Classic White Wine Spritzer

When the weather's warm and you want something crisp in a snap, a Classic White Wine Spritzer is the way to go. It's refreshing, light, and ready in minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous moments or a quick wind-down at the end of the day.

One of the most enjoyable parts about making a spritzer is experimenting with flavors. You can brighten it with fresh citrus, infuse it with herbs for an aromatic edge, or add bitters for extra complexity. It's an easy way to tailor your drink to the season or your personal taste.

For more summery drinks, check out this Vinho Verde White Sangria or Easy Mojitos!

Before You Get Started

Before you mix, choose quality ingredients and prepare them so your spritzer turns out perfectly balanced and chilled.

• Chill everything: Cold wine, seltzer, and glasses will give the most refreshing result.
• Prep your add-ins: Have any citrus slices, herbs, or fruit ready before pouring.

What kind of wine to use for a spitzer?

When it comes to making a spritzer, you generally want a white wine that is bright, crisp, and fresh. It should be light, and for that reason, most people stay away from heavier whites like Chardonnay. You also don't want something too expensive, since you are cutting it with soda water and potentially adding other flavors. It should taste good, but doesn't have to be fancy. Here are some good options:

• Sauvignon Blanc: Light and refreshing with "green" notes from herbs or bell peppers. From France or New Zealand.
• Pinot Grigio: Light and dry with a fresh, clean taste. Refreshing with flavors of lime, lemon, and apple. From Italy.
• Albarino: Light, sometimes slightly sweet, and refreshing. From Spain.
• Dry Riesling: Fruit flavors without the sweetness of a typical Riesling, usually dry Riesling is from Austria and Germany

Can I use rose?

Rose is delicious in a spritzer and will absolutely work in this recipe. Consider adding fresh berries, which pair really well with the flavors in rose. Also, look for a dry rose for the best results.

How to Make a Classic White Wine Spritzer

This comes together fast, so have your ingredients and glass ready to go.

1. Fill the glass with ice

Use plenty of ice to keep the drink cold and refreshing.

2. Add the wine and seltzer

Pour in your chosen white wine, then top with seltzer for a bubbly lift.

3. Customize it

Add citrus slices, fresh herbs, frozen fruit, or a dash of bitters for extra flavor.

Can I make these in advance?

If you are serving these for a party or want to make a larger batch, it is best to make them right before serving so that the club soda stays bubbly and the ice doesn't water down the drink. For a pitcher or spritzers, add any fruit or extras you will be using to the pitcher. Then add the ice, white wine, and club soda right before serving.

White Wine Spritzer Flavor Ideas

Give your spritzer a unique spin with these ideas, along with tips to get the best flavor.

• Fresh and frozen fruit: This is the most popular way to add flavor and beauty to a spritzer. Consider using strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe, or blackberries. In summer months, I love using frozen peaches, watermelon, or cantaloupe to keep the drink cold and add flavor. Frozen berries work, but they will release juice as they defrost and change the color of the drink.
• Citrus: Use a large peeler to remove strips of lemon, lime, or orange to add to the spritzer. You can squeeze in some juice as well.
• Flavored seltzer: Consider using a flavored seltzer to add another flavor dimension. Just note that this will cover the taste of the wine a bit more.
• Seltzer swap: If seltzer water isn’t your thing, you can swap it with Topo Chico or another type of mineral water for a mineral flavor!
• Fresh herbs: Add fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme. Additionally, you can add some fresh basil, mint, or cilantro.
• Bitters: Bitters come in all different flavors , and a small splash can add tons of flavor to a traditional white wine spritzer.