Build Your Own Spritz Recipe

Fill glass

Select a large wine glass or rocks glass. Fill the glass three-quarters full with ice cubes to chill and provide dilution control.

Add base

Measure and pour 2 tablespoons (about 1 oz) of Sweet Vermouth into the glass. If you prefer a more bitter, herbal spritz, substitute 2 tablespoons of your chosen amaro instead. Do not use both at once unless you want a blend; pick one.

Add mixer

Top the vermouth or amaro with 2 ounces of your chosen mixer: soda water for a lighter, cleaner spritz or tonic water for a slightly sweeter, quinine bitterness. Pour gently over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass to preserve some effervescence.

Top with sparkling wine

Carefully add 3 ounces of chilled sparkling wine (Prosecco or other dry sparkling). Pour slowly to maintain bubbles and avoid overflowing. The suggested ratio is roughly 1 part base : 2 parts sparkling : 1 part mixer; adjust to taste.

Garnish and finish

Express an orange twist over the drink by holding the peel over the glass and giving it a quick bend to release oils, then drop the twist or add an orange slice. Add a mint sprig if desired for aroma. Stir once gently with a bar spoon to integrate layers without flattening bubbles.

For a lighter spritz reduce vermouth/amaro to 1 tablespoon. For a stronger, more bitter spritz increase vermouth/amaro to 3 tablespoons. Use chilled sparkling and mixer to keep dilution minimal. If you prefer sweeter, use a slightly sweeter Prosecco or increase tonic; for drier, choose brut sparkling and soda water.

To make multiple servings, scale ingredients per serving. Example single serving here yields approximately one cocktail. Adjust ice and glass size accordingly.

Always taste and adjust: the beauty of 'Build Your Own Spritz' is customization — balance base spirit bitterness, sweetness and effervescence to your liking.