Spritz Season seems to be a thing, thanks to the success of classic recipes like Aperol Spritz and last summer’s favourite, the trendy Hugo Spritz. It even has its own celebration day now: National Spritz Day on August 1st, so it feels like a good time to try some new things. Here are some alternative spritz recipes that I think you’ll love:
Lemon Aperitivo Recipe
A super simple and particularly refreshing variation on a theme, this spritz uses Allora Lemon Aperitivo al Limone as its base. Inspired by limoncello but offering a more natural, bittersweet flavour without any nasties or tons of sugar, this is a lemon aperitivo that hails from the tiny, sun-drenched isle of Procidan in the bay of Naples near Capri. It’s known locally as the ‘Isola dei limoni’, the ‘isle of lemons’ because of its unique bread lemons, which have thicker white pulp and pith. In Allora, pulp, juice, peel and lemon tree leaves are used to make this uniquely refreshing tipple.
Ingredients & Method
125ml Allora Aperitivo Al Limone, £25 alloradrinks.com
125ml Sparkling Water
All you need here is equal parts Allora to Soda water, keeping this lighter on the booze and calories and high in refreshment and drinkability. Serve with a slice of lemon and maybe even a cheeky basil or mint leaf.
The Ultimate Rosé Spritz Recipe
I’ve always loved a simple rosé wine spritz, either with sparkling water and fresh fruit as garnish or if I’m feeling more decadent, a fragrant, peach or raspberry tonic. The added zhuzh of a little home-made purée though, adds a delicious upgrade. Here’s the peachy version, though you can swap the peaches for raspberries and use this fever tree Raspberry & Rhubarb tonic instead.
Ingredients & Method
100ml Fruity Rosé. (For this, I love Mirabeau X, £10 on offer at Sainsburys until 11/08)
75ml London Essence Peach & Jasmine Tonic (£24 for 24 x 20cl, Amathus)
Pulp of one peach
Peach slice and sprig of thyme for garnish.
Pretty straw to stir
Blend your peach flesh until it’s as liquid as possible then place two spoonfuls carefully into the bottom of a large wine glass. Fill to the top with ice then slowly pour the rosé wine in down the side of the glass. Gently do the same with the tonic and marvel at the different layers of colour. You can leave them like that or if they’ve gone wonky. Very carefully mix together to not lose all the bubbles. Garnish and serve.
If you want the cheat version, the Mirabeau X Fever Tree Rosé Spritz mash up is excellent. Find it at Tesco for £12
Golden Hugo Spritz Recipe
(A functional, non-alcoholic spritz)
For those wanting a gentle buzz without any booze, GABA drinks are the way forward and professor David Nutt put these on the map with his brand his brand Sentia. The Sentia GABA Gold is specifically designed for a gentle uplift using a functional botanical blend, which includes ashwagandha, schisandra, damiana, ginseng and lemon balm. The Gold is great choice to mix with the leafy florals of elderflower and cooling mint in this spritz.
Ingredients & Method
50ml SENTIA GABA Gold
150ml soda water
12.5ml elderflower syrup or cordial
15ml fresh lime juice
Fresh mint leaves
Mint sprig and lime wheel, to garnish
Clap a small handful of fresh mint leaves and add them to a large wine glass. Fill it with ice, then add the Sentia GABA Gold, elderflower syrup and lime juice. Top with soda water and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and lime wheel.
Want more summer sipping recommendations? Check out these articles:
One Minute WIne Ace: Picpoul de Pinet
How to find really good Prosecco
The Assyrtiko Grape: Among Greek Ruins
Want to listen to something? Discover the HelenaSips Podcast!