Paul Kushner
The Pisco Spritz brings together the bright citrus tang of lime, the bittersweet profile of Aperol, and the crisp depth of pisco, all lifted with a pour of sparkling wine. It’s a refreshing, lightly bitter alternative to the classic spritz perfect for warm afternoons or aperitivo hour.
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Tasting Notes
The Pisco Spritz is a bright, crisp cocktail that pairs the floral complexity of pisco with the subtle bitterness of Aperol and the acidity of lime. Sparkling wine lifts the drink with a dry, fizzy finish. The result is refreshing without being overly sweet, and the balance between citrus, herbal, and lightly bitter elements makes it an ideal aperitif. Each sip brings a clean taste with underlying fruit and citrus notes from the pisco, while the lime gives the drink a brisk edge. It’s easygoing yet structured perfect for those who want something refreshing with a little more character.
Equipment and Glassware
This Pisco Spritz is easy to prepare with minimal equipment. All you’ll need is a jigger for accurate measuring and a bar spoon if you prefer to gently stir after pouring. No shaker is required, making it ideal for quick prep. Serve it in a wine glass or large stemmed glass to leave room for ice and sparkling wine. The extra surface area enhances the drink’s aroma and lets the bubbles shine. If serving for guests, chill the glass beforehand to keep the drink cooler for longer and keeps the sparkling wine from going flat too quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 oz pisco
- 0.5 oz Aperol
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 3 oz sparkling wine
- Garnish: lime wheel
Instructions
- In a wine glass, add the pisco, Aperol, and lime juice.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Top with sparkling wine.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Pro Tips
- Chill the sparkling wine before making the drink.
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor balance.
- Avoid over-stirring to preserve carbonation.
- Choose a dry sparkling wine like brut or cava.
- Use large ice cubes to slow dilution.
- A grapefruit slice can be used as an alternative garnish.
- Rinse the glass with Aperol for a subtle aromatic layer.
- Pisco quebranta is a good style for balanced flavor.
- Serve in a balloon or wine glass to retain aroma.
- Build in the glass to keep prep quick and easy.
When to Serve
The Pisco Spritz is made for warm afternoons, pre-dinner gatherings, and celebratory toasts. Its light body and clean finish make it an excellent aperitif great for patio sipping, weekend brunch, or early evening happy hour. It also suits outdoor events and casual occasions when you want something refreshing but not overly strong. The sparkle from the wine makes it feel just festive enough for small celebrations, while the citrus and herbal elements keep it grounded. It’s ideal when you’re looking for a drink that’s simple to serve but still brings a refined flavor profile.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Pisco
- Barsol
- Caravedo
- Macchu Pisco
- Campo de Encanto
- La Diablada
Aperol
- Aperol (Campari Group)
Sparkling Wine
- La Marca Prosecco
- Freixenet Brut Cava
- Mionetto Prosecco
- Segura Viudas Brut
- Ruffino Prosecco
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 oz pisco
- 0.5 oz Aperol
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 3 oz sparkling wine
- Garnish: lime wheel
Instructions
- In a wine glass, add the pisco, Aperol, and lime juice.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Top with sparkling wine.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for best flavor balance.
- For extra aroma, express the lime wheel over the drink before adding it.
- A dry sparkling wine (like Cava or Brut Prosecco) will balance the sweetness of Aperol.
