Last Updated on December 1, 2021 by Heather Wibbels
Something about warmer weather makes me want fast, bright, easy cocktails that aren’t too heavy, and this spring bourbon spritz checks all those boxes. If you’ve seen my other posts using Earl Grey tea, you know I’m a fan of bergamot, and today, we’re using Italicus, a beautifully bottled bergamot liqueur to add that flavor and aroma to this bourbon spritz.
(Post may contain affiliate links.)
What is a Spritz?
In general, a spritz is a light, generally low ABV cocktail with a bitter liqueur (think Aperol or Campari), prosecco, and a splash of soda served over ice. It’s built in a wine glass, over ice, and stirred only once, if at all, since the action of the carbonated bubbles mixes the ingredients as they sit and dilute over ice.
This is only loosely a spritz since I’m not using any Italian bitters or amarii, and I chose to keep the proof down by using only a non-alcoholic seltzer. But if you prefer, add a few ounces of bubbles to the cocktail.
How to Make a Spring Bourbon Spritz
The beauty of this cocktail is that it’s built right in the glass over ice.
For the flavors, we’re using Italicus (bergamot liqueur), a little bit of limoncello, a bit of bourbon and some bitters to balance out the sweetness in the Italicus. If you use a seltzer that’s sweeter than this lemon/ginger one, you may need to increase the bitters.
This is very light, very bright, and super refreshing. I’m wishing I had topped it with ice tea right now, but maybe that’s for next time with an extra splash of champagne or bubbles. The bourbon isn’t the real focus here. It takes a side seat to the Italicus, limoncello, and bitters. You may feel the proof combined with the bubbles when you go to stand up, so go easy on these cocktails.
But be sure to garnish with a fresh edible flower and a slice of orange for a beautiful presentation. Remember: we drink with our eyes first.
Other Cocktails You Might Like
Recommended Bar Tools
You don’t need every slick, beautiful bar tool out there, but there are several I’ll recommend. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, that does not affect the cost of the items below.) My favorite pieces usually come from the Cocktail Kingdom section of Amazon:
You may already have these bar essentials, but just in case:
The Earl’s Kentucky Spritz
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz bourbon – mid proof
- 1 oz Italicus bergamot liqueur
- 1/2 oz limoncello
- 2 droppers Meyer Lemon bitters
- 1 dropper Earl Grey Bitters 1821bitters
- Top with Lemon Ginger Seltzer Trader Joe’s
Instructions
- In a large wine glass, add ice, bourbon, Italicus, limoncello and bitters. Stir once. Add more ice and top with seltzer. Garnish with an orange slice and some fresh, food-safe flowers.
