Pink Lady Spritz

The Pink Lady Spritz is a light and refreshing drink that mixes gin with apple cordial or juice, lime juice, and bubbly soda water. It’s smooth, a little tart, and has just the right amount of fruit flavor. Easy to enjoy on a sunny day or with brunch, this cocktail is crisp and bright, with a nice mix of botanical and fruity notes that make it fun to sip.

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Tasting Notes

The Pink Lady Spritz is crisp, slightly tart, and gently sweet with herbal and fruity notes that unfold gradually. The gin provides a dry botanical base, while the pink lady cordial or cloudy apple juice brings a soft apple profile with a touch of natural sweetness. Lime juice brightens the mix with acidity, and soda water adds a refreshing lift. The apple peel and mint garnish contribute light aromatics that complement the core flavors. It’s a clean, refreshing drink with layers of apple, citrus, and herb that remain light on the palate.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare this Pink Lady Spritz, you’ll need a jigger, bar spoon, and paring knife. No shaker is required, as the cocktail is built directly in the serving glass. Use a large wine glass to allow plenty of space for ice and garnish. A jigger ensures accurate measurements for balance, while a long bar spoon helps blend the ingredients evenly. A paring knife is helpful for slicing and rolling the apple peel garnish, while a small muddler or chopstick can assist in placing the mint leaf neatly.

Ingredients

• 1.75 oz gin
• 0.75 oz pink lady cordial
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 3 oz soda water, to top

Garnish:

• Rolled red apple peel
• Mint leaf

Instructions

• Fill a wine glass with ice.
• Add gin, pink lady cordial, and lime juice.
• Top with soda water.
• Stir gently to combine.
• Garnish with a rolled red apple peel and a fresh mint leaf.

Pro Tips

• Use a fruit-forward gin to enhance the apple character
• If pink lady cordial is unavailable, use a high-quality cloudy apple juice
• Chill all ingredients beforehand to keep the drink cold without diluting
• Avoid over-stirring after adding soda water to preserve bubbles
• Roll apple peel with a cocktail pick to help it keep its shape
• Add mint at the very end to preserve aroma
• Try flavored soda water (apple or elderflower) for a twist
• Use clear ice cubes for a cleaner look
• Test apple juice for sweetness and adjust lime juice as needed
• Garnish just before serving for maximum freshness

When to Serve

The Pink Lady Spritz is ideal for spring and summer afternoons, brunches, or pre-dinner drinks. Its low alcohol content and bright flavor profile make it a great choice for casual outdoor settings, baby showers, or garden parties. This cocktail fits well into any event where light, refreshing drinks are appreciated. It also works as a non-fussy option for quick mixing during low-key entertaining.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Gin:
  • Bombay Sapphire
  • Hendrick’s
  • Tanqueray No. TEN
• Apple Juice/Cordial:
  • Martinelli’s Apple Juice (cloudy)
  • Belvoir Farm Apple Cordial
  • Luscombe Apple Juice
• Soda Water:
  • Topo Chico
  • Fever-Tree Club Soda
  • San Pellegrino Sparkling Water

Similar Cocktails

• Strawberry Southside
• Cherry Gin Rickey
• Tropical Gin Sunrise
• Lavender Grapefruit Sparkler
• Cucumber Dream