Celebrate World Spritz Day with these easy to make cocktails, from French aperitifs and Italian classics to gin twists and rhubarb infused serves.
There are few drinks that capture the feeling of summer quite like a spritz. Light, refreshing and effortlessly elegant, the aperitivo favourite has become the drink of choice for everything from garden parties and BBQs to golden hour gatherings on the terrace. While the Aperol Spritz may have started the trend, today’s spritz culture is far more adventurous, with floral elderflower, citrusy rosé, botanical aperitifs and fruit-forward liqueurs all offering exciting alternatives.
To celebrate World Spritz Day, we’ve rounded up seven of the best spritz recipes to make at home, whether you’re after a classic Italian serve or something a little more unexpected.
Lillet Rosé Grapefruit Spritz
French aperitif brand Lillet Rosé is putting a fresh spin on spritz season with its beautifully simple Grapefruit Spritz. Combining delicate berry notes with zesty grapefruit soda, it’s a lighter alternative to more bitter aperitifs and ideal for long lunches or warm evenings outdoors.
You’ll Need
- 1 part Lillet Rosé
- 2 parts grapefruit soda
- Ice
- Fresh grapefruit slice
Method: Fill a large wine glass with ice, pour over the Lillet Rosé, top with grapefruit soda and garnish with a fresh slice of grapefruit.
Hugo Spritz with Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur
Originally created in Northern Italy, the Hugo Spritz has become one of Europe’s favourite summer cocktails. Using Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur, made with wild Piedmont elderflowers, this version delivers delicate floral notes with less sweetness than many elderflower liqueurs.
You’ll Need
- 50ml Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur
- 75ml Prosecco
- 25ml soda water
- Fresh mint
- Lime wheel
Method: Fill a wine glass with ice, add the elderflower liqueur, top with Prosecco and soda water, stir gently and garnish with mint and lime.
Cocchi Rosa Spritzes-Earl Grey Tea Spritz
Italian aperitif Cocchi Rosa has become a favourite among cocktail enthusiasts thanks to its blend of red wine, dried rose petals, vanilla, gentian and ginger. The result is a beautifully balanced aperitivo that works brilliantly in a variety of spritz serves.
You’ll Need
- 60ml Cocchi Rosa
- 50ml chilled Earl Grey tea
- 5ml sugar syrup
- 45ml elderflower tonic
- Mint garnish
For something more summery, try the Rosa, Strawberry & Basil Spritz, combining Cocchi Rosa with Mediterranean tonic, fresh strawberries and basil for an elegant garden party cocktail.
Cotswolds Wild Spritz
British spirits producer Cotswolds Distillery brings a botanical twist to the classic spritz with its Wild Spritz aperitif. Citrus, gentian, lavender and aromatic herbs create a sophisticated drink with a crisp, bittersweet finish.
You’ll Need
- 50ml Cotswolds Wild Spritz
- 75ml sparkling wine
- 25ml soda water
- Orange slice
Method: Build over ice, top with sparkling wine and soda, then garnish with fresh orange. For an even lighter serve, simply mix the Wild Spritz with tonic or soda water.
Rubi Rhubarb & Ginger Spritz
If you prefer something fruitier, the Rubi Spritz delivers warming rhubarb, gentle spice and bright citrus in one easy drinking cocktail that’s perfect for summer entertaining.
You’ll Need
- 50ml Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur
- 75ml sparkling wine
- 25ml ginger ale
- Lemon peel
Method: Pour over ice, top with sparkling wine and ginger ale, then finish with a twist of lemon peel.
Another Hendrick’s Spritz
Hendrick’s offers a more contemporary take on the spritz by combining gin with apple juice, Prosecco and soda for a crisp, refreshing cocktail that’s packed with orchard fruit and delicate botanicals.
You’ll Need
- 35ml Another Hendrick’s Gin
- 35ml apple juice
- 35ml Prosecco
- 50ml soda water
- Dash of cherry liqueur
Garnish
- Three cucumber slices
- Cherry
- Orange twist
The result is fresh, slightly fruity and unmistakably Hendrick’s.
No.3 London Dry Gin Spritz
Created by Berry Bros. & Rudd, No.3 London Dry Gin is renowned for its crisp juniper character and bright citrus profile. Lengthening it into a spritz creates an elegant cocktail that’s ideal for sunny afternoons.
You’ll Need
- 50ml No.3 London Dry Gin
- 15ml elderflower cordial
- 100ml sparkling wine
- 25ml soda water
- Lemon peel
- Mint sprig
Method: Fill a large wine glass with ice, add the gin and elderflower cordial, top with sparkling wine and soda water, stir gently and garnish with lemon peel and fresh mint. According to No.3 Global Brand Ambassador Alicia Stark, “Adding bubbles or soda gives cocktails a lighter, more refreshing feel without losing what makes them great in the first place.”
Pomelle
What: Pómelle is a fresh take on the classic aperitif, blending biodynamic elderflower, pomelo, pink grapefruit and ginseng into a beautifully balanced spirit that sits somewhere between an Aperol and a Hugo Spritz. Served at stylish spots including Café Clément, The Ivy, Cecconi’s, Scott’s and Langan’s Brasserie, it’s one of the chicest spritzes to seek out this World Spritz Day, or recreate at home with a bottle from Selfridges or The Whisky Exchange.
Where to buy: Pomelle.com, and stockists including Selfridges, Hedonism Wines, The Whisky Exchange, Amathus and Daylesford. RRP £33.
Vita Spritz
What: One for enjoying at home- TRACES Vita Spritz brings a functional twist to aperitivo hour, blending bold blackberry and açaí flavours with added vitamins and minerals in an 88 calorie ready to drink cocktail. Joining the brand’s Hugo and Paloma Spritz range, each low calorie, zero sugar can is crafted for effortless summer sipping, making them an easy choice for picnics, barbecues and World Spritz Day celebrations.
Where to buy:
The Verdict
World Spritz Day is the perfect excuse to move beyond the classic Aperol. Whether you prefer the citrus freshness of a Lillet Rosé Grapefruit Spritz, the floral elegance of a Hugo, the botanical complexity of Cotswolds Wild Spritz, or the fruity warmth of a Rhubarb & Ginger Spritz, there’s never been a better time to elevate your home cocktail game.
So fill your glass with ice, pop open a bottle of sparkling wine and toast to one of summer’s most versatile cocktails. Cheers!
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