Tracy Struthers

How To Create The Tastiest Spring Spritzers.

Spring, my favorite season. We have already been spoiled with a couple of summer - like days to really get us into that spring state of mind. As the temperatures begin to warm up, it makes me want to put on my favorite gray oversized sweater, go sit outside at night, turn on my twinkly lights and listen the spring peepers. A refreshing bevy is always lovely to either sip under the stars, toast the end of a work week, or share with with guests. Whether its enjoying the sunshine, or evening entertaining, I like to sip on a spritzer. Feels very Camelot.

Spritzers are tasty, easy to make, and tend to be less caloric than other beverages. A basic recipe combines chilled wine, vodka, or gin, ice, some soda, and garnish with some oranges or lemon slices, strawberries - you name it. Whatever you may have in your fridge, there are no rules and no strict recipes to follow. Be creative but be true to the essence of the spritz, which is exceptionally refreshing, low in alcohol, bitter-sweet and always bubbly.

Creating your best spring spritzer is very easy, try these tips out:

Look for glasses with a wide bowl that can easily accommodates fruit slices and plenty of ice.
Have glasses with elegant stems to for a timeless silhouette, stemless glass for more of a casual cocktail, or whimsical textured glasses.
Make sure to always have on hand, lemon, lime and orange slices.

Here are 3 of our favorite Spring Spritzer recipes for you to try.

Classic Italian Spritzer

Here is what you need

3 ounces of prosecco (or sparkling wine of your choice)

1 ounce aperitif (such as Aperol or Campari)

Club soda or sparkling water (to taste)

Ice

Directions:

Fill a large based, stemmed or stemless wine glass with ice
Add the aperitif of choice, then sparkling wine. Stir gently to combine.
Top with soda.
Garnish with olive, lemon / orange slices

Enjoy !

Serves 2.

Melon Basil White Wine Spritzer

What you will need:

1 ounce fresh cantaloupe

1 ounce fresh melon

4 ounces Sauvignon Blanc White Wine

2 ounces lemon lime soda

4 fresh basil leaves

Ice

Directions:

Chop up fresh melon and blend it until smooth in a blender or food processor. Add a couple tablespoons of water to thin the puree out a bit.
Combine the puree, wine and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker full of ice.
Shake until nice and cold.
Strain it over a glass full of ice.
Top with soda, stir gently and garnish with basil.

Enjoy!

Serves 2.

Classic White Wine Spritzer

The white wine spritzer is an uncomplicated drink, but makes for a great foundation for other enhancements. You could try adding some pizazz, by freezing herbs or edible flowers in your ice cube trays. Rosemary, lavender, and mint are delightful as well. Frozen berries, grapes, melon balls are also some fun options.