A fresh and thirst-quenching treat, the Vodka Spritzer is guaranteed to cool you down.
You’ve been invited to your friend’s Saturday backyard barbecue. The only issue is the temperature… it’s going to be sweltering. The Human Torch couldn’t take the heat that’s forecast, and your old chum has a pool. It’s time to test drive those new, very short swimming trunks you recently acquired. You’ve got great gams, show ‘em off.
As you arrive, the sun is parked high above. Blazing, it grins down at you like a mischievous devil, watching you sweat. The scent of grilling burgers and hot dogs fills the air, as the sounds of splashing and laughter echo through it. You’re greeted by all the people you love with smiles and cheers. The pool is a perfect blue, the daylight twinkling off the ripples of water. You can’t wait to dive in. But first, a drink.
Someone special is in the kitchen, playing bartender and making everyone’s day a little more relaxed. As you walk up, they throw their arms around you, excited that you’re here and ask what you’ll be having. Some options float through that brain of yours, and a voice from the ether whispers in your ear… Vodka Spritzer.
It sounds like the ideal libation for a summer’s day, and that someone special starts to whip up your cocktail. With quick, deft hands they mix the vodka with lemon and lime juice over ice in a frosty highball glass. Topped with club soda, you quickly accept the drink, the bubbles tickling your nose as you relish that first, strong citrus-infused sip.
You thank that someone special as you both smile at each other, turning a little red together. Is it the drink making you blush? You have all day to find out.
What is a Spritzer?
A spritzer cocktail is a mix of your choice of base spirit and one of the following: club soda, mineral water, seltzer or sparkling wine. This is a very customizable drink, and the carbonated element will brighten up the alcohol used, making for a lighter experience. Spritzers are very popular during the summer months and in warmer climes.
What is the Best Vodka to Use in a Vodka Spritzer?
If you’re a vodka connoisseur, then you know what you’d like to have in your Vodka Spritzer. If you’re a casual drinker or totally new to mixing one of these up, I myself would recommend an unflavored, rye-distilled spirit. I’ve also recently discovered Japanese Coffey vodka, which is the cleanest, smoothest and brightest variety I’ve tasted so far. It’s great on its own or on the rocks, but is a standout in a spritzer, elevating and enhancing the lime and lemon flavors.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces vodka
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda chilled
- Ice cubes
- Lemon and lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and fresh lime juice to the glass.
- Top off with chilled sparkling water or club soda.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with lemon and lime slices.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
Ready some lemon and lime slices to garnish the rim of your chilled and ice-filled highball or collins glass. Your Vodka Spritzer will be cool under the hottest of suns.
No. A Vodka Spritzer should be enjoyed and lapped up as soon as it is made.
This light and bubbly tipple is 127 calories per glass. The more you have, the more that adds up. It’s not a race, so take it easy.
I learned this in German class during my high school years, so you’re in luck. The spritzer was created in Italy, during the 1800s. Austrians visiting the region would lighten up the wines they were drinking with a “spritz” – German for “splash” – of carbonated soda water. So whenever you enjoy a spritzer of any kind, raise your glass to those forward-thinking Austrians.
Similar Cocktails to the Vodka Spritzer
When the summer sun beats down hard and the sweat is pouring like rain, nothing perks you up and brings you back to life quite like a Vodka Spritzer. And there’s a whole family of spritz cocktails waiting for you to discover and enjoy. Twist & Toast has a great selection of recipes that you can add to your home bar’s menu, simple to make as well as delicious.
- White Wine Spritzer – Light, bubbly and buoyant, the White Wine Spritzer is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon.
- Campari Spritz – Beautifully bitter and bright, the Campari Spritz is a fantastic summer companion.
- Aperol Spritz – If Campari is too robust for your palate, try the slightly lighter and sweeter Aperol Spritz.
- Americano – The first cocktail James Bond orders in Ian Fleming’s novels, and a satisfying sipper for those warm and humid nights.
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