Spring Spritz Receives a Refreshing Upgrade with Fresh Strawberries

The first warm weekends of spring always have me craving something bubbly and bright. This Strawberry Spring Spritz is my fresh take on a classic, juicy berries, a pop of citrus, and just enough fizz to make it feel a little celebratory.

Ingredients

⏱️

Prep20 min

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Cook45 min

⚡

Total65 min

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Calories450 kcal

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Servings4 people

Ingredients

−4+

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fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (plus a few extra for garnish)1 cup

granulated sugar (or honey)2 tbsp

fresh lemon juice1 tbsp

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vodka (optional, for a stronger spritz)2 oz

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chilled sparkling wine (Prosecco or other dry bubbly)12 oz

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chilled club soda8 oz

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Ice

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Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Lemon slices or twists, for garnish

Preparation

1. Macerate the berries: Put the sliced strawberries in a bowl with the sugar and lemon juice. Stir well, then let them sit for 10, 15 minutes until the berries look glossy and release plenty of juice.
2. Make a quick strawberry base: Mash the strawberries with a fork if you like a more rustic, spoonable texture. If you prefer a smoother pour, give them a quick blend instead. Either way, make sure you keep all those juices.
3. Chill the glasses: Fill 4 wine glasses with ice. Add about 2, 3 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture to each glass.
4. Add (optional) spirit: If you’re using vodka, divide it between the glasses and stir gently to combine.
5. Top with bubbles: Pour in the sparkling wine, then finish each glass with a splash of club soda. Give it one light stir, just enough to swirl the strawberry through without flattening the fizz.
6. Garnish and serve: Tuck in a strawberry slice, add a sprig of mint, and finish with a lemon twist. Serve right away while it’s cold and lively.

My tips

Keep everything cold, room-temp berries are fine, but the wine and club soda should be well chilled so the drink stays crisp. If your strawberries are especially sweet, drop the sugar to 1 tablespoon and let the lemon do more of the balancing. For a cleaner look and a smoother sip, strain the mashed berries through a fine-mesh sieve and use the syrupy juice in the glasses.

Variations

Strawberry-Basil Spritz: Swap the mint for basil, and add a tiny pinch of black pepper to the macerating berries for a more grown-up edge.

Rosé Spritz: Use a dry sparkling rosé instead of Prosecco for a pretty blush color and a more berry-forward flavor.

Zero-Proof Strawberry Spritz: Skip the vodka and sparkling wine. Use sparkling water or lemon seltzer, plus a splash of white grape juice for a little extra body.