Golden, sparkling, and effortlessly chic, this Italian-inspired amaretto spritz reimagines the classic aperitivo with a softer, more playful touch. Notes of sweet almond mingle with bright citrus, while crisp sparkling wine brings that unmistakable lift—light, lively, and made for long lunches, golden evenings, and the kind of gatherings that somehow stretch well past sunset.
Born in Italy and now firmly part of the modern aperitivo ritual across the United Kingdom, the spritz has become the drink of long lunches, late afternoons, and golden-hour catchups. Most people know the iconic Aperol spritz—but this amaretto-led twist deserves far more attention.
Created for those who prefer something softer, rounder, and a little more indulgent than the bittersweet citrus edge of a classic spritz, this version brings a richer kind of elegance to the glass.
Amaretto brings its signature notes of toasted almond, ripe cherry, warm honey, and a whisper of vanilla, while fresh orange adds brightness and crisp dry champagne lifts everything with a fine, celebratory sparkle. The result is beautifully balanced—smooth, sparkling, and effortlessly sophisticated, with just enough sweetness to keep you coming back for another sip.
Prepare
Cook
Serving
Beautifully balanced and wonderfully simple, this sparkling spritz comes together with just four key ingredients—each one bringing its own little bit of magic. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few easy ways to make it your own.
Amaretto
The heart of the drink. Look for an alcohol-free amaretto-style spirit with rich almond notes, subtle cherry undertones, and a smooth, slightly honeyed finish. It’s what gives this spritz its warmth, depth, and unmistakably Italian character.
Orange Juice
A splash of orange brings brightness and a gentle citrus lift that balances the sweetness beautifully. Freshly squeezed always feels a little more special, but a good-quality bottled juice works just as well.
Sparkling Wine
Choose something crisp, dry, and brut-style rather than overly sweet. The almond notes already bring plenty of natural richness, so a drier sparkling wine keeps everything elegant, light, and perfectly balanced.
Soda Water
A spritz should always sparkle. Soda water adds that clean, lively effervescence, though sparkling mineral water or a lightly flavoured tonic can work beautifully too.
To Garnish
In warmer months, try a fresh cherry and a sprig of thyme for a garden-fresh finish. In cooler seasons, an orange slice and preserved cherry bring a deeper, more festive feel.
Optional Finishing Touch
A few drops of alcohol-free aromatic bitters add lovely depth and complexity, turning a simple spritz into something that feels wonderfully grown-up.
Effortless, elegant, and ready in moments—this is the kind of drink that feels far more special than the effort it takes to make it.
1. Build The Base
In your favourite glass, combine the alcohol-free amaretto with fresh orange juice. If you’re adding aromatic bitters for extra depth, this is the moment to swirl them in.
2. Bring The Sparkle
Fill the glass generously with ice, then slowly pour over the chilled sparkling wine followed by a splash of soda water, letting the bubbles do their thing.
3. Finish With Flair
Give everything a gentle stir, just enough to bring the flavours together, then finish with a fresh cherry and a sprig of thyme for a beautifully fragrant final touch.
Simple, sparkling, and made for slow afternoons that quietly turn into evening.
A few little touches can turn this from nice to why is this so good?:
Serve Everything Ice Cold
Chill your glass, sparkling wine, soda water, and amaretto beforehand. A spritz should feel crisp from the very first sip—without relying on melting ice to do the cooling.
Use Large Ice Cubes
Large cubes or clear cocktail ice melt more slowly, keeping your spritz cold without watering down those beautiful almond and citrus notes.
Pour The Bubbles Last
Add the sparkling wine first, then finish with soda water. It keeps the drink lively, fresh, and beautifully effervescent.
Stir Gently
This isn’t a cocktail to aggressively mix—one or two slow turns with a long spoon is all it needs to bring everything together while keeping the sparkle intact.
Taste Before Topping
Orange juices can vary in sweetness. Give the base a quick taste before adding the bubbles—if it feels a little too sweet, a tiny squeeze of fresh orange or even lemon can brighten everything beautifully.
Fresh Garnish Matters
A ripe cherry and fresh thyme don’t just look beautiful—they add aroma with every sip, which makes the whole drink feel more layered and elegant.
Want It More Table Number Seven?
Freeze cherries or thin orange slices into ice cubes ahead of time. It looks beautifully editorial in the glass and keeps the drink cold without dilution.
For A Dinner Party
Build the almond-orange base in advance, then add ice and bubbles just before serving so every glass arrives perfectly crisp and sparkling.
Print & Share
Amaretto Afterglow Spritz
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
-
Pour the alcohol-free amaretto and fresh orange juice into your glass, stirring gently until the flavours are beautifully combined.
-
Optional: If you’re adding aromatic bitters for a little extra depth, swirl them in at this stage.
-
Fill the glass generously with ice, pour over the chilled sparkling wine, then top with soda water for that signature lively sparkle.
-
Give everything a light, gentle stir, then finish with a fresh cherry and a sprig of thyme. Serve immediately—and enjoy every sparkling sip.
Discover more from Table Number Seven
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
