The spritz has quickly become the go-to summer cocktail, taking over patios, rooftops, and backyard gatherings with its refreshing and effervescent charm. Originating in Italy, the spritz is a simple yet elegant mix of bitter, bubbly, and refreshing flavors, making it the perfect drink for sunny days. While the Aperol Spritz is the classic, spritzes can be made with a variety of liqueurs, but the real magic lies in the bubbly. Prosecco has long been the standard base for this beloved cocktail, but other sparkling wines like Cava, Champagne, and even sparkling wine from various regions can all be fantastic options. Each one offers a unique flavor profile, from the crisp and fruit-forward notes of Prosecco to the yeasty complexity of Champagne. In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose your bubbly for the perfect spritz and explore the different sparkling wine options that can elevate your summer sipping experience.
Prosecco
Prosecco is the go-to choice for making a spritz due to its light, crisp, and refreshing profile, which perfectly complements the bitter and citrusy flavors of the liqueur. Made primarily from the Glera grape, Prosecco offers bright fruit flavors like green apple, pear, and citrus, and its clean, crisp acidity balances the sweetness of the liqueur and the bitterness of the soda water. With its subtle effervescence, Prosecco provides just the right amount of fizz without overpowering the other ingredients, making it ideal for a refreshing, easy-drinking cocktail. Its affordability also makes it a popular option compared to other sparkling wines. Overall, Prosecco’s fruit-forward, approachable character and refreshing bubbles make it the perfect choice for a spritz when you’re looking for a drink that’s vibrant, balanced, and perfect for any occasion.
Pair it with Caposaldo Prosecco!
Cava
Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine made primarily in the Penedès region using traditional methods similar to Champagne. It tends to have a crisper, drier profile than Prosecco, with more complex yeasty, nutty flavors due to the extended aging process. These characteristics can add a layer of depth and sophistication to a spritz, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a less sweet, more refined drink. The acidity and fine bubbles of Cava make it a great match for the Aperol or other liqueurs used in a spritz, offering a refreshing yet more elegant alternative to Prosecco. Cava’s affordability compared to Champagne, along with its crispness and versatility, makes it a great choice for spritz lovers looking to try something with a bit more complexity.
Champagne
Champagne, the epitome of luxury and celebration, is the sparkling wine that sets the standard for all others. Produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France, it’s made using the Méthode Traditionnelle, a meticulous process that involves a second fermentation in the bottle to create its signature bubbles. Champagne’s complexity and depth come from its diverse grape varieties, typically Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, which lend flavors ranging from crisp citrus and green apple to rich, toasty notes with hints of brioche and almond. This elegant balance of acidity, minerality, and effervescence makes Champagne an exceptional choice for a spritz, adding a touch of sophistication and refinement to the cocktail. However, due to its higher price point, Champagne is less commonly seen in spritzes compared to Prosecco or Cava. While Champagne is often reserved for special occasions, its versatility in a spritz proves it’s just as perfect for a laid-back afternoon as it is for a celebratory toast.
Top it off with Champagne Taittinger!
Sparkling Wine
Beyond the familiar options of Prosecco, Cava, and Champagne, there are several sparkling wines that offer unique and delightful alternatives for your spritz. Bouvet, a well-regarded sparkling wine from the Loire Valley in France, is crafted using the traditional method, much like Champagne, but with a distinctive fruit-forward style that features notes of green apple, citrus, and a crisp minerality. This makes it a fantastic option for those looking for a fresh, refined bubbly in their spritz. Similarly, Domaine Carneros, known for its exquisite sparkling wines made in the heart of California’s Carneros region, offers a range of elegant Méthode Traditionnelle bubbles. Their Brut and Rosé sparkling wines provide a delicate balance of crisp acidity and complex, fruity flavors, making them perfect for a sophisticated spritz. Both of these sparkling wines offer a wonderful alternative to the traditional choices, adding their own distinct flavors and styles to elevate your summer cocktails.
Sparkling Wines to Try: Bouvet Saphir, Domaine Carneros Brut, Alta Vista Brut Nature
No matter which bubbly you prefer, you can’t go wrong! Explore these classic spritz recipes below and discover which sparkling wine suits your taste best.
Aperol Spritz
- 3 oz Aperol
- 2 oz Prosecco (or another sparkling wine)
- 1 oz Soda water (or club soda)
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice (for garnish)
Hugo Spritz
- 2 oz Elderflower liqueur (e.g., St-Germain)
- 3 oz Prosecco (or another sparkling wine)
- 1 oz Soda water (or club soda)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
- A few slices of lime or lemon (optional, for garnish)
Limoncello Spritz
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 2 ounces Lucano Limoncello
- 1 ounce soda water
- Optional: lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish
Cheers to a summer of spritz!
