White Wine Spritzer

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Sipping on a White Wine Spritzer—so light, refreshing, and cold—is the best way to spend a lazy summer afternoon.

If you’ve ever thought of the cocktail we’re making today, the White Wine Spritzer, as a weak drink or a dainty tipple, just sit back, relax, pour yourself one, and let me tell you a tale of Ned Flanders from Springfield, USA.

His neighbor, a boisterous and gregarious fellow named Homer Simpson, was the polar opposite of Ned. While both attended church every Sunday, Ned was devout and practiced what he preached almost to the point of parody. Homer, on the other hand, was impulsive, loud and often slept through religious services. A regular beer drinker, Ned’s next-door neighbor often spent his evenings at Moe’s Tavern while the button-downed Flanders would read from his Bible.

One time, the neighbors found themselves in Sin City itself, Las Vegas. Hitting the buffet at one of the casinos, Homer tried to convince Ned to splash out and live a little by ordering himself a cocktail. The bespectacled and sweater-wearing Flanders hemmed and hawed over what to get, stammering as he waffled between a Shirley Temple and other virgin beverages, until he finally exclaimed, “Oh heck, you only live once. Give me a White Wine Spritzer!” with the final word echoing into the night.

Long story short, Flanders woke up hungover and married to a rough-looking cocktail waitress.

Now, of course, The Simpsons is lampooning the idea that White Wine Spritzers aren’t butt-kicking drinks like a Long Island Iced Tea or a Vesper Martini, but after you’ve had two or three of these at a pool party, you might be ready to throw caution to the wind and take a day trip to Circus, Circus.

This refreshing cocktail was originally created in the late 1800s in Northern Italy, when Austro-Hungarian soldiers would dilute the local wines with a “spritz” of mineral water. Over the years, this concoction maintained its popularity and is said to have been the ancestor of our modern-day wine coolers. Though it’s been around for centuries, the wine spritzer has not lost any of its punch. Just ask Ned Flanders.

What is a Spritzer?

A Spritzer is one of the simplest and most thirst-quenching cocktails you can make. Basically, any wine or spirit that is mixed with something carbonated, like club soda (though occasionally a drink will use prosecco or sparkling wine instead). Some of these are premade and can be purchased at your local grocery store, but I have more fun making them on my own at home.

What is the Best Wine to Use in a White Wine Spritzer?

My general rule of thumb when purchasing any white wine is, if it has a cool label, it must be pretty good. (OK, I admit it, I don’t know much about wines.) And yet, that thinking hasn’t really steered me wrong so far. In fact, I’m often complimented on the wines I bring to parties, which is always nice because I usually cross my fingers when picking a bottle. I don’t often suggest specific brands, but Coppola Wineries has never disappointed. When in doubt, those delicious California blends will serve you well.

What kind of glassware and garnish is used in a White Wine Spritzer?

You can enjoy your Spritzer in either a long-stemmed wine glass or a tall highball glass, garnished with a juicy lemon wedge for that extra citrus zing.

What is the difference between club soda and mineral water?

While both are nearly identical in taste and appearance, mineral water’s carbonation and ingredients are naturally occurring, whereas club soda has its elements added in the process of its production.

Similar Cocktails to the White Wine Spritzer

Who doesn’t love a light and bubbly treat on a summer’s day? The White Wine Spritzer isn’t the only fizzy refreshment on hand here at Twist & Toast, so if you love this one, you’ll want to add some of our other effervescent recipes to your home bar’s menu. Check out some of these for starters.

• Americano – A little sweet, a little bitter, and deliciously bubbly, this light cocktail is great for midday sipping.
• Negroni Sbagliato – Close to an Americano and classic Negroni, but instead of club soda or gin this one features prosecco.
• Prosecco Sorbet – This fizzy combo of dessert and booze is the ultimate summer beverage for grownups.
• Gin Fizz – One of my favorite tipples, the Gin Fizz is smooth, frothy and fizzy.