Uptown Spritz Recipe

Muddle strawberries

Place the hulled and sliced fresh strawberries and the simple syrup into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently muddle until the strawberries are broken down and release juice but not completely puréed (about 8–10 medium presses).

Add citrus and bitters

Add the fresh lime juice and the Italian orange bitters to the muddled strawberries. Stir briefly (6–8 seconds) to combine and allow flavors to marry.

Build and chill

Fill a Collins glass or large wine glass with ice (about 1 cup). If you prefer the cocktail well chilled, add ice to the shaker, cap it, and give it a quick 5–6 second shake to chill and integrate; then strain (see next step).

Strain and top

If you shook the mixture, double-strain it into the prepared glass to remove seeds and pulp. If you did not shake, use a fine mesh strainer or a julep strainer to strain the muddled strawberry mixture over the ice. Top with the chilled Prosecco (3 oz) followed by the ginger beer (3 oz). Gently stir once with a bar spoon to combine — do not over-stir to preserve carbonation.

Adjust sweetness

Taste and, if desired, add up to another 0.25 oz simple syrup to balance acidity and bitters. Stir gently to incorporate.

Thread a strawberry slice onto the rim or place it in the glass. Express the orange twist over the drink to release oils and drop it in or place it on the rim. Optionally slap the mint sprig between your palms to release aroma and nestle it into the drink.

Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer. Enjoy chilled.