Martini Spritz

Think martinis are not for you? This one is! Long, elegant, sweet, a martini spritz is not your typical martini. Highly drinkable, refreshingly chic with made with vermouth bianco, prosecco and soda. Expect notes of vanilla, bubbles and citrus. 

Oh, so you’re a dry martini drinker already? Have you tried this literary favourite Vermouth Cassis? It’s like a very sophisticated (and alcoholic) Ribena. 

It has been a bit too hot to be working in the kitchen lately, and temperatures are set to inferno levels in London over the next few days! So, I have redirected my recipe development efforts towards icy, liquid refreshments.

In preparation for the sky-high temperatures, I’ve been working on a series of spritzes. Spritz means ‘splash’ in German and usually refers to a dash of water being added to an alcoholic drink, like wine, to make it less strong and last longer.

Spritz ingredients

This simple spritz is just three ingredients and a grapefruit garnish:

• Vermouth bianco is a sweet (not dry) fortified wine. For a clear drink it packs plenty of flavour! There’s fruit, spice, citrus and herbs all in one lively liquid.
• Prosecco needs no introduction. This budget-friendly sparkling wine is the perfect mixer to bring the bubbles.
• Soda water balances out the booze by diluting the drink without compromising the fizz.

The recipe is easy to remember too, it’s a 3:2:1 ratio of prosecco to vermouth to soda. Use a measure or try by eye. 

Serving suggestions

Start with a long-stemmed glass with a generous bowl; think a red wine glass or gin balloon. Although this recipe contains prosecco, I advise against a slender champagne glass- it’s just not big enough for this level of refreshment.

After gently mixing the martini spritz in the glass, make it pretty and fruity with a wedge of pink grapefruit.

More spritz recipes

• Mojito spritz
• Limoncello spritz
• Aperol spritz
• Hugo spritz