Orange Spritz
Orange spritz is a refreshing, sweeter citrus twist on the classic limoncello spritz. Easy to make, and perfect for sipping all summer long.
If you love a limoncello spritz as much as I do, let me introduce you to its close cousin, the orange spritz.
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It swaps limoncello for orangecello, and the end result is a little sweeter, and honestly just as addictive for the summer months; it’s also a nice change from an Aperol spritz.
Have you ever had kumquat liqueur?
What is an Orange Spritz?
An orange spritz is a light, bubbly cocktail built around orangecello, an orange version of the classic Italian lemon liqueur. I first had the orange liqueur when friends gave me a bottle as a Christmas gift. It’s made the same way as limoncello, but using orange peel instead of lemon, and translates beautifully into a spritz.
This is very much an aperitivo cocktail in my house, meant to be sipped alongside a few nibbles like a Caprese salad, some good cheese, and maybe a little prosciutto and a few olives (much like the spread for my Hugo spritz.) The color alone makes it feel festive, a warm golden orange that looks beautiful in a glass with some fancy ice and a slice of orange for garnish.
How to Make an Orange Spritz
An orange spritz couldn’t be simpler. It’s built on orangecello, a good Prosecco (like La Marca), and a splash of soda water and/or orange juice depending on how citrusy you want the end result to taste. Soda water keeps things classic, while fresh orange juice turns it into something a bit more reminiscent of a mimosa. I like to add a little of both.
Be sure to use fresh, sweet oranges to garnish the cocktail, and if using the juice. The spritz won’t taste the same if you use bottled orange juice. Check out the oranges that are in season via Melissa’s Produce. It’s really fun to make a blood orange spritz just for the wonderful color!
One little trick that makes a big difference, large ice cubes or balls. I use this clear ice maker to get large, crystal clear spheres. Sometimes I tuck a citrus leaf, or slice of orange into each mold before freezing. Below is an example in an Italicus spritz.
Not only does it look gorgeous in the glass, the ice melts much more slowly than regular ice cubes, so your spritzer stays cold without getting watered down before you finish it. I
f you’ve made my limoncello spritz before, you already know how easy this style of cocktail is to put together, just a matter of getting your ratios right, since a spritz only has a few ingredients so quality matters.
Can I Make a Batch of Orange Spritzes in Advance?
If you’re entertaining, you can combine the orangecello and orange juice ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge, then simply top each glass with Prosecco and soda water right before serving so the bubbles are fresh and no one ends up with a flat drink. It’s a wonderful way to serve a crowd without playing bartender all night.
Orange Spritz
Based on a limoncello spritz Makes 2 cocktails
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
- ice
- orangecello liqueur
- Prosecco
- soda water
- oranges
Directions
Place the ice balls or cubes into the glasses.
Next, pour in the prosecco, and if desired a splash of sparkling water and/or orange juice. Stir, and add an orange slice to each glass; garnish as desired and serve.
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Orange Spritz
Ingredients
- 2 large ice balls (or cubes, or crushed ice)
- 4 oz orangecello
- 12 oz Prosecco DOC or DOCG, preferably
- 1 oz soda water sparkling water will also work
- 2 slices orange for garnish
- 1 oz orange juice (freshly squeezed – optional)
Instructions
- Put the ice balls into the glasses.
- Add the orangecello.
- Next, pour in the prosecco, and if desired a splash of sparkling water and/or orange juice.
- Stir, and add an orange slice to each glass; garnish as desired.
Notes
- Special equipment: two 12 or 14 ounce wine glasses (preferably tulip shaped).
Nutrition
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