OUICOOK: SUMMER SPRITZ FOR EVERY OCCASION

As summer warms, suddenly the whole world becomes your backyard. After a long winter cooped up indoors, whiskey drinks, it’s time to embrace the outdoors—and lighten up your drink of choice as well. Whether it’s hosting festivities in your own backyard, gathering with friends at the local park, or venturing to the beach with your family, the summer affords so many opportunities for sunny activities. And while others may pick up a quick six-pack of beer from the corner store, I like to travel in style and bring the cocktails (and snacks!) with me wherever I go.

Back home, I often turn to the spritz as my summer drink of choice. These Italian-inspired, wine-based cocktails are delightfully perfect for day-drinking; they’re refreshing yet bracing, incredibly sippable, and just alcoholic enough to keep the festivities going into the night. 

 

 

The Basic Building Blocks Of Spritz

Spritzes are incredibly easy to make because they typically only require three ingredients. The classic formula consists of 3 parts sparkling Prosecco, 2 parts Italian aperitif (like Aperol or Campari), and a splash of soda water.

• Start with equal amounts of any bitter liquor—Pimm’s, Lillet, Averna, the sky’s the limit—sparkling white wine, and club soda over ice.
• Give it a quick stir and take your first sip.
• From there, feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences: add a little more Prosecco for extra bubbles, or more club soda to make it less boozy.

 

 

A Spritz For Every Occasion

The spritz is a fantastic way to explore countless flavor profiles and combinations. They pair exceptionally well with food, so consider what flavors may best suit your party bites. Throwing a late afternoon soiree? Try stirring together Campari, the aperitif wine Cocchi Americano, and topping with pink grapefruit soda. Garnish with a grapefruit peel, serve with something crunchy and salty, and you’re all set for a party that’s sure to last well into the night. Feel free to add a splash of club soda to adjust the sweetness.

Looking for something to wake you up during a brunch hang? Try this coffee-inspired spritz: Averna, coffee soda, and sparkling white wine finished with a squeeze of lemon. It’ll be just the pick me up you need after last night’s spirited dinner festivities.

 

How To Spritz On The Go

My absolute favorite thing about spritzes is how incredibly easy they are to travel with. Come summer, I always have a picnic bag ready with a blanket and some disposable cups. Before I head out, I’ll batch my non-bubbly ingredients in a quart container or insulated bottle, and grab a six-pack of club soda or a chilled bottle of Prosecco on the way to a day at the beach. (Don’t forget the ice!)

 

 

When the days grow long and temperatures rise, spritzes make for easy drinking options—great for daytime refreshment while still feeling special and decadent, especially when imbibed outdoors. They’re the perfect vehicle for cocktail experimentation and exploration, making for endless fun through those long, balmy summer nights.

What’s your fave spritz combo? Tell us in the comments!

 

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Source: Food52

Photography: jojotastic