I really love cocktails. I love making them and learning about them (and their history and cocktail theory) and trying to come up with new ones. I love the way they taste. But I don’t love that you can only taste one or two at once because they’re so strong. So lately, thanks to the encouragement of Carlie, I’ve been exploring low ABV (alcohol by volume) cocktails.
Spritzes
2 oz liqueur/aperitif/digestif of choice
2-4 oz sparkling water/lemon or other light soda
Ice
To make any spritz you just pour your liqueur of choice into a glass, top with sparkling water (flavored or not), and add ice. Don’t measure your sparkling water, just pour it right on top so you don’t lose any bubbles. Once you add the ice you just have to give it one quick stir and you’re golden!
I’ve made spritzes with Aperol, Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Dry Vermouth–basically anything. B’s current favorite is this Ambrosia Aperitivo. This drink is perfect for a hot day, sitting outside and reading in the shade.
Shandies
6 oz beer
6 oz fresh orange juice or lemonade
I had never had a shandy until I made them with Carlie in a Seco class. I’m not really sure why–maybe I thought they were sweet beers? Regardless, I’d avoided them in pre-made bottle form and had never thought to make one myself (also, I’m not a huge beer drinker). But Carlie had us make one with fresh (read: hand) squeezed orange juice and sour beer and it’s a GAME CHANGER. So refreshing!
I know these are just two simple formulas for cocktails, but there’s an infinite number of drinks you can make with them! I know that I’m going to have spritzes on repeat all spring and summer.
xoxo,
J
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