Bourbon Spritz

The Bourbon Spritz puts a rich, citrus-forward twist on the traditional spritz. With bourbon’s depth, Aperol’s slight bitterness, and a splash of prosecco for brightness, this cocktail offers a smooth yet sparkling way to enjoy a whiskey-based refreshment ideal for brunch, golden hour, or casual sipping.

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Tasting Notes

The Bourbon Spritz offers a smooth balance of warmth, citrus, and gentle bubbles. Bourbon brings a touch of oak and vanilla, while Aperol adds a slightly bitter orange note. Lemon juice cuts through with a clean, refreshing sharpness, and simple syrup rounds things out with just enough sweetness. Topped with prosecco, the drink becomes light and lifted without losing its structure. The orange peel garnish adds bright aromatics and enhances the Aperol’s citrus notes. Altogether, it’s a refreshing, lightly bitter spritz with more depth than usual perfect for those who want a sparkling drink with a stronger backbone.

Equipment and Glassware

This Bourbon Spritz doesn’t require a shaker, making it easy to prepare with minimal tools. You’ll need a jigger for accurate measuring and a bar spoon for gentle stirring. A peeler or paring knife is helpful for cutting a clean orange twist. Use a wine glass to serve its wide bowl allows the aromatics from the prosecco and citrus to open up. Ice tongs or a scoop will help you fill the glass cleanly. Since it’s a built drink, no strainer or shaker is needed. It’s quick to assemble, requiring only basic bar tools for a polished result.

Ingredients

• 1 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Aperol
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 0.25 oz simple syrup
• 3 oz prosecco
• Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions

• Fill a wine glass with ice.
• Add the bourbon, aperitif, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Top with prosecco.
• Stir gently to combine.
• Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Pro Tips

• Use a dry prosecco to keep the drink crisp and balanced.
• Stir gently to keep the fizz intact avoid aggressive mixing.
• Fresh lemon juice gives better acidity than bottled varieties.
• Chill your prosecco before use to avoid rapid dilution.
• Express the orange peel over the glass for added aroma.
• Use a large ice cube or sphere for slower melting.
• Adjust simple syrup based on your bourbon’s sweetness level.

When to Serve

The Bourbon Spritz fits perfectly into early evening occasions like aperitif hour, pre-dinner drinks, or outdoor happy hours. It’s light enough to enjoy during brunch or afternoon gatherings but still has enough structure to stand up to appetizers or cheese boards. Its balance of bitter, citrus, and bubbles makes it suitable for spring and summer but versatile enough for fall sipping. This cocktail works well for casual get-togethers and more polished occasions where a sparkling drink with a twist of depth feels appropriate.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Bourbon:

• Bulleit Bourbon
• Elijah Craig Small Batch
• Maker’s Mark

Aperol:

• Aperol

Prosecco:

• La Marca
• Ruffino
• Mionetto

Similar Cocktails

• Bourbon Aperol Spritz
• Rhubarb Bourbon Sour
• Pineapple Bourbon Honey Sour
• Kiwi Apple Fizz
• Red Sky Sour