ml Asterley Original Aperitivo
- 120 ml premium tonic water
- Garnish: Rosemary sprig
Mixed Flavor Combinations
For a creative spin on the classic spritz, these recipes bring bold and unexpected flavor profiles to the table.
Mediterranean Sunset
- 40 ml SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth
- 20 ml Dispense Amaro
- 75 ml blood orange soda
- 10 ml Prosecco float
- Garnish: Blood orange wheel
"Aperitivo culture is really all about food, classically using bitter notes to prepare for a meal. I wanted to create spritz that gave drinkers something to think about and to prepare the palate without overpowering it".
Herbal Heights
- 50 ml ESTATE Sweet Vermouth
- 20 ml Britannica London Fernet
- 75 ml Prosecco
- Garnish: Thyme and lemon twist
Pro tip: Keep all ingredients chilled, and always add sparkling elements last to preserve their fizz.
Serving Guide
Food and Spritz Matches
Pair your spritz cocktails with small, flavorful dishes that complement their bittersweet taste. Consider serving Italian cicchetti, such as:
- Marinated olives, artichoke hearts, calamari with lemon
- Herb-seasoned egg halves, small cured meat sandwiches
- Seafood crostini
For cheese pairings that bring out the cocktail's flavors, try:
- Chevriou fresh goat cheese
- Brillat-Savarin triple cream
- Rove des Garrigues aged goat cheese
Glass Selection
The right glass can elevate your spritz experience. Large-bowled wine glasses, with a capacity of at least 450 ml, are ideal. They allow the drink to aerate, highlight its vibrant colors, and retain carbonation.
Key tips for serving:
- Use wide-bowled wine glasses to enhance aromatics
- Opt for glasses with sturdy stems to keep the drink cool
- Ensure enough space for ice and garnishes
For an extra touch, chill your glasses for 10–15 minutes before serving. With the perfect glass, your cocktails will look and taste their best.
Spritz Party Planning
Throwing a spritz party? Here's what you'll need to make it unforgettable:
Stock your DIY spritz station with:
- 2–4 bottles of featured spirits (such as ESTATE Sweet Vermouth and SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth)
- Several bottles of prosecco
- Seltzer water
- Plenty of ice
- Garnishes like orange wheels, lemon twists, and olives
Stick to a 2:4:splash ratio (spirit:bubbles:seltzer) for a balanced cocktail.
Set the mood with string lights, Mediterranean-themed decor, terracotta vessels, and rustic wooden boards.
Offer a variety of spritz options, including:
- Classic ESTATE Sweet Vermouth Spritz
- Asterley Original Aperitivo Spritz
- Dispense Amaro Spritz
- Lighter vermouth spritzes for designated drivers
Keep food stations stocked with antipasto platters featuring regional cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, and marinated vegetables. For dessert, serve small treats like mini tiramisu or gelato.
Conclusion
Main Points Review
Making modern spritz cocktails is all about combining top-notch ingredients with precise techniques. Here's what you need to keep in mind:
- Premium Spirits: Use options like ESTATE Sweet Vermouth and SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth to create a solid base.
- Balanced Proportions: Properly measure spirits, bubbles, and soda to achieve the right balance.
- Right Glassware: Choose glassware that enhances both aroma and carbonation.
- Fresh Garnishes: Add citrus, herbs, or olives to elevate the drink's flavor.
Master these basics, and you'll be ready to craft your own unique spritz creations.
Next Steps
Ready to get started? Here's how:
- Try Dispense Amaro, made with 24 botanicals using a triple maceration process.
- Explore modern British twists, like mixing Asterley Original Aperitivo with white wine and soda.
- Experiment with Dispense Amaro, sparkling water, and fresh mandarin or pink grapefruit for a refreshing take.
- Use local, seasonal ingredients to highlight unique botanical flavors.
For more ideas, consider joining the Asterley Bros Negroni Society for $17.95/month. You'll get access to curated cocktail recipes and plenty of inspiration!