Italicus Summer Spritz

The Italicus Summer Spritz is light, floral, and just a little spicy. Italicus gives the drink its signature citrus and rose flavor, while fresh watermelon juice adds a juicy, summery twist. A few drops of Calabrian chile tincture bring in a soft heat that sneaks up without overpowering. Sparkling rosé on top adds brightness, bubbles, and a little berry finish. It’s refreshing, balanced, and great for sipping outdoors when the weather’s warm. Inspired by punchdrink.com.

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Tasting Notes

This Italicus Summer Spritz is light and floral with a gentle kick from the Calabrian chile tincture. Italicus brings soft citrus and herbal notes that pair well with the fresh watermelon juice. The sparkling rosé adds bubbles and a dry finish, balancing out the sweetness of the fruit. The chile isn’t overpowering it just gives the drink a little warmth on the back end. Overall, it’s crisp, bright, and refreshing with a slightly spicy edge that keeps things interesting.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a jigger, shaker (optional), bar spoon, and a wine or spritz glass. A jigger helps measure your liquids precisely, especially when using drops of tincture. If your watermelon juice is fresh, a shaker with ice can help chill and mix it more evenly with Italicus before topping with wine. A spritz or large wine glass gives room for ice and makes it easier to layer the sparkling rosé. Add a straw or long spoon if you’re serving in a larger glass.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Italicus
• 4 drops Calabrian chile tincture
• 1 oz watermelon juice
• Sparkling rosé wine, to top
• Watermelon slice, for garnish

Instructions

• Add Italicus, chile tincture, and watermelon juice into your serving glass.
• Add ice and stir gently to chill and combine.
• Top with sparkling rosé.
• Stir to mix.
• Garnish with a fresh watermelon slice.

Pro Tips

• Use chilled watermelon juice for better balance.
• Drop the chile tincture directly into the glass not the shaker.
• Add ice last to avoid splashing when pouring rosé.
• Choose a dry sparkling rosé to avoid too much sweetness.
• If fresh watermelon isn’t available, try cold-pressed juice.
• Stir gently after adding rosé to keep the bubbles.
• Use a large slice of watermelon for a more visual garnish.
• Try a pinch of salt on the watermelon slice for contrast.

When to Serve

This Italicus Summer Spritz is a warm-weather drink through and through. Serve it at brunch, summer happy hours, or patio parties. It also works great as a welcome drink at a gathering easy to prep and looks great in the glass. It’s a nice change from a typical spritz, with more personality thanks to the chile and watermelon. It’s best cold and fresh, poured just before serving.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Italicus:

• Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto (only one you’ll need here)

Sparkling Rosé:

• La Marca Sparkling Rosé (crisp and dry)
• Mionetto Rosé Extra Dry (bright and not too sweet)
• Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses (adds citrus edge)

Chile Tincture:

• Homemade Calabrian chile tincture (vodka + dried chiles)
• Scrappy’s Firewater (if you want more heat)

Similar Cocktails

• Watermelon Negroni
• Grapefruit Berry Rosé Sangria
• The Amalfi Buzz
• Gin Watermelon Kombucha Crush
• Coconut Watermelon Rum Punch