Ingredients
- 1 cups Campari
- 1 cups Soda Water
- 2 cups Orange Juice
- 750 ml Prosecco
- orange Slices
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a jug, combine 1 cup of Campari, 1 cup of soda water, 2 cups of orange juice, and 750 ml of prosecco.
Prepare Glasses:
- Place ice cubes and 2 orange slices in each glass.
Serve:
- Pour the spritzer into the glasses and serve immediately.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The concept of a "spritzer" itself has roots in 19th-century Austria, where locals would dilute wine with soda water to make it lighter and more refreshing, especially during warmer months. It was a practical way to extend a drink and stay hydrated.
The Orange Spritzer, in its modern form, is less about a specific historical moment and more an evolution within the broad spritzer family. It's a close relative to the classic White Wine Spritzer or the widely popular Aperol Spritz, distinguished by its prominent orange flavor. Unlike some complex cocktails, its appeal lies in its straightforward construction and accessibility.
This is the kind of drink you'd find yourself ordering at a laid-back beach bar, serving at a backyard barbecue, or mixing up for a casual brunch gathering. It's designed for situations where the focus is on good company and easygoing sips, not intricate mixology.
What it tastes like
This drink leans heavily into bright, fresh orange notes, balanced by the clean, neutral presence of vodka. The soda water adds a crisp effervescence that cuts through the sweetness of the juice, making it incredibly refreshing and light on the palate. It's a straightforward, fruit-forward highball with a pleasant, zesty finish.
With 1.5 ounces of 80-proof vodka in a roughly 7.5 ounce drink, the Orange Spritzer comes in at around 8 percent ABV. This puts it in the range of a strong craft beer or a lighter glass of wine, making it a good option for extended, relaxed sipping without getting ahead of yourself too quickly.
The technique
Building an Orange Spritzer is as simple as it gets. Start by filling a highball glass with fresh ice. Add your vodka, then the orange juice. Top it all off with a generous splash of soda water. Give it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing too much fizz. Garnish with an orange slice or wedge.
The most crucial technique tip for any spritzer is to use good quality, fresh ingredients and ensure proper chilling. Cold ingredients, plenty of fresh ice, and a quick, light stir will keep it bright, crisp, and perfectly diluted from the first sip to the last. Don't over-stir or let your ice melt before serving.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- A clean, neutral vodka that won't overpower the delicate orange flavor. Think mid-shelf workhorses like Tito's, Ketel One, or Absolut.
- Skip
- Heavily flavored vodkas or bottom-shelf options that can introduce harsh notes. Save your spiced rum for another drink.
- Why
- Vodka provides the alcoholic backbone without competing with the main citrus profile. Its neutrality allows the orange to truly shine.
Orange Juice
- Use
- Freshly squeezed orange juice is always king here. If that's not possible, a high-quality, not-from-concentrate juice with no added sugar.
- Skip
- Anything from concentrate or with added sweeteners. It will taste artificial and too sugary, ruining the refreshing balance.
- Why
- This is the primary flavor driver. Quality orange juice provides the essential sweetness, acidity, and vibrant citrus character that defines the drink.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Wine Spritzer
- Lighter and wine-forward
- Swap the vodka for 3-4 ounces of a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. It makes for a lighter, more classic spritzer experience.
Aperol Orange Spritzer
- Bitter orange twist
- Introduce 1.5 ounces of Aperol for a pleasant bitter orange complexity. This adds depth and a vibrant color, leaning into the popular Italian spritz style.
NA Orange Spritzer
- Zero proof refreshment
- Omit the vodka entirely. Combine orange juice and soda water for a simple, refreshing non-alcoholic option. A splash of non-alcoholic spirit can add complexity.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try gin for a botanical twist, or light rum for a subtle sweetness.
Fresh grapefruit juice or pineapple juice make for similar, equally refreshing spritzers.
Sparkling wine will add effervescence and a boozy kick. Tonic water works if you don't mind a bitter note.
Any tall, straight-sided glass will do the trick. A pint glass works in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in an Orange Spritzer?
A typical Orange Spritzer contains vodka, fresh orange juice, and soda water, often garnished with an orange slice.
Is an Orange Spritzer alcoholic?
Yes, if made with vodka or wine, it is an alcoholic drink. You can easily make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the spirit.
What kind of orange juice should I use?
Always opt for freshly squeezed orange juice if possible. If not, choose a high-quality, not-from-concentrate juice without added sugars.
Can I make an Orange Spritzer non-alcoholic?
Absolutely. Just combine orange juice and soda water over ice for a refreshing zero-proof drink.
What's the best vodka for an Orange Spritzer?
A clean, neutral vodka that lets the orange shine. Mid-range brands like Tito's, Ketel One, or Absolut are solid choices.
Is it like a Mimosa?
While both use orange juice and are often served at brunch, a Mimosa uses sparkling wine and no additional spirit, giving it a lower ABV and different fizz.
What glass do you serve it in?
A highball glass is the standard, but any tall, straight-sided glass works well for this type of long drink.
Can I use sparkling wine instead of soda water?
Yes, using sparkling wine will make it a boozier drink, similar to a Mimosa but with a vodka base. It adds a different layer of flavor and effervescence.
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