Enjoy these refreshing retro wine spritzers

In summer we enjoy nature and the long, late nights… Enjoy these refreshing retro wine spritzers to beat the heat and tickle your tongue!

The wine spritzer was the height of chic in suburban culture in the 1970s and 1980s. A classic at upscale bars, outdoor barbecues, and country clubs, they're refreshing, hydrating, and delicious. The drink beats the heat without going overboard with the alcohol. Legend has it that the marriage of wine and soda happened shortly after soda water was mass-produced.

Italy, the home of the Dolce Vita, played a key role in the 19th century. In Veneto, the home of Prosecco, Austrian visitors diluted their wines with a “splash” of soda water to make them lighter and more flavorful. Over time, wine became Prosecco and Italians began to complement the drink with fortified wines and later liqueurs such as Amari and Aperol.

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“Wine spritzers are a classic drink that's perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. When the weather gets hot, people of all ages are turning to this retro drink,” says Chad Mackay, founder of Fire & Vine, which owns some of Seattle's best restaurants, including El Gaucho, Aqua and Auerleme.

Spritzers are celebrating a moment and getting a retro makeover, which makes sense for the drink to keep cool on a hot day. Enjoy these refreshing retro wine spritzers.

The classic white wine spritz

This is the original Spritz, the grandfather of the Aperol Spritz and a quick and fun drink for any gathering.

Ingredients

Lemon spritz

Relive the tradition of the spritz with this zesty treat. Limoncello is a true Italian treat. It is mainly produced in southern Italy, particularly in the region around the Gulf of Naples, Ischia, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. It is Italy's second most popular liqueur and is traditionally served chilled after dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 Ounces Limoncello
• 3 Ounces Prosecco
• 1 Ounces Sprite
• Lemon slices and mint to garnish

Create

• Put ice in a wine glass

• Add the Limoncello, followed by Prosecco and Sprite

• Stir and mix

• Add some lemon slices and mint if desired.

Peach wine spritz

Give yourself an extra kick with this peach spritzer. Summer is the best time for juicy, flavorful peaches… so why not add a little booze?

Ingredients

• 1 large Peach (peeled if necessary)
• 1/2 Ounces Lemon juice
• 4 Ounces White wine
• Sparkling water to refill
• Garnish with a peach slice and possibly mint leaves

Create

• Puree the peach in a blender or food processor until smooth. If there are any pieces of peel remaining, strain them through a fine-mesh sieve and discard. One peach will make enough puree for about 2 drinks.

• In a large glass, mix 2 ounces of peach puree with the lemon juice

• Fill the glass with ice, pour in the wine and top it up with mineral water.

• Garnish with mint leaves and a peach slice if desired

rose

The Mint Julep is an American classic that celebrates horse racing, morning cappuccino and good bourbon! What drink could taste better at a Fourth of July barbecue?

Ingredients

• 1/2 glass of chilled rosé
• 1/4 glass of soda water
• Raspberries for garnish

Create

• Put a few raspberries in a wine glass
• Fill glass with ice
• Add rosé and then soda water
• Garnish with a raspberry

Simply Syrup

Remember to be careful when consuming and drink plenty of water. Enjoy these refreshing retro wine spritzers!