Lambrusco Spritz Recipe | Easy Bittersweet Cocktail

Lambrusco Spritz

Lambrusco Spritz

Prep: 5 mins | Cook: PT0S | Total: 7 mins | Serves: 1 serving(s) | Cuisine: Cocktail Cuisine, Wine Cuisine, Sparkling Wine Cuisine, Lambrusco Cuisine, Liqueur Cuisine, Amaro Cuisine, Cherry Cuisine, Olive Cuisine, Soda Cuisine, Mediterranean Cuisine, Italian Cuisine, European Cuisine
The first time I tried a Lambrusco Spritz, I was convinced red wine and bubbles couldn't possibly work together. That all changed after one sip of that delectably bittersweet combination—Lambrusco's fruity fizz meeting smooth amaro in perfect harmony. Now I'm completely hooked on this easy Lambrusco Spritz recipe that comes together in just five minutes. What makes this Lambrusco Spritz so special is how the rich amaro liqueur balances the wine's natural sweetness, while a splash of sparkling soda adds the perfect effervescent finish. Those green cocktail olives and maraschino cherries aren't just garnish—they bring salty-sweet complexity that makes each sip interesting. Whether you're using Lambrusco Grasparossa or Lambrusco Salamino, you're in for something wonderfully different from your typical cocktail hour drink.

Lambrusco Spritz

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces Lambrusco (for example, Lambrusco Grasparossa or Lambrusco Salamino)
  • 2 fluid ounces Amaro Nonino liqueur
  • 1 fluid ounce Seltzer
  • Several large ice cubes
  • 2 green cocktail olives (like Manzanilla or Castelvetrano)
  • 2 maraschino cherries

Instructions

Step 1

Grab a medium measuring glass and pour in 6 ounces of Lambrusco along with 1 ounce of amaro. Add a splash of seltzer — just enough to give it that bubbly lift. Fill the glass with ice cubes right to the top, then grab a long spoon and stir everything together for about 15 to 20 seconds. You'll know it's ready when the outside of the glass starts to get that nice frosty sheen.

Step 2

Fill your wine glass generously with ice cubes, letting them clink against the sides as you pack them in. Grab your fine mesh strainer and position it over the glass, then slowly pour the chilled lambrusco mixture through it — watch as it cascades over the ice, turning the glass frosty on the outside. The liquid should flow smoothly without any pulp or sediment making it through. Now grab your garnish: thread 3-4 green olives and 2-3 bright red cocktail cherries onto a small skewer or simply drop them directly into the glass, letting them float and release their briny-sweet aroma with each sip.

Nutrition Information

calories: 280 kcal
fat: 0g
carbs: 22g
protein: 0g
fiber: 0g

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My Tip

Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving — the Lambrusco's natural sparkle stays lively longer when the glass is properly cold, and you'll get that perfect frosty condensation without watering down your spritz.

Leftovers

Store leftover Lambrusco Spritz base (without seltzer) in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before topping with fresh seltzer and ice.

Make It Your Own

Swap the Lambrusco for a dry prosecco or cava to create a brighter, less sweet spritz that pairs beautifully with the amaro. This gives you a more traditional Italian aperitivo vibe while keeping all the herbal complexity from the Nonino.

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