Summer Spritz

The Summer Spritz is a light, citrusy cocktail made with muddled strawberries, Lillet Blanc, and sparkling prosecco. Balanced by a hint of lemon and orange juice, this vibrant spritz is perfect for sipping outdoors, whether you’re at a garden party, patio brunch, or just soaking up the sun.

---

Tasting Notes

The Summer Spritz is bright and refreshing with a soft blend of fruit, herbs, and effervescence. Fresh strawberries bring a mild sweetness, while orange and lemon juices add a balanced citrus layer. Lillet Blanc offers floral and slightly honeyed notes that complement the fruit without overpowering. Prosecco brings crisp bubbles and dryness, while the club soda lightens the drink and stretches its finish. A garnish of basil and orange enhances the aroma with subtle herbal and citrus layers. It’s a lively, easygoing drink that’s not too sweet, making it a great pick for relaxed afternoons or outdoor gatherings.

Equipment and Glassware

To make a Summer Spritz, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for muddling and chilling the ingredients, a muddler to break down the strawberries and blend the juices, and a jigger for precise measuring. A strainer helps keep the muddled fruit out of the final drink, although a few small bits are acceptable in this casual cocktail. Use a large wine glass or a stemless goblet that gives the prosecco room to bubble and allows garnishes to shine. A bar spoon can help with final mixing if needed. Add fresh ice directly to the serving glass for best results.

Ingredients

• 2 strawberries, sliced
• 1 oz orange juice
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 1.5 oz Lillet Blanc
• 3 oz prosecco
• 1 oz club soda
• Garnish: orange wheel, strawberry slice, fresh basil

Instructions

• Add sliced strawberries to a shaker.
• Pour in the orange juice and lemon juice.
• Muddle until the strawberries are fully broken down.
• Add Lillet Blanc and a few ice cubes to the shaker, then shake until chilled.
• Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with prosecco and a splash of club soda.
• Garnish with an orange wheel, strawberry slice, and a sprig of fresh basil.

Pro Tips

• Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and color.
• Avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness from the fruit seeds.
• Chill your prosecco and Lillet Blanc ahead of time to preserve the drink’s chill.
• For a cleaner finish, double strain through a fine mesh sieve.
• Adjust club soda to taste if you prefer a lighter drink.
• Use a dry prosecco to balance the natural sweetness of the juice and fruit.
• Add the prosecco slowly to preserve carbonation and prevent overflow.

When to Serve

The Summer Spritz fits best during warm afternoons, brunches, patio gatherings, or poolside lounging. Its light, refreshing character works well in daylight hours and complements light fare like fruit salads, seafood, or summer appetizers. It also makes a great welcome drink for casual summer events or garden parties. With its low alcohol content and fresh ingredients, it’s easy to sip and enjoy without overwhelming the palate. Serve this cocktail when you want something visually appealing, lightly aromatic, and crisp enough to cut through the heat of the day.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Lillet Blanc:

• Lillet Blanc – The original and only brand for this ingredient

Prosecco:

• La Marca – Crisp and dry with clean finish
• Ruffino – Balanced and slightly fruity
• Mionetto – Affordable and widely available

Club Soda:

• Fever-Tree – Clean taste, good carbonation
• Q Club Soda – Bold bubbles and natural mineral blend
• Perrier – A mineral-rich option with consistent fizz

Orange Juice & Lemon Juice:

• Always use fresh-squeezed citrus for the brightest flavor

Similar Cocktails

• Blueberry Aperol Spritz
• Blueberry Lavender Limoncello Spritz
• Shamrock Spritz
• Dragon Fruit Aperol Spritz
• Cointreau Spritz