Wine Spritzer Cocktail Recipe

The Wine Spritzer is a refreshing and light cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Austria, where it is called 'Weinschorle'. The drink gained popularity in the 19th century and has since become a staple in bars and restaurants around the world. Wine Spritzers are perfect for warm summer days and are often enjoyed at picnics, barbecues, and outdoor parties.

The Wine Spritzer is a light, crisp, and refreshing cocktail. It has a subtle sweetness from the wine, balanced by the tartness of the soda water. The drink is effervescent and has a slightly fruity flavor.

• The Wine Spritzer is a low-alcohol cocktail, making it a popular choice for daytime events and gatherings.
• In Austria, Wine Spritzers are often served with a slice of lemon or orange to enhance the flavor.
• Wine Spritzers can be made with red, white, or rosé wine, allowing for a variety of flavor profiles.

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour 4 oz of white wine into the glass.
3. Top with 2 oz of soda water.
4. Gently stir to combine.
5. Garnish with a lemon or orange slice.

• Chill your wine before making the spritzer to ensure it's refreshing.
• Use high-quality soda water for a better taste.
• Try using different types of citrus for garnish to change up the flavor.

Appetizers

• Cheeses: A light wine spritzer pairs excellently with soft cheeses such as goat cheese or a creamy brie, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the rich flavors.
• Seafood: Items like oysters, shrimp cocktail, or a light ceviche complement the citrus notes and help maintain the spritzer's crispness.

Main Courses

• Poultry: Dishes with chicken or turkey with zesty lemon or herb seasonings can accentuate the spritzer's bright profile.
• Salads: A fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing mirrors the spritzer's light, tangy nature.

Desserts

• Fruit tarts: The subtle sweetness and inherent acidity of a fruit tart will resonate with the wine spritzer's citrus garnish and effervescence.
• Sorbet: A lemon sorbet, in particular, would be both a complementary and a palate-cleansing choice.

• Red or rosé wine can be used instead of white wine for a different flavor profile.
• Lime or grapefruit slices can be used as an alternative to lemon or orange slices.
• Sparkling water can be used instead of soda water for a less sweet version.

Rosé Spritzer

Ingredients: Rosé wine, soda water, lime slice Recipe: Follow the base recipe, substituting white wine with a crisp rosé. Add a lime slice for a tart twist. Description: This variant offers a fruitier and arguably more summer-kissed take on the classic. Rosé brings flavors of berries and subtly sweet notes, and the lime provides a tart freshness that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Elderflower Spritzer

Ingredients: White wine, soda water, elderflower cordial, lemon slice Recipe: Introduce a splash of elderflower cordial before topping with soda water. Continue with the rest of the steps. Description: With the addition of elderflower cordial, the spritzer takes on a sweet, floral character that dances on the palate. This twist is perfect for those who enjoy a bouquet of flavors in their glass.

Berry Bliss Spritzer

Ingredients: White wine, sparkling water with berry flavor, mixed fresh berries Recipe: Muddle a handful of fresh berries in the bottom of the glass before adding ice and the rest of the ingredients. Use berry-flavored sparkling water instead of plain soda water. Description: This berry-packed version is for the sweet at heart. The muddled berries infuse the drink with natural sweetness and eye-catching color, while the berry-flavored water adds an additional layer of fruity fun.