Everything you need to know about Spritz

If you’ve ever perused glamorous coffee table books of idyllic Italian settings with fine food and enviable cocktails, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the large wine glasses of iced orange liquid that looks like sunshine in a cup. The name of that orange beverage is ‘Spritz’, and it’s decidedly wonderful. What is Spritz, you ask? Read on to find out the whole Spritz meaning and discover some of the world’s most delicious non-alcoholic Spritz recipes that ever existed.

What is Spritz?

The bubbly, incandescent Spritz is a revelation traditionally made with Italian Sparkling Wine, a bitter liqueur, and sparkling soda water served over ice and garnished with an orange slice. As a classic Italian aperitif, it’s the perfect cocktail for those glorious, lazy hours before dinner, when you’re settling in for the feast ahead and enjoying your well-deserved hours of downtime.

The Spritz is a drink from Northern Italy, with an origin that dates back to the 1800s when Venice was part of the Austrian Empire. During this time, it’s believed that Austrian soldiers would gather in taverns to enjoy the local wines of Veneto, which they diluted with water to lower their drink’s alcohol content (they were way ahead on the mindful drinking thinking). Ultimately, the idea of combining white wine with soda water became the whole Spritz meaning.

Traditionally, Italian Sparkling Wine is the wine of choice for a Spritz. This wine derives from the very birthplace of the Spritz, the Veneto region, and has a relatively low alcohol content of around 12%, making it an easy-to-drink option for pre-dinner drinks. Thankfully though, we can all enjoy a non-alcoholic Spritz that excludes the wine without affecting the flavour or essence of the Spritz. Try these non-alcoholic Spritz recipes to experience a non-alcoholic Spritz that looks, tastes, and sashays around the palate just like the original!

When should I drink Spritz?

The Spritz is typically served as an aperitif during the late afternoon—the time of day that’s too late for lemonade but too early for whiskey. It’s best served before a meal to stimulate the appetite and unwind at the end of the day and, as a result, is usually lighter on alcohol and more bitter than sweet. But really, I’d suggest enjoying a Spritz whenever you feel like it (particularly if you’re enjoying a non-alcoholic Spritz) because it’ll be exceptionally tasty whether or not you enjoy it with food.

What does it taste like?

The Spritz is unquestionably delicious, with a perfect balance between bitter and sweet. Often called ‘summer in a glass’, the Spritz tastes like summertime in Italy and looks like a golden sunset on a sunny day. Each mouthful provides a citrusy, bubbly, refreshing flavour that pairs perfectly with any season and any meal.

While the flavour of the Spritz is charming as it is, it’s quite easy to adjust its taste to suit your needs. Whether you like your beverage with less alcohol or slightly sweeter, there’s a range of amazing non-alcoholic Spritz recipes and variations for a sweeter Spritz to suit different tastes.

Make it sweeter

Italian Spritz's bitterness can take some getting used to; make it sweeter by using a lower ratio of Italian Spritz (or bitters) and more sparkling wine (or wine substitute for your non-alcoholic Spritz)

Make it non-alcoholic

The average Spritz contains around 11% ABV (alcohol by volume). To reduce it further, use a larger ratio of soda water and less Italian Spritz and sparkling wine or use Lyre’s range of impossibly crafted Spritz mixers to create a phenomenal non-alcoholic Spritz that looks and tastes just like the original. Our non-alcoholic Spritz recipes are giggle-juice free so that you can enjoy Spritz after Spritz with fewer calories and no pesky hangover!

Best non-alcoholic Spritz recipes

Lyre’s Pink London Spritz

Simple and delicious, this spritz can take the dip with either tonic, soda water or lemonade for a sweeter finish. In this liquid kitchen it’s your time to shine. Top with a lemon wheel and berry of choice…Mwah, chef’s kiss!

You’ll need:

• 60mL Lyre’s Pink London Spirit
• 60mL Lyre’s Classico
• 30mL premium bottled tonic water or soda water or lemonade
• 5 raspberries or berries of choice
• 2 lemon slices

Method:

1. Build over ice in a Large Wine Glass
2. Give it a little stir

Lyre’s Spritz #2 Pitcher

Have you seen the well to do, up and down Park Avenue with this beverage in their mitts? Take Dry London Spirit, add Italian Orange then drizzle with soda, and you too will be Puttin’ on the Spritz. But, it’s even better because it’s in a pitcher.

You’ll need:

• 120mL Lyre’s Dry London Spirit
• 120mL Lyre’s Italian Orange
• 300mL premium yuzu soda
• 3 pink grapefruit slices
• 4 lemon slices
• Fresh thyme sprig (garnish)
• Plump mint sprig (garnish)

Method:

1. Add ingredients into a carafe
2. Add ice and stir
3. Garnish with fresh thyme sprig and plump mint sprig

Lyre’s Spritz De Passione

One of the most delicious non-alcoholic Spritz you’ll ever taste, the Lyre’s Spritz De Passione is a beautiful combination of lightly bitter orange, summer fruits and fresh citrus. It tastes like sunshine on a deserted beach. You. Are. Welcome.

You’ll need:

• 60mL Italian Spritz
• 90mL Lyre’s Classico
• 7.5mL premium mango syrup
• 2 lemon slices
• 4 raspberries
• 4 mint leaves

Method:

1. Add the syrup to the glass
2. Add ice and ingredients
3. Stir and garnish with fruit and mint

That’s a wrap on our non-alcoholic Spritz recipes! Feel free to make any variations that suit your taste. With the power of Lyre’s, you’ll never be without a deliciously invigorating Spritz, whether it’s the original or a non-alcoholic version. Cheers to that!