Discover the world’s top wine regions on the best wine country vacations. From Tuscany's rolling vineyards to Bordeaux's charming chateaux, these trips offer exceptional wines, picturesque landscapes, gourmet cuisine, and the opportunity to meet and learn from local experts. Perfect for both seasoned oenophiles and curious travelers, these trips promise unforgettable memories.
19 Summer Wine Spritzes Famous Across Europe
Explore the vibrant flavors of summer with 19 refreshing wine spritzes from around the world. These delightful spritzes feature popular wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Cava and more! Perfect for summer gatherings and warm weather enjoyment these wine spritzes offer a refreshing twist on classic favorites. Discover the best summer wine spritz recipes from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, and Germany.
The Top Two Wine Spritzes to Try in Italy
5. Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz, hailing from the Veneto region in Italy, is a classic summer cocktail. Its vibrant orange color and refreshing taste make it a favorite for warm weather gatherings. Combining the effervescence of Prosecco with the bittersweet flavors of Aperol and the crispness of soda water, this spritz is perfect for any occasion.
Wine Region: Veneto
Recipe:
- 2 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz soda water
- Ice and an orange slice
To Prepare: Fill a wine glass with ice, pour in the Aperol, add the Prosecco, and top with soda water. Garnish this iconic summer drink with a slice of orange to enhance its citrusy aroma and flavor.
6. Lemoncello Spritz
Wine Region: Campania
Recipe:
- 2 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Limoncello
- 1 oz soda water
- Ice and an lemon slice
To prepare, fill a wine glass with ice, pour in the Limoncello, add the Prosecco, and top with soda water. Gently stir to combine and garnish with a slice of lemon for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Enjoy this sunny and invigorating spritz as a refreshing aperitif or a delightful accompaniment to light meals.
More Wine Spritzes Made With Italian Wine:
7. Pinot Grigio Spritz Recipe:
Wine Region: Veneto
- 2 oz Pinot Grigio wine
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz Aperol
- Ice and a slice of lime
8. Arneis Spritz Recipe:
Wine Region: Piedmont
- 2 oz Arneis wine
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- Ice and a lemon wheel
9. Trebbiano Spritz Recipe:
Wine Region: Umbria
- 2 oz Trebbiano wine
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- Ice and a lime slice
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The Top Wine Spritz to Try in France
1. Kir Royale
The Kir Royale is a sophisticated and well-known wine spritz from France, particularly popular in Burgundy. This elegant cocktail is a variation of the classic Kir, which traditionally uses white wine instead of Champagne. The combination of Crème de Cassis and Champagne creates a beautifully balanced drink that is both sweet and bubbly, making it a perfect choice for celebrations and special occasions.
Wine Region: Burgundy, France
Recipe:
- 2 oz Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
- 4 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
- Ice and a lemon twist (optional)
To Prepare: Pour the Crème de Cassis into a flute glass, top with chilled Champagne, and gently stir. Garnish with a lemon twist for an added touch of citrus aroma and elegance. Enjoy this quintessentially French spritz as an aperitif or during festive gatherings.
More Wine Spritzes to Make With French Wine:
2. Chardonnay Spritz Recipe:
Wine Region: Burgundy
- 2 oz Chardonnay wine
- 1 oz club soda
- 0.5 oz triple sec
- Ice and an orange slice
3. Pinot Noir Spritz Recipe:
Wine Region: Burgundy
- 2 oz Pinot Noir wine
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz pomegranate juice
- Ice and pomegranate seeds
4. Syrah Spritz Recipe:
Wine Region: Rhône Valley
- 2 oz Syrah wine
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz blackberry liqueur
- Ice and blackberries
The Top Wine Spritz to Try in Germany
10. Hugo
The Hugo is a popular and refreshing wine cocktail from Germany, particularly enjoyed during the summer months. This delightful drink combines the floral sweetness of elderflower syrup with the effervescence of Sket, Germany's famous sparkling wine (akin to Prosecco), and the crispness of soda water. The addition of mint leaves and lime adds a refreshing and aromatic touch, making it perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings.
11. Weisburgunder Spritz Recipe:
Wine Region: Pfalz
- 2 oz Weisburgunder (Pinot Blanc) wine
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz peach liqueur
- Ice and a peach slice
12. Silvaner Spritz Recipe:
Wine Region: Franconia
- 2 oz Silvaner wine
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz apple liqueur
- Ice and an apple slice
The Top Wine Spritz to Try in Portugal
13. Vinho Verde Spritz
The Vinho Verde Spritz is a quintessential Portuguese cocktail that showcases the light and refreshing qualities of Vinho Verde wine from the Vinho Verde region. This spritz combines the crisp, slightly effervescent nature of Vinho Verde with the floral sweetness of elderflower liqueur and the refreshing fizz of soda water. The result is a delightful and invigorating drink perfect for warm weather and summer gatherings.
Wine Region: Vinho Verde
Recipe:
- 2 oz Vinho Verde wine (Arinto is a great choice)
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
- Ice and a lemon twist
To prepare, fill a wine glass with ice, pour in the Vinho Verde wine, add the elderflower liqueur, and top with soda water. Gently stir to combine and garnish with a lemon twist to enhance its bright and citrusy aroma. Enjoy this elegant and refreshing spritz as an aperitif or a refreshing drink at any outdoor event.
The Top Wine Spritz to Try in Spain
14. Cava Spritz
The Cava Spritz is a celebrated Spanish cocktail that highlights the sparkling elegance of Cava from the Catalonia region. This spritz combines the crisp and bubbly nature of Cava with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit liqueur and the refreshing fizz of soda water. The result is a lively and refreshing drink, perfect for enjoying during warm weather and festive occasions.
Wine Region: Catalonia
Recipe:
- 2 oz Cava
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz grapefruit liqueur
- Ice and a grapefruit slice
More Wine Spritzes to Make With Spanish Wine:
15. Garnacha Spritz Recipe:
Wine Region: Priorat
- 2 oz Garnacha wine
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz orange liqueur
- Ice and an orange slice
16. Tempranillo Spritz Recipe:
Wine Region: Rioja
- 2 oz Tempranillo wine
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz grenadine
- Ice and an orange twist
17. Albillo Spritz Recipe:
Wine Region: Ribera del Duero
- 2 oz Albillo wine
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz lemon syrup
- Ice and a lemon twist
The Top Wine Spritz to Try in Croatia
18. Graševina Spritz Recipe:
The Graševina Spritz is a well-known Croatian cocktail that showcases the light and crisp qualities of Graševina wine from the Slavonia region. This spritz combines the refreshing notes of Graševina with the floral sweetness of elderflower syrup and the effervescence of soda water. The result is a delightful and invigorating drink, perfect for warm weather and leisurely afternoons.
Wine Region: Slavonia
- 2 oz Graševina wine
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz elderflower syrup
- Ice and an elderflower sprig or lemon twist
To Prepare: Fill a wine glass with ice, pour in the Graševina wine, add the elderflower syrup, and top with soda water. Gently stir to combine and garnish with a sprig of elderflower or a twist of lemon to enhance its floral and citrusy aroma. Enjoy this elegant and refreshing spritz as an aperitif or a light drink at any gathering.
Another Famous Summer Wine Spritz to Try in Croatia:
18. Plavac Mali Spritz Recipe:
Wine Region: Dalmatia
- 2 oz Plavac Mali wine
- 1 oz soda water
- 0.5 oz pomegranate syrup
- Ice and pomegranate seeds
More Summer Wine Spritzes Made in Croatia:
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Wine Spritzes
The best wines for making a spritz are typically light and refreshing. Popular choices include Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and sparkling wines. The wine should have a good balance of acidity and flavor to complement the other ingredients in the spritz.
A basic wine spritz typically includes three main ingredients: wine (such as Prosecco or white wine), a mixer (like soda water or tonic water), and a flavoring agent (such as Aperol, elderflower syrup, or fruit juice). Ice and garnishes like citrus slices or fresh herbs are also commonly added.
To balance the flavors in a wine spritz, start with a base of wine and add a mixer in a 3:1 ratio (three parts wine to one part mixer). Adjust the sweetness and flavor intensity by adding a small amount of a flavoring agent, such as a syrup or liqueur. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more mixer or flavoring until the desired balance is achieved.
While it's best to prepare a wine spritz just before serving to maintain its effervescence, you can prepare the base mixture (wine and flavoring agent) in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the mixer and ice just before serving to ensure the spritz is bubbly and fresh.
Popular variations of the classic wine spritz include the Aperol Spritz (Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water), the Hugo Spritz (Sket, elderflower syrup, soda water, mint, and lime), and the Limoncello Spritz (Prosecco, Limoncello, and soda water). Experimenting with different wines, mixers, and flavoring agents can create a variety of delicious spritzes.
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