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When two Italian cocktails collide
What do you get when you combine a bitter Negroni cocktail with the refreshing elements of a classic Italian spritz? A Negroni Spritz Cocktail!
This slightly bitter, but refreshing cocktail has the light and effervescent qualities of an Aperol Spritz or Campari Spritz but is still reminiscent of a Negroni. I know the bitterness of a Negroni isn’t for everyone but this alternative sure is. Bubbly prosecco and club soda cut down on the stronger flavors, making this a well-balanced sipper for all of your party guests.
Ingredients you need
Like my Sparkling Negroni Punch, this refreshing summer cocktail is made with a few out-of-the-ordinary ingredients. But once all four of them come together, you have a bubbly prosecco cocktail that’s light, invigorating, and crowd-pleasing. Here’s what you need:
Brut prosecco
Prosecco is a type of sparkling wine that’s mostly made in the Veneto region of Italy. It comes in three varieties of sweetness: brut, very dry, and dry. Pick up a bottle of brut while you’re out shopping. It’s the least sweet, which means it won’t overpower the cocktail and throw off the balanced flavors.
While it is the best type of sparkling wine for balance, prosecco isn’t the only option here. Give this drink its fizzy finish with rose sparkling wine, Cava, or champagne if you want to be fancy.
Campari
This Italian red aperitif has a distinct bitter and herbal flavor thanks to its secret ingredients list. A blend of herbs, flowers, and fruit gives Campari a pronounced flavor in most of the cocktails it’s used in, whether it’s a Negroni, Campari Spritz, or Boulevardier. Here, most of its bitter, vegetal flavors are toned down when combined with sweet vermouth, club soda, and prosecco.
Still, if Campari is a little too bitter for you, try making the spritz with Aperol instead. It’s a little sweeter and has a bright orange flavor.
Sweet vermouth
You’ll always find sweet vermouth in a Negroni and it’s just as welcome in this spritz recipe. It adds a nice sweetness and helps balance the bitterness of the Campari. For traditional Negronis, I like to use cocchi vermouth di Torino, but for this spritz, Dolin or Martini Rosso vermouth both work great!
Club soda
You can use any kind of non-flavored club soda or sparkling water you like to make this drink. Finishing the spritz with club soda is not only important for dilution and balance, but it also adds extra bubbles to each sip. It does all of this without affecting the overall flavor, too!
How to make a Negroni spritz
Making this Italian spritz couldn’t be easier! Here’s how it’s done:
Pro Tip!
- Don't over-stir your spritz! Just a couple quick stirs is all you need to chill your refreshing cocktail without watering it down!
Helpful tips
Keep these helpful tips in mind when you’re putting your sparkling cocktail together:
Use lots of ice
Serve your spritz in a large wine glass filled to the brim with ice. The more ice, the better!
And remember to make a fresh batch of ice cubes the night before. Old, freezer-burnt ice has not-so-fresh flavors that will seep into the drink.
One stir is all it takes
Only stir your spritz one or two times. Over-stirring can water down the drink, which can ruin the great balance of flavors.
Serving suggestions
An Italian spritz cocktail is traditionally served in a tall wine glass and this recipe is no different. A tall highball glass will also do the trick.
No need for a fancy garnish here. You can keep it simple by tucking an orange slice or orange peel right into the glass or top it off with an orange twist instead.
🎉 It's time to cook! 🎉
Alright, friend! It's your turn to make this delish recipe for your next get-together.
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When you do, please leave a comment and star rating below so we can hear what you think!
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Recipe
5 Minute Negroni Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 ounces prosecco
- ½ ounce Campari
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- 1- ounce sparkling water
Instructions
- Fill a large glass with ice.
- Add all of the ingredients and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange twist, and serve!
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