In the world of mixology, where each cocktail is a canvas waiting to be painted with flavors, the Scarlet Spritz emerges as an enchanting masterpiece.
In this guide, we’ll make a Scarlet Spritz that will transport your senses to a realm of exquisite taste.
With measurements in milliliters and ounces, we’ll explore this captivating cocktail, providing you with step-by-step recipe to make the Scarlet Spritz.
The Captivating Origins of Spritz
The Spritz reigns as the quintessential summer drink, celebrated for its airy, revitalizing nature and moderate alcohol content.
This versatile classic, more of a framework than a rigid recipe, invites endless possibilities for creative mixology. While the Aperol Spritz, featuring the bittersweet Italian liqueur Aperol, prosecco, and club soda, claims the limelight, mixologists continue to reinvent this timeless favorite with exciting innovations.
Enter the Scarlet Spritz, an original creation by Brandon Lockman, the head bartender at Portland, Oregon’s Red Star Tavern. Lockman remains loyal to Aperol but introduces a delightful twist by infusing it with fresh strawberries, infusing the cocktail with a vibrant fruity essence. He complements this with Lillet Blanc, the French wine-based aperitif, and rhubarb bitters, harmonizing with the rhubarb undertones in Aperol.
The cocktail is served in a Nick & Nora glass, its interior gently rinsed with absinthe, imparting subtle herbal and anise-like aromatics. A crowning touch of sparkling wine bestows effervescence upon this creation.
The outcome is a refreshingly effervescent elixir, the perfect companion for balmy weather and sunny days.
Scarlet Spritz Ingredients
To create the perfect Scarlet Spritz, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the key components that compose this great cocktail recipe:
- Absinthe (to rinse): While absinthe is used sparingly in this cocktail, it plays a pivotal role in imparting a touch of anise-flavored mystique to the Scarlet Spritz.
- Strawberry-Infused Aperol (45 ml / 1.5 ounces): This bespoke ingredient adds a luscious strawberry essence to the cocktail. To create it, soak fresh strawberries in a 750 ml bottle of Aperol for at least 8 hours or overnight, then strain out the solids. Store the infused Aperol in the refrigerator for future use.
- Lillet Blanc Aperitif (15 ml / 0.5 ounces): Lillet Blanc lends a subtle sweetness and floral complexity to the Scarlet Spritz, balancing the flavors harmoniously.
- Rhubarb Bitters (2 dashes): Rhubarb bitters introduce a layer of complexity, providing a delicate bitterness and intriguing depth to the cocktail.
- Sparkling Wine (to top): The bubbles of sparkling wine elevates the Scarlet Spritz, giving it a celebratory and invigorating quality.
- Garnish: Lemon Twist: A lemon twist garnish not only adds a visually appealing element but also imparts a burst of citrusy aroma to each sip.
- Garnish: Strawberry: A fresh strawberry, speared as a garnish, complements the strawberry-infused Aperol and enhances the cocktail’s overall presentation.
Now that we’ve acquainted ourselves with the ingredients, let’s embark on the captivating journey of crafting your very own Scarlet Spritz.
Scarlet Spritz Recipe
The art of creating a Scarlet Spritz lies in ingredients. Follow these steps for an enchanting and sophisticated Spritz experience:
Step 1: Prepare the Glass with Absinthe
Begin by coating the inside of a coupe or Nick & Nora glass with a rinse of absinthe. This step imparts a subtle but captivating anise aroma to the cocktail. Discard any excess absinthe and set the glass aside.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the following ingredients:
- 45 ml (1.5 ounces) of strawberry-infused Aperol
- 15 ml (0.5 ounces) of Lillet Blanc aperitif
- 2 dashes of rhubarb bitters
Step 3: Stir to Chill
Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly until it becomes well-chilled. This gentle stirring ensures that the flavors meld harmoniously.
Step 4: Strain into the Prepared Glass
Using a strainer, pour the chilled mixture into the prepared coupe glass or Nick & Nora glass, allowing the captivating colors to come to life.
Step 5: Top with Sparkling Wine
Top up your Scarlet Spritz with sparkling wine, allowing the effervescence to cascade through the cocktail, creating an enchanting visual display.
Step 6: Garnish with Lemon Twist and Strawberry
Complete your Scarlet Spritz with the finishing touches. Garnish the cocktail with a delicate lemon twist, which not only adds a visual flourish but also imparts a fragrant burst of citrus. Spear a fresh strawberry and rest it on the rim of the glass to enhance the presentation.
Step 7: Serve and Share the Delight
Your Scarlet Spritz is now expertly crafted and ready to be enjoyed. Sip and savor the myriad flavors and aromas that this modern marvel offers. Whether as a prelude to a memorable evening or a delightful accompaniment to social gatherings, the Scarlet Spritz invites you to indulge in its captivating allure.
Scarlet Spritz Recipe
The Scarlet Spritz welcomes experimentation and personalization. Consider these creative variations to tailor your Spritz to your preferences:
- Herbal Infusion: Elevate your Scarlet Spritz with the addition of fresh herbs such as basil or thyme, imparting subtle herbal notes that harmonize with the cocktail’s complexity.
- Citrus Medley: Explore a variety of citrus twists or peels—orange, grapefruit, or lime—to diversify the citrusy nuances of your Spritz.
- Bitter Elegance: Experiment with different types of bitters, such as orange or aromatic bitters, to introduce alternative layers of bitterness to your cocktail.
- Fruitful Fusion: Enhance the strawberry infusion with a medley of fresh berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, to create a symphony of fruity flavors.
- Gin-Infused Variation: Infuse a hint of gin into your strawberry-infused Aperol for a subtle gin influence that complements the Lillet Blanc.
The Scarlet Spritz – A Modern Sensation
The Scarlet Spritz stands as a testament to the landscape of contemporary cocktails.
Whether enjoyed as a refreshing aperitif, a lively addition to gatherings, or an exploration of mixology’s possibilities, this cocktail is a vibrant work of art that awaits your creative touch.
As you make your Scarlet Spritz, let the combination of strawberry-infused Aperol, Lillet Blanc aperitif, rhubarb bitters, and sparkling wine transport you to a realm of exquisite taste and visual delight.
Raise your glass to the Scarlet Spritz, a modern sensation that promises an enchanting journey of flavor and aroma.
Check out more Aperol based cocktails.
 of strawberry-infused Aperol.){kind=link}