Wine Spritzer
A Wine Spritzer is a classic and light alcoholic beverage perfect for warm weather. It consists of wine, typically white or rosé, topped with club soda or sparkling mineral water, served over ice. The beauty of the spritzer lies in its versatility; the ratio of wine to water can be adjusted to taste, making it lighter in alcohol and calories than a standard glass of wine. It's an effervescent, crisp, and thirst-quenching drink enjoyed worldwide.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Wine Spritzer is classified as a classic cocktail, specifically within the highball or long drink family. It is valued for its simplicity and refreshing qualities, making it a timeless choice. Its primary components of wine and soda water place it firmly in the category of simple mixed drinks.
Serving
Served cold over ice in a large wine glass to accommodate the ingredients and keep it chilled. With a lower ABV than a standard glass of wine, it's a light and refreshing long drink.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 5-8% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Large wine glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The spritzer originated in 19th-century Austria as the "G'spritzter." It was a way for people to enjoy a refreshing, diluted wine beverage during the summer. Visiting Germans in the region supposedly found the local wine too strong and began asking for it to be diluted with soda water. The practice spread and became immensely popular, eventually making its way to the United States in the mid-20th century.
Origin
The Wine Spritzer originated in Austria during the 19th century. It became particularly popular in the United States during the 1980s as a light, low-alcohol alternative to wine or cocktails. Its simple preparation and refreshing nature have ensured its enduring appeal.
Wine Spritzer
The drink is most commonly known as a Wine Spritzer or simply Spritzer. Its original name is the Austrian "G'spritzter" or German "Gespritzter," which translates to "splashed" or "squirted," referring to the addition of soda water to the wine. This original name reflects its roots in 19th-century Austria.
Original name
G'spritzter
Alternative names
- Spritzer
- White Wine Spritzer
- Gespritzter
Characteristics overview
The Wine Spritzer is the epitome of a refreshing summer drink, characterized by the crisp, fruity notes of the chosen wine, enhanced by a light, bubbly texture from the soda water. Its aroma and flavor profile are dictated by the wine, typically offering a clean, acidic balance with a short, crisp finish.
Flavor
Crisp, refreshing, light, fruity, acidic, effervescent
Aroma
Varies with wine: citrus, green apple, floral, stone fruit
Taste balance
Primarily sour and slightly sweet (depending on the wine)
Aftertaste
Clean, short, crisp
Fizziness
Bubbly, light carbonation
Color appearance
Pale yellow to light gold (for white wine), clear
Texture
Light-bodied, watery, effervescent
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, thirst-quenching
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is light and balanced, with acidity from the wine being the most prominent feature, complemented by moderate fruitiness and carbonation. It is low in alcohol, sweetness, and bitterness, making it highly drinkable.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You only need two main ingredients for a classic Wine Spritzer: a chilled dry white wine and chilled club soda or sparkling water. A simple garnish like a citrus wheel is often added to enhance the aroma and appearance.
- Dry White Wine90 ml / 3 ozA crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Riesling works best. Ensure it is well-chilled.
- Club Soda90 ml / 3 ozOr sparkling mineral water. Ensure it is well-chilled to maintain maximum fizziness.
Ice type
- Cubed
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, but it's not essential.
- Large wine glass for building and serving
- Bar spoon for gentle stirring (optional)
Instructions
This drink is one of the easiest to make, built directly in the glass by pouring chilled wine over ice and topping it with soda water. A quick stir and a simple garnish are all that's needed before serving.
1. Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour 3 oz (90 ml) of chilled white wine over the ice.
3. Top with 3 oz (90 ml) of chilled club soda. You can adjust the ratio to your preference.
4. Give the drink a very gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist and serve immediately.
Garnishing
A simple citrus garnish, like a lemon wheel or a twist, is perfect for a white wine spritzer as it complements the wine's acidity and adds a fresh aroma. Other options include a lime slice or fresh berries.
- Lemon wheel or twist, placed in the drink or on the rim of the glass
Dietary Information
This drink is generally free of common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. However, it is not always vegan, as some wines use animal-derived products like isinglass or egg whites in the fining process; check for a vegan-certified wine if needed.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
A Wine Spritzer is a relatively low-calorie and low-sugar alcoholic beverage, especially when made with a dry wine. The carbohydrate and sugar content comes almost entirely from the wine itself.
Calories
Averagely 90-120 kcal / 377-502 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 3-5 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 1-3 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is perfect for casual, warm-weather occasions like summer parties, picnics, and poolside lounging. Its light and refreshing character also makes it an excellent choice for brunch or as a pre-dinner aperitif. It's a versatile beverage for any relaxed social setting.
- Summer afternoon
- Brunch
- Poolside
- Casual gathering
- Aperitif
Pairing suggestions
The light and crisp nature of a Wine Spritzer pairs well with equally light fare. It's an excellent companion to fresh salads, seafood, and grilled white meats. It also complements cheese plates, fruit, and various light appetizers, making it a versatile drink for meals and social gatherings.
- Light salads
- Grilled fish or chicken
- Fresh fruit platters
- Cheese boards, especially with goat cheese or feta
- Light appetizers and canapés
The Simple Elegance of the Wine Spritzer
The Wine Spritzer is a quintessential summer drink, beloved for its simplicity, elegance, and refreshing qualities. Originating from 19th-century Austria, this two-ingredient cocktail combines wine with sparkling water, creating a lighter, lower-alcohol beverage that's perfect for casual sipping. Its versatility allows for endless variations using different wines, juices, or garnishes. Effortless to make and delightful to drink, the spritzer remains a timeless classic for any warm-weather occasion.
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