This Portuguese Spritz is a delightfully refreshing cocktail inspired by the Iberian country. Learn how to craft the sparkling cocktail at home with just a few ingredients.
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Most people associate spritzes with Italy. Popular spritzes like the Aperol Spritz, Campari Spritz and Limoncello Spritz all have roots in the boot. But that doesn’t mean that every spritz has to be Italian. Enter the Portuguese Spritz.
We created the Portuguese Spritz by blending the Italian cocktail concept with Portuguese ingredients. The result is a refreshing sparkling wine cocktail that’s a pleasure to sip wherever you happen to be located.
What Is a Portuguese Spritz?
We crafted and sipped this Portuguese Spritz in our Lisbon apartment. | Image: ©2foodtrippers
The Portuguese Spritz is a bubbly cocktail that’s crafted with sparkling wine, Per Se and sparkling water using a 3:2:1 ratio. It’s a relatively light drink that’s ideal for aperitivo sessions. And, if you close your eyes while sipping one, the Portuguese Spritz will likely transport your soul to Europe with no flight required.
Ingredients
The Portuguese Spritz ingredients include Per Se, sparkling wine, sparkling water, an orange whedge or wheel and ice cubes (not pictured). | Image: ©2foodtrippers
You need the following ingredients to craft a Portuguese Spritz:
Per Se (Portuguese spirit)Sparkling Wine (preferably Portuguese espumante)Sparkling WaterIce CubesOrange Wedge or Wheel (garnish)
Ingredient quantities are detailed in the printable recipe card below.
Per Se is the Portuguese Spritz’s defining ingredient. | Image: ©2foodtrippers
While Aperol and Campari are famous around the world, Per Se may be new to you. Orange in color and made with 24 different botanicals, the Portuguese spirit gets its pleasant flavor from ingredients like cardamom, orange, Jamaican pepper and hops.
Produced in Portugal by Casa Redondo, Per Se has a non-threatening ABV of 14.5%. While it’s easy to find in Portugal, you may have a challenge finding a bottle in your home town. If that’s the case, we recommend shopping online or buying a bottle when you travel to Portugal.
How to Craft a Portuguese Spritz
You don’t need any fancy tools or equipment to craft a Portuguese Spritz at home. | Image: ©2foodtrippers
The first step in this recipe is to open a sparkling wine bottle. Do this carefully to avoid an annoying mess or, worse, an eye injury.
Image: ©2foodtrippers
Next, fill a wine glass half way with ice cubes.
Image: ©2foodtrippers
Measure the sparkling wine and Per Se. Immediately pour the two liquids into the wine glass. We use a Japanese jigger for this step since it ensures accurate measuerements and minimizes spillage.
Buy a Japanese jigger from Amazon if you need a jigger or want an inexpensive upgrade.
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Gently stir the two liquids with a bar spoon.
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Top the glass with chilled sparkling water.
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Garnish with an orange wedge or wheel.
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All that’s left to do is sip and savor your Portuguese Spritz. Saúde!
Variations
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After you try this Portuguese Spritz recipe, feel free to get creative. Here are some ideas to get your juices flowing:
Modify the 3:2:1 ingredient ratio to make a stronger or sparklier Portuguese spritz.Replace the Per Se with Aperol to craft an Aperol Spritz.Replace the Per Se with Campari to craft a Campari Spritz.Replace the Per Se with Limoncello to craft a Limoncello Spritz.
Discover 10 essential bar tools for the home mixologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Portuguese Spritz?
The Portuguese Spritz is a sparkling wine cocktail crafted with Per Se, sparkling wine and sparkling water.
What are the ingredients in a Portuguese Spritz?
Per Se (Portuguese spirit), Sparkling Wine (preferably Portuguese espumante), Sparkling Water, Ice Cubes and an Orange Wedge or Wheel
Is the Portuguese Spritz shaken or stirred?
The Portuguese Spritz is stirred, not shaken.
3 ounces sparkling wine (preferably Portuguese espumante – chilled)2 ounces Per Se (Portuguese spirit)1 ounce sparkling water (chilled)ice cubes1 orange wedge or wheel (garnish)
Fill a wine glass half way with ice cubes.
Add sparkling wine and Per Se into the glass.
Gently stir.
Top with sparkling water.
Garnish with an orange wedge or wheel.
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Funding
We purchased the ingredients and tools used to craft this cocktail.
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