Tired of Aperol Spritzes? Make These 16 Spritz Cocktails Instead

Hugo Spritz

Using an elderflower liqueur like St-Germain instead of Aperol, this flowery and fruity cocktail is the perfect alternative to the classic cocktail. Combining these flavors with a dry white sparkling wine (like prosecco), lime juice, and fresh mint makes a concoction you won't forget. A couple of splashes of club soda lighten everything up, and a fresh lime wedge perfectly completes the picture.

Campari Spritz

If you typically find Aperol Spritzes to be too sweet, try a Campari Spritz. Campari, which is also an Italian aperitif, is more bitter than Aperol and has a significantly higher alcohol content as well. The result is a more intense drink that will give you a pleasant buzz.

To make a Campari Spritz, mix together two parts Campari, three parts prosecco, and one part soda water and serve over ice. For a version of this cocktail that's slightly less intense, try a Campari Soda with Orange. This libation uses orange juice in place of prosecco and calls for a generous pour of soda water to help balance out the Campari.

Limoncello Spritz

This spritz is a variation of the southern Italian classic, limoncello. The lemon liqueur is a bright and tart after-dinner digestivo, which can be a great sipping drink after a big meal. To make it a spritz (and a little lighter on the tartness), mix it with some sparkling wine and club soda.

Lillet Spritz

If you're not familiar with Lillet, do yourself a favor and buy a bottle of the wine-based aperitif, which is made in the Bordeaux region of the South of France. Since it's made with wine, there's no need for prosecco in this drink. Lillet's wine base also means you may spot Lillet Rouge, Lillet Rosé, and Lillet Blanc at your local liquor store. For spritz purposes, you'll want to use the rosé or blanc varieties.

To make a Lillet spritz, simply combine equal parts Lillet Blanc or Lillet Rosé and soda water, and serve over ice. If you don't have carbonated water, use tonic water instead. And feel free to get creative with garnishes too. Refreshing options such as cucumber, mint, and strawberry slices all work well.

Lillet-Strawberry Spritz

Believe it or not, this spritz cocktail, which combines Lillet Blanc, dry sparkling rosé, and club soda, contains just five grams of sugar. It's bright and fruity with a floral, slightly sweet taste that your guests will love. Garnish it with a fresh strawberry slice and float off on the bubbles!

Cappelletti Spritz

While many consumers are at least somewhat familiar with Aperol and Campari, Cappelletti is an Italian aperitif that doesn't quite have the same name recognition in America, at least not yet.

Like Aperol and Campari, Cappelletti is bitter and herbal, but it also boasts a subtle sweetness that won't overwhelm your taste buds. Since Cappelletti is a wine-based aperitif, it has a pleasant, dry finish and yields a light spritz that's ideal for those who don't like drinks that are too strong or sweet.

To make a Cappelletti spritz, combine two parts Cappelletti with three parts prosecco and one part soda water and serve over ice. Garnish with a lemon or orange wheel.

Dirty Aperol Spritz

Fans of dirty martinis, we've got a new drink for you! If an Aperol spritz and a dirty martini jumped into a cocktail glass together, this is what they'd make. It might sound odd, but the brininess of the olives balances the fruitiness of the Aperol exquisitely.

Select Spritz

Select is a bitter Venetian aperitif that has been around for more than 100 years, and with good reason. Made with botanicals such as rhubarb and juniper, Select has a subtle complexity that you won't find in Aperol and the like.

To make a Select spritz, combine two parts Select with three parts prosecco and one part soda water and serve over ice. Garnish with a green olive. Believe it or not, the brininess of the garnish pairs beautifully with Select's bitter and floral notes.

Cherry Americano Cocktail

The Americano was introduced in the late 1800s in Milan and has been going strong ever since. In this spritz cocktail, Campari and vermouth cut the sweetness of the maraschino cherry juice to balance the flavors. An orange slice or a cherry makes the perfect garnish for this sweet and punchy cocktail.

Cynar Spritz

For a drink that can be sipped before or after meals, give a Cynar Spritz a whirl. While Cynar is yet another Italian aperitif, its artichoke base (mixed with 12 other herbs and plants) sets it apart from other liqueurs and gives it a much darker color, similar to that of a cola.

Cynar is bittersweet and boasts a bitter herbal finish, but notes of caramel, toffee, and cinnamon make it a great addition to a spritz. While still sweet, it's not quite as sweet as Aperol.

To make a Cynar spritz, combine two parts Cynar with three parts prosecco and one part soda water and serve over ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge, or get creative and finish off the drink with mint leaves and fresh raspberries.

Coffee Spritz

If you're looking for a lighter take on the espresso martini, this coffee spritz is it. Cold brew concentrate and club soda are spiked with bourbon and coffee liqueur for an effervescent buzzy drink you'll be sipping. A little orange juice adds a delicious zing of flavor. Add a little maple syrup for a sweeter version of the spritz.

Ambrosia Spritz

If you tend to like your drinks on the sweeter side, we have a feeling you're going to love the Ambrosia Spritz. The aperitif used here is Ambrosia, which is aptly named the nectar of the gods.

It has roots in Italy, but is actually produced by the Don Ciccio & Figli distillery in Washington, D.C. Ambrosia is sweeter than Aperol and has a mild bitterness that actually unfolds as you sip it, as opposed to all at once.

The U.S.-made herbal liqueur has notes of turmeric, blood orange, cantaloupe, carrots, and nine botanicals, which gives it more of a full-bodied taste. In addition to prosecco, Ambrosia pairs well with mezcal.

To make an Ambrosia spritz, combine 1.5 parts Ambrosia with two parts prosecco and a splash of soda water and serve over ice. Garnish with an orange wheel.

Red Wine Spritz

You can't go wrong with this red wine spritz, which is instantly refreshing and tastes heavenly with grilled meats. It's made with equal parts sweet vermouth, dry sparkling red wine, and club soda. Sliced peaches make a delicious garnish, but feel free to get creative and swap it out for other fruits, like berries or grapes.

Rosemary-Ginger Spritz

A homemade ginger simple syrup is the foundation of this crisp cocktail you'll be wanting to sip on poolside. Plus, you can make it up to five days in advance, and any extra syrup can be added to sparkling water for a quick, delicious beverage. Garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary, and enjoy!

Mango Bellini Spritz

Say hello to your new favorite brunch beverage. This tropical twist on the classic Bellini incorporates mango for fizzy and fruity summertime spritz. A spalsh of orange liqueur adds another level of flavor. Garnish with mango slices.

White Grapefruit-Ginger Spritz

This spritz recipe can be made in a big batch, making it the perfect crowd-pleasing punch for any gathering. Start by making a ginger simple syrup, then combining it with grapefruit juice. Once you're ready to serve, spoon some of the drink into each glass and top them with prosecco. Grapefruit slices and thyme springs garnish the punch bowl, creating a stunning centerpiece to your occasion.