Cocchi Rosa Spritz
The Cocchi Rosa Spritz is a delightful and sophisticated alternative to more common spritz cocktails like the Aperol Spritz. It highlights Cocchi Americano Rosa, an aromatized wine from Italy's Asti region, which imparts beautiful notes of rose, wild berries, and citrus with a pleasantly bitter backbone from gentian and cinchona. When combined with dry sparkling wine and soda, it becomes a perfectly balanced, effervescent aperitivo that is both easy-drinking and complex in flavor.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Cocchi Rosa Spritz is classified as a spritz, a sub-category of cocktails known for being wine-based, bubbly, and lower in alcohol. It serves as an aperitif, a drink traditionally consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It is considered a contemporary classic in the world of modern cocktails.
Serving
Served cold over plenty of ice in a large wine glass to allow the aromas to develop. It's a relatively low-alcohol cocktail designed for leisurely sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-12% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Large Wine Glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
While the spritz tradition dates back to the 19th century in the Veneto region of Italy, the Cocchi Rosa Spritz is a modern creation. It emerged following the release of Cocchi Americano Rosa in 2011. Bartenders and enthusiasts quickly adopted it into the classic 3-2-1 spritz formula, creating a popular new variation that showcases the unique floral and bitter character of the rosa vermouth.
Origin
Italy, post-2011. This cocktail is a contemporary spin on a traditional Italian drink format, developed to feature a modern Italian aperitivo product.
Cocchi Rosa Spritz
This drink is most commonly known as the Cocchi Rosa Spritz, named directly after its key ingredient. It is sometimes shortened to Rosa Spritz for simplicity. The longer name, Cocchi Americano Rosa Spritz, is also used to be more specific about the base ingredient.
Original name
Cocchi Rosa Spritz
Alternative names
- Rosa Spritz
- Cocchi Americano Rosa Spritz
Characteristics overview
This is a highly refreshing and aromatic drink, characterized by its beautiful pale pink hue and lively effervescence. The flavor profile is a delicate balance of floral sweetness and herbal bitterness, making it a sophisticated and crisp choice.
Flavor
Floral, citrusy, bitter, sweet, berry, crisp
Aroma
Rose petals, orange zest, gentian, hibiscus, ginger
Taste balance
Balanced, bittersweet
Aftertaste
Clean, pleasantly bitter, lingering floral notes
Fizziness
Effervescent, sparkling
Color appearance
Pale pink, translucent, bubbly
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, spring
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is light to medium in intensity, with a gentle bitterness and prominent fruity and floral notes. It is not overpowering and has a crisp, highly carbonated mouthfeel.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This spritz follows the classic 3-2-1 ratio, requiring three parts Cocchi Americano Rosa, two parts Prosecco, and one part soda water. Fresh ice and a citrus garnish are also essential.
- Cocchi Americano Rosa90 ml / 3 ozThe essential ingredient that provides the drink's signature floral and bitter flavor profile.
- Prosecco60 ml / 2 ozUse a dry (Brut) Prosecco. Other dry sparkling wines like Cava or Crémant can also be used.
- Soda Water30 ml / 1 ozA splash to top off the drink, adding extra fizz and lightness. Can also use sparkling mineral water.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed; the drink is built directly in the glass. A long bar spoon is helpful for a gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
- Bar Spoon for gently stirring
Instructions
The preparation is straightforward: build all ingredients directly in an ice-filled wine glass. A gentle stir is all that's needed before adding the garnish.
1. Take a large wine glass and fill it generously with ice cubes.
2. Pour the Cocchi Americano Rosa over the ice.
3. Gently pour in the Prosecco.
4. Top with a splash of soda water.
5. Give the drink a very brief and gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
6. Express the oils from a grapefruit twist over the surface of the drink and drop it in as a garnish.
Garnishing
A twist of grapefruit peel is the ideal garnish, as its aromatic oils complement the citrus notes in the Cocchi Rosa. An orange slice or a lemon wheel can also be used.
- Grapefruit twist, expressed over the drink and dropped in
Dietary Information
This drink is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. As Cocchi products are certified vegan, this cocktail is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a relatively light cocktail in terms of calories and sugar, with most of the sugar content coming from the aromatized wine and sparkling wine.
Calories
Approximately 130-150 kcal / 544-628 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 9 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfect for aperitivo hour, acting as a wonderful pre-dinner drink to awaken the palate. Its light and refreshing nature makes it ideal for warm weather, sunny afternoons, and casual social events like brunch or garden parties.
- Pre-dinner Drink
- Summer Afternoon
- Aperitivo Hour
- Brunch
- Social Gatherings
Pairing suggestions
The Cocchi Rosa Spritz pairs beautifully with classic Italian aperitivo snacks. Its bittersweet profile cuts through the richness of cured meats and cheeses, while its effervescence complements light, salty bites like olives and bruschetta. It is versatile enough for a range of light appetizers.
- Salty snacks like potato chips or nuts
- Marinated olives
- A light charcuterie or cheese board
- Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes
The Cocchi Rosa Spritz: A Floral Twist on a Classic
The Cocchi Rosa Spritz is an effortlessly chic and refreshing cocktail that offers a sophisticated twist on the spritz formula. Its unique base of Cocchi Americano Rosa provides a complex bouquet of floral, berry, and citrus notes, perfectly balanced by a pleasant bitterness. Easy to make and beautiful in the glass, it's an excellent choice for an aperitif, a summer party, or any occasion that calls for a light, sparkling, and flavorful drink.
Similar Cocktails
Aperol Spritz
The most famous spritz, using Aperol for a bright orange color and a bittersweet orange and rhubarb flavor.
Campari Spritz
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Hugo Spritz
A sweeter, more floral spritz made with elderflower liqueur, mint, and lime.
Limoncello Spritz
Features Limoncello for a sweet, intense lemon flavor profile.
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