A Vermouth Spritz is a sweet, refreshing cocktail made with Martini + Rossi vermouth, prosecco, and lime soda. Serve it with a mint garnish.
A spritz is a delicious cocktail that combines sparkling wine with bitter liquor. They are the perfect cocktail to enjoy before a meal. Spritz are extremely popular in warm weather because they are so refreshing.
This vermouth spritz is the perfect blend of bitter and sweet. It has a mint garnish that adds to the complexity of the flavors. If you like Aperol spritz, you need to give the vermouth version a try!
What Is a Vermouth Spritz?
A spritz is a wine-based cocktail with prosecco, a bitter liquor, and a splash of sparkling soda water. A Vermouth Spritz contains Vermouth versus a more traditional bitter liquor like Campari or Aperol. This recipe uses a splash of Sprite, or lemon-lime soda, for added sweetness.
Vermouth is a fortified wine flavored with a variety of herbs and spices. “Fortified” means that the wine contains a spirit, typically brandy. Vermouth is typically either sweet (red vermouth) or dry (white vermouth). It is part of the aperitif liquor family. Aperitifs are served before meals to stimulate the appetite.
Use Different Variations of Vermouth to Change the Flavor or Color
Since Vermouth typically comes in two different variations, sweet (red) and dry (white), the variation you use changes the look and taste of the cocktail.
- Dry (White) vermouth is dry with a more floral and acidic flavor. It is typically found in martinis. It pairs well with clear liquors like vodka and gin. A sweeter prosecco pairs well with dry vermouth.
- Sweet (Red) vermouth has a rich, spicy flavor with a touch of sweetness. It is most commonly found in negronis and Manhattans. It pairs well with bourbon and whiskey. Use a drier prosecco for a spritz with sweet vermouth.
Ingredients for a Martini + Rossi Vermouth Spritz
- Martini + Rossi Rosso Vermouth
- Martini + Rossi dry Prosecco
- Sprite
- Lime
- Mint
Why Use Martini + Rossi Vermouth?
Martini + Rossi is an Italian brand of sparkling wines and vermouths. It is one of the most popular and well-known vermouth manufacturers. They have been in business since the 1800s. Some people believe the martini cocktail was named after Martini + Rossi. There isn’t any proof for that statement though. For a vermouth cocktail, Martini + Rossi is a safe and dependable option.
This Cocktail Pairs Well With:
Vermouth pairs well with light meats, like seafood. They also balance the tangy flavors of goat cheese and feta cheese. A sweet vermouth is a great complement to rich dark chocolate desserts.
How to Make a Vermouth Spritz
This is a simple and refreshing cocktail to make at home. To start, fill a highball glass or large stemless wine glass about three-quarters full with crushed or pebble ice. The smaller ice adds more dilution to the cocktail.
Next, add an ounce of Martini + Rossi sweet vermouth to the ice. Then, fill the glass almost to the top with Martini + Rossi prosecco. Finish the cocktail with a splash of Sprite. For a less sweet cocktail, use lime-flavored sparkling water.
Garnish the drink with slices of lime and fresh mint leaves. The mint is an especially great garnish for this drink. It is a great complement to the vermouth. Don’t skip the mint!
Can I Make this Spritz in Advance?
Unfortunately, you cannot prepare this cocktail in advance. The prosecco will go flat. It is best to make and enjoy a spritzer right away! The cocktails should also be made as needed rather than in bulk.
More Fun Wine Cocktail Ideas
Vermouth Spritz with Martini + Rossi
Equipment
- stemless wine or highball glass
Ingredients
- 1 oz Martini + Rossi sweet vermouth
- 4 oz dry prosecco
- 1 oz Sprite or lime sparkling water
- lime slices
- mint
- crushed ice
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass or large stemless wine glass about three-quarters full with crushed or pebble ice.
- Add an ounce of Martini + Rossi sweet vermouth.
- Fill the glass almost to the top with Martini + Rossi prosecco (about 4 oz).
- Finish the cocktail with a splash of Sprite. For a less sweet cocktail, use lime-flavored sparkling water.
- Garnish the drink with slices of lime and fresh mint leaves.
