There is something truly magical about the idea of Aperitivo hour. It could be the way the light looks at golden hour, it could be the satisfaction that comes with the completion of the workday or it could simply be the low ABV, effervescent drink in your hand.
Either way, there is a certain amount of romance that is held in the bubbles of an aperitif. Originating from the Latin aperire meaning “to open,” it is an invitation to start the night, in the company of good friends, good food and good drinks.
As Aperitivo hour is a moment to reflect, relax and regenerate, the drinks should always be on the lighter side, both in terms of complexity and alcohol content. It should balance flavour, fragrance and flair. But most of all it should weave the triad of effervescent, ease and expectation.
With this in mind, we called on Bacardi’s Global Head of Education & Mixology, Joe McCanta to give us his top recommendations and recipes for shaking up the perfect spritz for any occasion.
Le Grand Fizz
Effortlessly extraordinary, the Le Grand Fizz will forever change the way you enjoy a spritz – featuring Grey Goose, lime and St Germain elderflower liqueur, it’s the perfect summer serve.
The perfect spritz for… Aperitivo hour for vodka lovers
Ingredients
- 35ml Grey Goose Vodka
- 15ml fresh Lime Juice
- 25ml St-Germain
- 60ml Soda Water
Instructions
Add ice into an oversized Cabernet wine glass and add Vodka, Lime Juice and top with St Germain and Soda Water. Garnish with lime wedges
Joe McCanta advises: “The Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz is our most iconic summer serve. It is a sophisticated – and more interesting – a twist on a traditional vodka and soda. Having been served everywhere from Coachella to the Cannes Film Festival, the Le Grand Fizz is perfect for adding a touch of French elegance to a summer soirée. Too much lime juice can make this serve too tarte, while too much elderflower liqueur will make for a sickly-sweet version, so be sure to follow the measurements to find the perfect balance.
Bombay Sapphire Rose Spritz
A light and delicious take on the classic G&T cocktail, a tasty combination of vermouth, orange and elderflower.
The perfect spritz for… A sundowner sipper for gin drinkers
Ingredients
- 50mls Bombay Sapphire Gin
- 100ml Elderflower Tonic
- 25mls Martini Rosato Vermouth
- Orange wedges
Instructions
Gently squeeze the orange wedges into a balloon glass, then add Vermouth and Gin. Add ice and stir before topping with Elderflower Tonic
Joe McCanta advises: “The Bombay Sapphire Rose Spritz is the spritz for gin lovers. The drink nods to the traditional Italian spritz with a Martini vermouth base, but with a gin and elderflower twist that tastes like summer in a glass. If you can’t find elderflower tonic, you can opt for a regular tonic with a splash of honey, which will bring out the floral notes. For a less zesty, sweeter serve, try raspberries in place of the orange wedges to garnish.”
The St Germain Spritz
Simple, elegant and quintessentially French: there’s no finer way to unwind than with this signature apéritif. Mix the ingredients over ice in a collins glass and garnish with a lemon twist. Vive l’Apéritif!
The perfect spritz for… Brunch and al fresco dining
Ingredients
- 40ml St-Germain
- 60ml Sparkling wine
- 60ml Soda Water
Instructions
Combine all ingredients over ice in a collins glass. Stir and garnish with a lemon twist
Joe McCanta advises: “St-Germain spritzed with champagne or prosecco makes a perfect summer drink. Light and fragrant, the St-Germain Spritz has a similar alcohol content to a glass of wine, but with an added dose of sophistication. The combination of champagne, prosecco or sparkling wine blended with the citrusy, light and floral notes of St-Germain make this a sipping drink to enjoy in a sunny garden.”
Martini Fiero & Tonic
Bold flavoured and brightly coloured, Martini Fiero’s bittersweet orange flavour and striking red colour are both 100% natural. Designed to be paired 50/50 with tonic over ice and an orange garnish for maximum impact with minimal fuss.
The perfect spritz for… A twist on the traditional
Ingredients
- 75ml Martini Fiero
75mls Tonic Water
Instruction
Add Fiero and Tonic to an ice-filled balloon glass, then garnish with an orange slice
Joe McCanta advises: “Martini was made for spritzers – and Martini Fiero is a contemporary take on vermouth combining citrus, bittersweet orange, crisp white wines and wormwood for bold and zesty flavours. Many spritzers use soda, but the flavours of this vermouth pair perfectly with tonic – one sip of this will transport you to the Italian Riviera! Where possible, opt for a balloon glass – it adds to the occasion! The brilliant thing about this cocktail is that it has all the ease of a simple two-ingredient serve, such as a gin and tonic, but with an added layer of sophistication.”
Bacardí Raspberry Spritz
The irresistible sweet and sharp flavours of Bacardi Raspberry are given extra sparkle in this super simple but wonderfully refreshing long drink.
The perfect spritz for… Capturing the summer festival spirit at home
Ingredients
- 50ml Bacardi Raspberry Rum
- 150ml Lemonade
Instructions
Add all ingredients to an ice-filled highball glass, then stir and garnish with raspberries.
Joe McCanta advises: “Rum may not be an obvious choice when you think of a summer spritzer, but as a spirit, it is definitely having a moment, and this super simple serve is a delightful Caribbean-twist on a traditional spritz. You can elevate the serve by dialling up the garnishes, such as adding a few sprigs of mint from your garden. Crushing the berries also help to bring out the sweet berry tones of the rum.”
Martini Vibrante Spritz
A non-alcoholic spritz for any occasion, which is unmistakably Martini, just without the alcohol
The perfect spritz for… An alcohol-free alternative
Ingredients
- 75ml Martini Vibrante
- 25ml Grapefruit Juice
- Dash of Soda Water
Instructions
Combine Vibrante and grapefruit Juice in an ice-filled highball or balloon glass. Add Soda water and garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Joe McCanta advises: “Few alcohol-free cocktails deliver the taste of a summer spritz like this serve. Martini Vibrante has all of the bittersweet, orange notes of the classic Martini, just without the alcohol – it’s even made from the same grapes. The grapefruit juice adds a tangy and refreshing twist, which makes this ideal to sip on over a long, hot summer’s day. This is a great option for those avoiding alcohol or taking a more mindful approach to drinking this summer.”
