Rebujito
The Rebujito is a quintessentially Spanish drink, originating from the southern region of Andalusia. It is famously the drink of choice during the vibrant ferias (festivals), particularly the Feria de Abril in Seville. This cocktail is celebrated for its simplicity and its ability to combat the summer heat, offering a crisp, dry, and effervescent experience. Its low alcohol content makes it an ideal session drink for long, festive afternoons.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Rebujito is classified as a highball cocktail, a category of long drinks composed of a base spirit topped with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer. It is also considered a type of spritzer due to its fizziness. It is a regional classic from Andalusia, Spain, beloved for its refreshing qualities.
Serving
Serve this light, low-alcohol cocktail ice-cold in a tall Highball glass to preserve its effervescence. It is a relatively large drink designed for easy sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 5-7% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The modern Rebujito is said to have been popularized in the 1980s during the Feria del Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera. Legend has it that members of a particular caseta (festival tent) mixed their Manzanilla sherry with a lemon-lime soft drink, creating an instant hit. The combination proved to be incredibly refreshing and quickly spread to other festivals throughout Andalusia, becoming the iconic drink it is today.
Origin
The Rebujito originated in Andalusia, Spain. While variations of sherry mixed with soda have existed for longer, the specific combination and name gained widespread popularity in the 1980s.
Rebujito
The name "Rebujito" is unique to this Spanish drink and does not have common alternative names, though it could be broadly described as a Sherry Spritzer. The name is a diminutive of 'rebujo', which translates to 'jumble' or 'tangle'. In the context of the drink, it has become its own distinct and recognized name.
Original name
Rebujito
Alternative name
Sherry Spritzer
Characteristics overview
The Rebujito has a crisp, dry flavor profile dominated by citrus and the unique saline notes of the sherry, with a refreshing minty aroma. Its light body and lively carbonation make it an exceptionally clean and thirst-quenching summer drink.
Flavor
Crisp, dry, citrusy, slightly savory, refreshing, subtly nutty
Aroma
Lemon, lime, fresh mint, yeasty, saline notes from the sherry
Taste balance
Dry, slightly sour, minimally sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, short, refreshing, dry
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly, fizzy
Color appearance
Pale straw, light yellow, clear, translucent
Texture
Light-bodied, thin, crisp
Seasonality
Extremely refreshing, summery, perfect for warm weather
Flavor intensity & Experience
The drink has a low flavor intensity, characterized by a slight sourness and fruitiness from the soda, balanced by the sherry's dryness. It is a low-alcohol, highly carbonated cocktail with minimal sweetness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This simple cocktail requires only two main ingredients: a dry sherry like Fino or Manzanilla and a lemon-lime soda. A fresh mint sprig is typically added as a fragrant garnish.
- Fino or Manzanilla Sherry60 ml / 2 ozManzanilla sherry is often preferred for its brighter, more saline character, which enhances the drink's refreshing quality.
- Lemon-lime soda120 ml / 4 oz, or to topBrands like 7 Up or Sprite work perfectly. Some variations use a bitter lemon soda for a different twist.
- Mint Sprig1 sprig(optional)Primarily for garnish and aroma, though some recipes suggest lightly muddling mint leaves in the glass first.
Ice type
- Cubed ice
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed; the drink is built directly in the serving glass. A bar spoon can be used for a quick, gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
- Bar spoon for a gentle stir
Instructions
This is a "built-in-glass" cocktail, meaning preparation is incredibly simple. Just add ice, sherry, and soda to a highball glass, stir gently, and garnish.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour the Fino or Manzanilla sherry over the ice.
3. Top up the glass with the chilled lemon-lime soda.
4. Give the drink a very brief and gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint. Serve immediately while it's cold and bubbly.
Garnishing
The standard garnish is a generous sprig of fresh mint, which adds a beautiful aromatic lift to the drink. A slice of lemon can also be added for extra citrus notes.
- A fresh sprig of mint, gently clapped between the hands to release its aroma before placing in the glass.
- A lemon wheel or wedge as an optional addition.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is caffeine-free and dairy-free. Whether it is vegan or vegetarian depends on the fining agents used in the sherry; some producers use animal-based products like egg whites or gelatin.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✕ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The Rebujito is relatively low in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, with most of the sugar content coming from the soda. Using a diet or zero-sugar soda can significantly reduce these values.
Calories
Averagely 120-150 kcal / 502-628 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10-14 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 10-14 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties, barbecues, and outdoor festivals. Its light and refreshing nature also makes it an excellent aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
- Summer Party
- Barbecue
- Aperitif
- Casual Gathering
- Festivals
Pairing suggestions
The Rebujito pairs beautifully with a wide variety of Spanish tapas. Its dry, crisp profile cuts through the richness of fried foods like calamari or croquettes and complements the saltiness of olives, cured meats, and cheeses.
- Olives
- Salted almonds
- Fried seafood (Pescaíto frito)
- Jamón Ibérico (Spanish ham)
- Manchego cheese
- Spanish tapas
Rebujito: The Refreshing Spirit of Andalusia
The Rebujito is the ultimate thirst-quencher from southern Spain, a simple yet elegant mix of dry sherry and fizzy lemon-lime soda. It is a light, low-alcohol highball celebrated for its crisp, clean, and incredibly refreshing character. Perfect for sunny days and festive gatherings, this drink captures the lively spirit of an Andalusian feria in a glass. Its easy preparation and delightful taste make it a go-to choice for a simple aperitif or a sessionable party drink.