Summer time is when we enjoy the outdoors and long, late nights…enjoy these refreshing retro wine spritzers to beat the heat and tickled the tongue!
The wine spritzer was the height of chic in 1970-80s suburban culture. A staple at upscale bars, outdoor bbqs and country clubs. They are refreshing, hydrating and delicious. The drinks fights the heat without going overboard on the alcohol. Legend has it the marriage of wine and soda happened shortly after soda water was mass produced.
Italy, the home of la dolce vita, played a key role in the 1800s. In Veneto, home of prosecco, visiting Austrians would dilute wines with a “spritz” (German for “splash”) of soda water to make them lighter and more to their taste. As time went on, wine became prosecco, and Italians started to supplement the drink with fortified wines, and then liqueurs like Amari and Aperol.
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“Wine Spritzers are a classic drink perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. In hot weather, all ages have returned to this retro beverage” shared Chad Mackay, founder of Fire & Vine, owners of some of Seattle’s top tier restaurants including El Gaucho, Aqua and Auerleme.
Spritzers are celebrating a moment and having a retro renewal, which makes sense with the drink bring the chill to a hot day. Enjoy these refreshing retro wine spritzers.
The Classic White Wine Spritz
This the OG of the spritz, the grandfather of the Aperol Spritz and a quick and fun drink for any gathering.
Ingredients
Limoncello Spritz
Embrace the spritz’s heritage with this zesty treat. Limoncello is a true Italian treat. Produced mainly produced in southern Italy, especially in the region around the Gulf of Naples, Ischia, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. It is the second-most popular liqueur in Italy and is traditionally served chilled after-dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 oz limoncello
- 3 oz prosecco
- 1 oz Sprite
- lemon slices and mint for garnish
Create
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Add ice to a wine glass
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Add the limoncello, followed by the prosecco and Sprite
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Stir to combine
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Add some lemon slices and mint if desired.
Peachy Wine Spritz
Go the extra meal with this peach spritz. Summertime is the best for juicy, flavorful peaches…so what not make them a wee bit boozy?
Ingredients
- 1 large peach (peeled if desired)
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 4 oz white wine
- sparkling water to top
- Garnish peach slice and perhaps mint leaves
Create
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In a blender or food processor, puree the peach until smooth. If there’s chunks of skin, strain with a fine mesh sieve and discard. One peach makes puree for about 2 drinks
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In a large glass, stir together 2 oz of the peach puree with the lemon juice
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Fill the glass with ice and pour in the wine and top with sparkling water
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Garnish with mint leaves and a peach slice, as desired
Rosé
The Mint Julep is an All-American classic drink celebrating horse racing, morning drinking and good bourbon! What better beverage to have at 4th of July BBQ?
Ingredients
- 1/2 glass of chilled rosé
- 1/4 glass of soda water
- Raspberries for garnish
Create
- Drop a few raspberries into a wine glass
- Fill glass with ice
- Add rosé then soda water
- Garnish with a raspberry
Simply Syrup
Remember to be careful on your consumption and drink plenty of water. Enjoy these refreshing retro wine spritzers!
