13 Light & Lower‑Alcohol Spritzes for Aussie Summer (Tastes Great, Easy to Make)

Summer in Australia is synonymous with vibrant days, warm evenings, and a slower pace that calls for drinks that refresh without overwhelming. At Caravan Wines & Spirits, we see summer as the perfect moment to embrace the light and lively world of spritzes—colourful, low-alcohol, and incredibly satisfying for leisurely afternoons or alfresco dinners.

Why Spritzes Are the Spirit of an Aussie Summer

Few drinks encapsulate the mood of summer like the spritz. Originating in Northern Italy, the spritz has found its way to Australia for good reason—its balance of flavour, versatility, and ease. Unlike many cocktails that can be both heavy and strong, spritzes deliver refreshment with a much lighter alcohol touch, making them favorites for long gatherings or simply lounging beside the pool.

• Lower Alcohol by Nature: Spritzes generally sit around 8–12% ABV, making them a perfect companion for slow sipping.
• Effortless Preparation: Even the most complex spritz can usually be built straight in the glass, no special gear required.
• Personalisable: From classic citrus to fragrant botanicals, you’ve got endless combinations to match your mood or ingredients on hand.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Many recipes can be batched for a crowd without fussing over individual serves.

The Anatomy of a Great Spritz

While recipes vary, most spritzes share a familiar foundation:

• Sparkling Wine or Prosecco: The refreshing fizz and lower alcohol content set the stage.
• Aperitif or Fortified Wine: Adds flavour depth and signature colour—think vermouths or botanical liqueurs.
• Soda or Sparkling Water: Further lightens the alcohol and intensifies the bubbles.
• Garnishes: Fresh citrus, herbs, or even seasonal fruits provide dimension and a sense of occasion.
• Loads of Ice: Essential for hot summer afternoons.

13 Clever Spritz Recipes for Australian Summer

We’ve curated thirteen options below that go beyond the obvious, with each offering a unique twist. Where relevant, we’ll point out premium products from our collection to level up your summer spritz game.

1. Classic Aperol Spritz

• 3 parts Prosecco
• 2 parts Aperol
• 1 part soda water
• Ice and orange slice to garnish

Prosecco lifts Aperol’s gentle bitterness and orange notes—an absolute staple for summer afternoons.

2. Lighter Aperol Spritz

• 2 parts Prosecco
• 1 part Aperol
• 2 parts soda water
• Ice, orange wheel

With extra soda and less Aperol, it’s the lower-calorie, extra-refreshing option.

3. Negroni Spritz

• 2 parts sparkling wine
• 1 part Campari
• 1 part sweet vermouth
• Splash soda water, orange peel

A gentler spin on a bartending classic—equal parts bitter, sweet, and sparkling.

4. Garden Cucumber Spritz

• 1 part Massenez 'Garden Party' Concombre (Cucumber) Liqueur
• 2 parts prosecco or sparkling wine
• 1–2 parts soda water
• Fresh cucumber ribbons, ice

This cooling liqueur brings the garden to your glass—perfect for outdoor lunches or backyard BBQs.

5. White Vermouth & Lemon Spritz

• 2 parts white vermouth (like Dolin Blanc)
• 2 parts soda water
• Lemon wheel, mint sprig, ice

Lighter than many classic spritzes, this one is for those who want herbal complexity minus the higher proof.

6. Rosé Spritz

• 2 parts dry Australian rosé
• 1 part soda water
• Dash elderflower syrup (optional)
• Fresh strawberries, ice

Australian rosé makes a beautiful, blush-hued spritz—elegant for brunch or poolside sipping.

7. French Lillet & Citrus Spritz

• 2 parts Lillet Blanc
• 2 parts sparkling wine
• Top with soda water
• Lemon wheel, ice

Lillet’s florality is gently smoothed by bubbles, with summer citrus tying it together.

8. Watermelon Vermouth Spritz

• 2 parts rosé or white vermouth
• 1 part muddled watermelon or watermelon liqueur
• 1–2 parts soda
• Basil leaf, ice

Floral, bright, and a splash of pink—the ultimate party starter.

9. Passionfruit & Sauvignon Blanc Spritz

• 2 parts crisp Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 part passionfruit pulp or juice
• 1 part soda water
• Lime wedge, ice

Classic Aussie pairing, now in spritz format—wonderful with fresh seafood.

10. Low-Alcohol Mojito Spritz

• Fresh mint and lime muddled
• 1 part low-alcohol white rum or non-alc spirit
• 2 parts soda
• Ice, extra mint sprig

If you want the freshness of a mojito without strong rum, this is for you.

11. White Wine Spritzer

• 3 parts Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• 1 part club soda
• Lemon twist or seasonal berries, ice

The baseline for all spritzes, ideal for minimalists and endlessly adjustable to taste and available fruit.

12. Non-Alcoholic Bitter Spritz

• Non-alcoholic bitter aperitif (check your favourite)
• 1 part sparkling water
• Fresh orange wedge, ice

Perfect for anyone enjoying the ritual of a spritz while skipping alcohol entirely.

13. Spritz Veneziano (Venetian Classic)

• 2 parts Prosecco
• 2 parts Aperol, Select, or other light Italian aperitif
• 1–2 parts soda
• Ice, green olive and orange wedge

This is the classic you’ll find on every piazza—but equally at home on the Aussie patio.

Hosting Spritzes: Tips for Effortless Entertaining

• Chill Everything: Keep mixers and prosecco icy cold so drinks stay lively.
• Batch Ingredients: Prepare your aperitif and soda mixture for a crowd, then add sparkling wine just before serving to preserve fizz.
• Mix Up Glassware: Spritzes work in wine glasses, tumblers, or even tall Collins glasses. It’s casual—no stress.
• Garnish With Intention: Herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme add wonderful aroma beyond standard slices of orange or lemon.
• Pair Thoughtfully: Spritzes are food-friendly—serve them with antipasto platters, Australian seafood, or even berry desserts for maximum enjoyment. For more tips about food-and-drink pairings, see our blog on serving spritzes for entertaining.

Building Your Home Spritz Bar

We recommend keeping a couple of bottles each of prosecco or your favorite Australian sparkling, a range of aperitifs (Aperol, Massenez Cucumber Liqueur for something unique, dry and sweet vermouths, perhaps some Lillet), quality soda water, and lots of fruit. Having a good collection of Australian whites and rosés also opens up infinite possibilities.

How to Store and Preserve Spritz Ingredients

• Store prosecco and sparkling wine upright in the fridge once opened; use within 2–3 days for best bubbles.
• Fortified wines and aperitifs keep well sealed in a cool, dark place; refrigerate vermouth after opening for maximum freshness.
• Keep citrus fruits and fresh herbs chilled to maintain vibrancy for garnishing.

Spritzes and Summer Food Pairings

Pairing is all about synergy—choose citrusy spritzes for spicy foods, berry-forward versions with soft cheeses, or white wine spritzers alongside grilled fish or prawns. Spritzes will not overpower, so they're also perfect to cleanse the palate between nibbles. For sparkling wine ideas and how to select them, see our blog on the best bubbles for any occasion.

Make It Your Own: Experimenting With Flavours

Don’t hesitate to substitute and play. Try adding hibiscus syrup for an extra floral dimension, or bring in a touch of raspberry, lychee, or passionfruit syrups. For ideas, see our feature on using 1883 flavoured syrups in cocktails.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Spritzes

Ready to make your summer gatherings refreshing and full of flavour? Explore our curated collection of sparkling wines, aperitifs, and craft syrups, and bring your own spritz bar home. Shop Caravan Wines & Spirits and celebrate with us all season long!