Paul Kushner
The Calamansi Wine Spritzer is a refreshing twist on a classic spritz. It blends the tart-sweet punch of fresh calamansi juice with aromatic bay leaves, sparkling prosecco, and calamansi liqueur for depth. Finished with calamansi sparkling water and a light garnish, this drink feels breezy and cooling ideal for sunny afternoons, garden parties, or light pairings with seafood and grilled fare. Inspired by rezelkealoha.com.
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Tasting Notes
The Calamansi Wine Spritzer brings sharp citrus flavor to the forefront, balanced by herbal undertones and crisp bubbles. Calamansi juice, known for its tart and slightly sweet profile, leads the drink with a punchy acidity. Prosecco lends a dry, fruity finish, while calamansi sparkling water adds lightness without overwhelming the core flavors. Crumpled bay leaves introduce a subtle earthy aroma that deepens over time. With each sip, the drink remains bright and refreshing, making it easy to enjoy. It’s not overly sweet or heavy, and the lingering citrus pairs well with the hint of herbs from the fresh bay garnish.
Equipment and Glassware
This Calamansi Wine Spritzer requires very minimal equipment, making it a practical choice for at-home mixing. Use a standard wine glass to serve the stem helps keep the drink cool while the wide bowl accommodates ice and garnishes. A small hand juicer or citrus reamer is useful for extracting juice from fresh calamansi. You’ll also want a bar spoon for stirring the ingredients gently to preserve the carbonation. Ice cubes or large format ice are both suitable, though larger cubes melt slower. If you’re preparing more than one, a measuring jigger helps keep proportions accurate across multiple servings for consistent balance.
Ingredients
- 1 oz fresh calamansi juice (about 2–3 fruits)
- 3 fresh bay leaves
- 2 oz calamansi liqueur
- 3 oz prosecco
- 2 oz calamansi sparkling water
- Garnish: calamansi and a sprig of bay leaves
Instructions
- Squeeze the juice of 2–3 calamansi directly into a wine glass.
- Lightly crush the bay leaves in your hand to release their oils, then add to the glass.
- Pour in the calamansi liqueur and prosecco.
- Add ice to fill the glass about three-quarters full.
- Top with calamansi sparkling water.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with a sprig of bay leaves and a calamansi.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh calamansi juice when possible; bottled versions tend to be overly sweet or flat.
- Chill your prosecco and sparkling water in advance to avoid melting ice diluting the drink.
- Lightly bruise the bay leaves, don’t tear them too much force can create bitterness.
- Large format ice cubes help slow down dilution and keep the spritzer cooler for longer.
- Avoid stirring too vigorously after adding prosecco and sparkling water to preserve the bubbles.
- Use a dry prosecco to balance the citrus and keep the drink crisp.
- Taste before serving adjust with a touch more sparkling water or juice if needed.
- Freeze calamansi slices into ice cubes for a functional garnish that doesn’t dilute flavor.
- If calamansi sparkling water isn’t available, substitute with soda water and a splash of juice.
- Serve immediately after mixing to enjoy the drink at its peak carbonation.
When to Serve
The Calamansi Wine Spritzer is best suited for casual daytime gatherings, warm-weather events, and meals where lighter drinks are preferred. It works well as a pre-dinner drink or for backyard brunches and picnics. The low alcohol content makes it a good choice for pacing during long occasions or as a first drink at social events. Because it’s citrus-forward and refreshing, it pairs well with seafood, grilled vegetables, and fresh salads. It also fits nicely into tropical or Southeast Asian–inspired menus. Serve it when you need something crisp and flavorful that doesn’t overpower food or dominate the palate.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Calamansi Liqueur:
- Manille Liqueur de Calamansi
- Destileria Limtuaco Calamansi Liqueur
- Viento Calamansi Liqueur
- Prosecco:
- La Marca Prosecco
- Mionetto Prosecco
- Riondo Prosecco
- Zonin Prosecco
- Ruffino Prosecco
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 1 oz fresh calamansi juice about 2–3 fruits
- 3 fresh bay leaves
- 2 oz calamansi liqueur
- 3 oz prosecco
- 2 oz calamansi sparkling water
- Garnish: calamansi and a sprig of bay leaves
Instructions
- Squeeze the juice of 2–3 calamansi directly into a wine glass.
- Lightly crush the bay leaves in your hand to release their oils, then add to the glass.
- Pour in the calamansi liqueur and prosecco.
- Add ice to fill the glass about three-quarters full.
- Top with calamansi sparkling water.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with a sprig of bay leaves and a calamansi.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use fresh, glossy bay leaves for the best aroma dried leaves won’t release the same flavor.
- If you can’t find calamansi sparkling water, substitute with lime-flavored sparkling water or soda.
- Chill all ingredients beforehand for a colder, longer-lasting drink without excess ice dilution.
