The Mixology Hub
Italian Spritz: Bittersweet orange, bright citrus and aperitivo moments
Crafted for mixing, not for drinking neat. Add chilled bubbles, plenty of ice and a slice of orange to bring its Mediterranean character to life. Discover easy serves, cocktail recipes and tips to get the most from every bottle.
Tasting notes
A little sunshine in every serve
Bright orange and Mediterranean citrus meet rhubarb and soft herbal notes, balancing sweetness with a gentle bitter edge. Add your favorite sparkling mixer for a crisp, refreshing aperitivo.
Nose
Bitter orange and rhubarb, lifted by delicate herbal aromas.
Palate
Bright citrus sweetness balanced by tart rhubarb and gentle bitterness.
Finish
Dry, crisp and refreshing, with a lingering bittersweet citrus character.
Simple serves
Three ways to pour tonight
The Amalfi Spritz
Pour 2 fl oz Italian Spritz and 3 fl oz chilled Lyre’s Classico into a large wine glass. Add fresh ice, stir gently and garnish with an orange slice. A little aperitivo magic, in moments.
Full recipe
The Pink Negroni
Stir 1.5 fl oz Pink Gin Alternative, 1 fl oz Vermouth Alternative and 0.5 fl oz Italian Spritz briefly over a large ice cube. Add 2 dashes of non-alcoholic orange bitters if you like, then finish with a lemon wheel.
Full recipe
The Lyrebird Handle
Briefly shake 1.5 fl oz Tequila Alternative, 0.5 fl oz Italian Spritz, 1 fl oz lime juice and 0.5 fl oz almond syrup with ice. Strain over fresh ice into a small wine glass with a Mexican spice rim.
Full recipe
Measurements are US fluid ounces. Choose non-alcoholic bitters if adding them.
Ratio guide
Get the balance right every time
Start with these proportions, taste as you go and find your favorite balance.
The classic spritz
2 parts Italian Spritz to 3 parts Classico. Pour over plenty of ice and stir gently. Finish with an orange slice.
Long and refreshing
1 part Italian Spritz to 2 parts soda or tonic. An easy starting point for a lighter long drink. Adjust the mixer to taste.
Botanical and bittersweet
1 part Italian Spritz to 2 parts Vermouth Alternative to 3 parts Pink Gin Alternative. The foundation of a Pink Negroni. Stir briefly over ice and add lemon.
Mixer pairings
What goes with Italian Spritz
- Classico Sparkling: the classic partner for an Amalfi Spritz. Serve over ice with orange.
- Soda water: a simple, refreshing pour that lets the bittersweet citrus shine. Add an orange wedge.
- Indian tonic: brings an extra bittersweet edge. Finish with grapefruit or orange.
- Mediterranean tonic: a softer, aromatic pairing. Try a lemon wheel and a small rosemary sprig.
- Grapefruit soda: bright citrus with a gently bitter finish. Garnish with pink grapefruit.
- Blood orange soda: juicy citrus for a fruitier long drink. Serve with plenty of ice and an orange slice.
Finishing touches
A little garnish goes a long way
A fresh orange slice is the classic finishing touch for a spritz. For a savory twist, add a green olive alongside it. Try grapefruit with tonic, or a small rosemary sprig for an aromatic lift. Use plenty of ice and chilled mixers, then stir gently to keep the bubbles lively.
Festive favorite · Serves 12
Italian Holiday Spritz, by the pitcher
Bittersweet orange, juicy blood orange and crisp apple bring a festive twist to aperitivo hour. Finished with fragrant rosemary, this colorful party serve is made for holiday gatherings and winter brunches.
Combine 24 fl oz Italian Spritz, 18 fl oz fresh blood orange juice, 18 fl oz non-alcoholic apple cider or cloudy apple juice and 3 fl oz lemon juice in a large pitcher. Stir and chill. Divide between 12 ice-filled wine glasses, add a splash of club soda to each if desired, and garnish with a blood orange slice and rosemary.
Hosting tip: use a pitcher that holds at least 3 US quarts, or split between two pitchers. Stir before pouring and add any soda to the glasses just before serving.
Love Italian Spritz?
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Keep the aperitivo inspiration flowing with ready-to-drink spritz cans, sparkling favorites and a new botanical pairing.
Amalfi Spritz Premixed
Your aperitivo moment, ready when you are. Enjoy bittersweet orange and refreshing bubbles straight from a chilled can, or pour over ice and finish with an orange slice. Perfect for picnics, parties and effortless evenings.
Discover
Classico Sparkling
The sparkling partner for your Italian Spritz. Keep a bottle chilled for easy Amalfi Spritz serves, or enjoy its crisp, refreshing bubbles on their own when the occasion calls for a little celebration.
DiscoverPink Gin Alternative
Explore a fruitier side of aperitivo hour. Its rose and red berry character pairs with Italian Spritz and Vermouth Alternative in a Pink Negroni, or makes a refreshing long drink with tonic.
Discover