How to Make a Classic White Wine Spritzer

Make this simple 3-ingredient white wine spritzer at home for a light, refreshing summer drink. All you need is a chilled bottle of white wine, bubbly club soda or a flavored hard seltzer, and a touch of fresh citrus. Combine over ice, add fruit or herbs for garnish, and enjoy—perfect for warm afternoons, backyard gatherings, or a quick, elegant drink for one.

Refreshing White Wine Spritzer

When the sun appears and you want something simple, light, and celebratory, this white wine spritzer is the answer. Ready in about five minutes, it’s crisp, effervescent, and endlessly customizable based on the wine and fruit you choose. It’s an effortless cocktail that’s as suitable for a relaxing solo glass as it is for serving a small group.

Featured Ingredients

White Wine: The wine defines the character of the spritzer. Use a well-chilled bottle. Drier wines make a lighter, more refreshing drink; off-dry wines lend a hint of sweetness.

Which white wine to use

Choose based on the flavor profile you prefer:

• Pinot Grigio: Dry and light—great for a crisp, refreshing spritzer.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp with citrus and herb notes; pairs beautifully with lemon or lime.
• Riesling: A touch sweeter; choose this if you’d like a slightly fruitier, sweeter spritzer.

Club Soda or Hard Seltzer: For the classic spritz texture, use club soda or a hard seltzer. Club soda keeps the wine front-and-center with clean bubbles; a flavored hard seltzer adds extra flavor and a bit more alcohol. The choice will subtly change the final taste.

Citrus: A teaspoon or two of fresh lemon juice brightens the drink. Lime, or even a splash of another fruit juice, works well if you want a different citrus profile.

Garnish: Fresh fruit (raspberries, sliced lemon, lime) and herbs like mint or basil make the spritzer look and taste special. Don’t skip the garnish if you want a polished presentation.

Simple Instructions

1. Add the ice first. Fill a tall wine glass halfway with ice.
2. Wine, then bubbles. Pour white wine over the ice (about 6 oz / ¾ cup). Top with 4 oz (½ cup) club soda or hard seltzer and add about 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Gently swirl with a spoon to combine.
3. Make it pretty. Garnish with a slice of lemon and 2–3 raspberries or your chosen fruit and herbs. Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.

Recipe

Top Tips & Variations

• Pitcher version: For parties, triple or quadruple ingredients and mix in a pitcher. Add the sparkling water or seltzer right before serving to keep the fizz.
• Fruit options: Swap raspberries for strawberries, peach slices, or thin apple slices depending on the season.
• Herbal twist: Add fresh basil, thyme, or a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic note.
• Rosé option: If you don’t have white wine on hand, rosé makes an equally delicious spritzer.
• Frozen variation: Freeze fruit and blend with wine and a little ice for a slushy wine cocktail.

If you try this spritzer, garnish it nicely and enjoy it while it’s cold and bubbly. Small swaps—wine style, type of bubbles, or fruit—make big differences, so use this recipe as a starting point and make it your own.