Marine Drive Spritz Recipe

Juice and measure

If using fresh fruit, juice enough blood oranges to yield 3/4 cup and juice lemons to yield 1/4 cup. Strain the juices through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup to remove pulp and seeds. Chill briefly if not already cold.

If you prefer a sweeter ready option, substitute chilled blood orange soda for the fresh blood orange juice and omit 1 tablespoon of the simple syrup; reduce overall sweetness to taste.

Combine liquids

In a large mixing glass or pitcher, combine the blood orange juice, lemon juice, non-alcoholic bitter aperitif substitute, and simple syrup. Add the orange bitters (or extract) and a pinch of sea salt to heighten flavors.

Taste and adjust

Stir gently and taste. Adjust sweetness with up to 1 additional tablespoon simple syrup if too tart, or add up to 2 tablespoons extra sparkling water if too intense. The goal is bright citrus with gentle bitterness and light sweetness.

Fill two large wine glasses or tumblers with the large ice cubes (2 cubes per glass or one shared ice sphere).

Divide the mixed base evenly between the glasses (about 1/2 cup base per glass).

Top each glass with 1/2 cup chilled sparkling water (pour slowly to preserve fizz). Stir once gently with a bar spoon to combine.

Garnish each glass with an orange wheel on the rim and a sprig of rosemary tucked into the ice if using. Serve immediately with a straw or cocktail pick for the garnish.

For a slightly more aromatic presentation, slap the rosemary between your palms to release oils before adding it as a garnish.