Wine Spritzer Recipe: How to Make a Wine Spritzer

A wine spritzer is a chilled mixed drink traditionally made with white wine, soda water, ice, and optionally, fresh or frozen fruit. This summery beverage is an easy, low-ABV cocktail option that you can make with a variety of wines—from pinot grigio to chardonnay—sparkling beverages, and flavorful garnishes.

Stick to a dry, low-tannin wine that has fruity notes for your wine spritzer. Some reliable options for wine spritzers are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and dry Riesling wines. If you prefer a sweeter wine, like a Chardonnay, add some additional soda water to offset the sweetness of the wine.

There is no end to the potential variations of this refreshing cocktail, but some of the most popular wine spritzer variations include.

1. 1. White wine spritzer: The most traditional type of wine spritzer is a white wine spritzer, made with a base of white wine.
   
2. 2. Rosé spritzer: A summery take on a wine spritzer calls for rosé wine, which is perfect for backyard barbecues and pool parties on hot summer days.
3. 3. Red wine spritzer: If you’re more of a red wine fan, feel free to substitute red wine to create a more full-bodied spritzer.
4. 4. Sparkling wine spritzer: Double up on the bubbles by combining sparkling wine with fresh fruit and top it off with seltzer for some extra effervescence.
5. 5. Italian spritzer: Combine an orange-based liqueur with soda water and sparkling wine for a fruity, Italian aperitif.
6. 6. Mojito spritzer: Add some muddled mint and brown sugar to your white wine spritzer for a Mojito effect.
7. 7. Sangria spritzer: Use a homemade or bottled sangria for a sweet, fruity spritzer.

Follow these tips to make the best version of this wine cocktail, whether you’re a beginner mixologist or otherwise.

1. 1. Keep it cold. The key to a successful wine spritzer is keeping each of the ingredients cold before crafting the cocktails. Warm wine or seltzer will result in the ice melting quickly, creating a watered-down and lackluster beverage.
2. 2. Adapt the ratio. Adapt the ratio of wine to seltzer or soda water to fit your taste. For a lighter beverage, try a 1:1 ratio of wine to seltzer. For a slightly boozier beverage, reduce the added seltzer by half, or add a dash of vodka, gin, or the liqueur of your choice.
3. 3. Play around with additions. Adjust this versatile drink with different fruits, sparkling beverages, and other tasty additions, from fresh herbs and fruit juice to a dash of bitters. Use flavored sparkling water, lemon-lime soda, club soda, tonic water, or ginger ale in your spritzer for extra flavor. Incorporate fresh and frozen fruits, like raspberries, sliced stone fruits, mango, melon balls, grapefruit, and lemon slices.