The Summer Spritz Guide: Five Refreshing Variations

What Are Spritzes?

When the temperature climbs and the days stretch long into golden evenings, few cocktails capture the essence of summer better than a spritz. Light, bubbly, and low in alcohol, spritzes are designed for leisurely sipping—the kind of drink that pairs as well with a rooftop view as it does with a backyard or garden dinner. While the Aperol spritz may be the most famous, it’s far from the only option. Here are five spritzes worth knowing this summer.

An Aperol Spritz. Source: Squarespace/ Unsplash

1. Aperol Spritz

The undisputed classic, the Aperol spritz combines the bright orange hue of Aperol with prosecco and an optional splash of soda water. The strength of an Aperol spritz can vary, as the drinker has an option to go heavier on the Aperol or heavier on the prosecco.

The Aperol spritz is the most popular spritz and is now a standard cocktail choice across all of Europe and many parts of the United States. Many seaside and vacation-oriented restaurants and bars have it as a staple on their cocktail menu during the summer months.

Its balance of bittersweet orange and herbal notes makes it both refreshing and approachable. Typically garnished with a slice of orange, it’s the quintessential starter for anyone new to the spritz family.

2. Campari Spritz

For those who enjoy bolder, more assertive flavors, the Campari spritz delivers. Campari’s deep red color and intense bitterness make this version stronger and more complex than its Aperol cousin. Campari is also a little bit more versatile than Aperol because it is used in Negroni’s and has many variations. It can be combined with Aperol or different types of sparkling wines. So if you’re trying to save room on your bar cart, Campari is a good staple liquor to keep around.

The drink is simple to make, with only a few ingredients. The key component is the Campari, which has a citrusy and herbal flavor with notes of spices. Finished with prosecco or other sparkling wines and soda water, topped with an herb or citrus fruit, it’s a choice for seasoned spritz drinkers who want something with a little bite. This refined drink has become associated with the warmer months and is a perfect drink to mix up this summer.

A Hugo Spritz. Source: Squarespace/ Unsplash

3. Hugo Spritz

Originating in northern Italy, the Hugo spritz offers a more floral taste. Built with elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain), prosecco, soda water, and fresh mint, it’s light, fragrant, and subtly sweet. The drink combines different flavor profiles, where the sweetness is balanced out by acidity and bitterness. Served over ice, it’s the perfect refreshing drink for a hot day.

Additionally, this spritz is a great cocktail for someone that wants to hydrate without sacrificing their sobriety. When there is a heavier amount of St. Germain, the drink can be a little stronger but still refreshing. When there is a lesser amount of St. Germain, it is a fizzy cocktail for a summer day where hydration is the main priority.

Overall, the Hugo is ideal for those who prefer softer, aromatic flavors over the sharp bitterness of aperitifs like Aperol or Campari. It is tart, herbal, and floral, and perfect to serve with brunch or to sip on during a sunny evening. This spritz is a must-try this summer!

4. Sbagliato

Known more fully as the Negroni Sbagliato, this “mistaken Negroni” replaces gin with sparkling wine or Prosecco. This creates a bubbly, lighter riff on the classic Negroni. With Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco, the drink carries the same bold, bittersweet profile as its original inspiration—but with effervescence that makes it easier to sip on a hot summer day.

The drink originated during the 1960s in a bar in Milan, when a bartender making a Negroni mistakenly replaced gin with a sparkling wine. The result was a wonderful bittersweet taste. The spritz is refreshing, balanced, and easy to drink. Served over ice and often topped with orange slices, this drink is very refreshing.

The drink combines three key components: bitter, sweet, and bubbly. The drink can be adjusted based on how sweet or bitter you want it to taste. More Campari makes the drink more bitter, whereas more vermouth makes the drink sweeter. It is a spritz that is easily adjustable to fit anyone’s tastes.

Source: Squarespace/ Unsplash

5. White Wine Spritz

Sometimes simplicity wins. A white wine spritz is as straightforward as it sounds: crisp white wine topped with soda water and a slice of lemon or lime. Lower in alcohol and refreshingly dry, it’s the no-fuss, no-frills option that’s perfect for long afternoons when you want to sip steadily without feeling weighed down. On an empty stomach, the buzz can take you pretty far. The drink is made with a 3:1 ratio of white wine to soda water. Versions of this classic spritz vary by region. The Spanish spritzer, for example, replaces the soda water for flavored sodas like Coca-Cola.

The drink has other variations—choosing different sparkling wines like Chardonnay or Riesling can change the level of sweetness, and adding different fruits to the drink to match the flavor profile of the chosen wine can add different fruity notes. Overall, the classic white wine spritzer is chilled, fruity, and perfect for quenching one’s thirst on a hot summer day.