A wine spritzer is the ultimate easy-drinking cocktail. It’s light, bubbly, and endlessly customizable. If you’re looking for a crisp afternoon refreshment or a simple way to elevate your happy hour, this classic drink is a must-try.
With just a few ingredients, it delivers a perfectly balanced taste without overwhelming sweetness or heaviness.
Why Wine Spritzers Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Wine spritzers are an effortless way to enjoy a cocktail without the intensity of a stronger mixed drink. The combination of chilled wine and sparkling water creates a refreshing, low-alcohol option that’s perfect for brunches, casual gatherings, or warm-weather sipping.
Unlike heavier cocktails, a spritzer keeps things light, making it easy to enjoy more than one without feeling weighed down.
Another advantage is how quick and easy they are to prepare. There’s no need for fancy bartending skills or special equipment—just a glass, some ice, and a simple mix of ingredients.
This makes them an excellent choice for last-minute entertaining or relaxing after a long day.
Choosing the Right Wine for a Spritzer
The key to a great wine spritzer starts with choosing the right wine. A crisp, dry white wine works best, but there’s plenty of room for experimentation. Some popular choices include:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Offers bright citrus notes and a refreshing acidity.
- Pinot Grigio: Light and crisp with hints of green apple and pear.
- Rosé: A fruitier option with floral and berry undertones.
- Riesling: Slightly sweeter, perfect for those who prefer a touch of fruitiness.
If you enjoy red wine, you can also make a red wine spritzer using a lighter-bodied variety like Pinot Noir or Grenache. Just be sure to serve it well chilled to keep the drink refreshing.
How to Customize Your Wine Spritzer
One of the best things about a wine spritzer is how easy it is to customize. You can experiment with different flavors by adding fruit, herbs, or flavored sparkling water. Some creative ways to enhance your spritzer include:
- Fresh Citrus: A squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange juice can brighten the drink.
- Herbs: Basil, mint, or thyme add a subtle, aromatic twist.
- Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries bring a touch of natural sweetness.
- Bitters: A few drops of bitters can add complexity and depth to the flavor.
For a fun variation, try swapping out the sparkling water for a citrus-flavored soda or tonic water. This adds extra effervescence and a slightly different taste profile.
When to Serve a Wine Spritzer
Because they’re so versatile, wine spritzers can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. They’re ideal for:
- Brunch: A lighter alternative to mimosas or bellinis.
- Summer Parties: Perfect for keeping guests cool and refreshed.
- Holiday Gatherings: A festive option that pairs well with appetizers.
- Casual Evenings: A relaxing drink to enjoy on the patio or by the fireplace.
They also make an excellent pre-dinner drink. Their low alcohol content ensures you won’t feel too full before the main course, and the bright, crisp flavors work well with many types of food.
The Best Food Pairings for a Wine Spritzer
Pairing a wine spritzer with food is simple because its light, refreshing nature complements many dishes. Some of the best pairings include:
- Cheese and Charcuterie: A great match for soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
- Seafood: Works beautifully with shrimp, oysters, or grilled fish.
- Salads: Complements fresh greens with citrus-based dressings.
- Light Pasta Dishes: Enhances flavors in dishes like lemon-garlic pasta or primavera.
Avoid pairing it with heavy or overly spicy foods, as the delicate flavors can be overpowered.
Why You Should Try This Cocktail Recipe
A wine spritzer is one of the simplest cocktail recipes you can make, yet it never fails to impress. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy wine in a lighter, more refreshing way, and it offers endless opportunities for customization.
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail, a wine spritzer is the perfect go-to.
Wine Spritzer Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ounces chilled white wine
- 1 ounce seltzer
- Ice
- Garnish: Various fruits & herbs
Variations
Lemon Basil Spritzer
- Lightly crush 2-3 fresh basil leaves at the bottom of the glass to release their flavor.
- Squeeze a small amount of lemon juice into the glass.
- Proceed with the classic spritzer recipe and garnish as desired.
Melon Spritzer
- Pour 1 ounce of melon liqueur into the drink before adding seltzer.
- Drop small melon balls into the glass for a fruity touch.
Citrus Spritzer
- Swap the plain seltzer for a citrus-flavored soda to intensify the citrus taste.
- Add slices of lemon, lime, and orange before pouring in the other ingredients.
Strawberry Spritzer
- Simmer ¼ cup of water with 4-5 sliced strawberries and 1 tablespoon of sugar for about 5-10 minutes until the fruit softens.
- Mash the mixture, then strain to remove solids.
- Stir the strawberry-infused syrup into the classic spritzer. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
Pomegranate Spritzer
- Add pomegranate seeds directly into the glass for a pop of color and flavor.
- Stir in ¾ ounce of pomegranate syrup before following the base recipe.
Cucumber Mint Spritzer
- Use a vegetable peeler to create a long cucumber ribbon and wrap it inside the glass.
- Lightly crush 3-4 mint leaves and add them for a refreshing aroma.
- Complete the drink following the classic method and garnish with a mint sprig.
Bitter Spritz
- Substitute sparkling wine in place of white wine for a more complex taste.
- Mix in 1 ounce of red bitters to deepen the flavor profile.
- Garnish with an orange slice for a citrusy contrast.
Grapefruit Thyme Spritzer
- Replace the white wine with rosé for a slightly fruitier version.
- Stir in ½ ounce of grapefruit juice for a tangy kick.
- Gently crush a sprig of fresh thyme at the bottom of the glass to infuse the flavors.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice and additional thyme.
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice to chill the drink.
- Pour the chilled white wine over the ice.
- Top off with seltzer, allowing the bubbles to mix naturally.
- Enhance the flavor by adding fresh fruit, herbs, or a few dashes of bitters as garnish.
Notes
- Experiment with different fruits, herbs, and flavored seltzers to create your own unique spritzer variations.
- For a sweeter drink, add a splash of simple syrup or a fruit liqueur.
- Serve in a tall glass or wine glass to showcase the garnishes beautifully.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.