Poolside Spritz

There are pool drinks, and then there are great pool drinks. My ideal sip for a hot afternoon by the water is cold, fizzy, lightly sweet, and refreshing enough that you can’t wait for a second pour. (It also helps if it looks cute for the ‘gram.) Spritzes usually fit the bill because they are endlessly sippable—built on bubbles and barely-there sweetness. When strawberry season hits, the first thing I make to celebrate is a poolside spritz.

What is a poolside spritz?

This poolside spritz is a summer cocktail that’s essentially the strawberry answer to an Aperol spritz. It has the same easy ratio, the same pop of color, and the same sparkly energy in a glass. Strawberry liqueur steps in for Aperol, trading that signature bittersweet orange bite for something sweeter and fruitier, with a rosy blush that looks almost too pretty to drink. Almost.

Poolside Spritz Ingredients

• Sparkling wine: A dry, crisp Prosecco is the move here. It keeps the drink from tipping into overly sweet territory, and brings all those lively bubbles that make a spritz a spritz. A crisp cava or dry champagne can work as well.
• Strawberry liqueur: This is the star of the show. Strawberry liqueur brings a bright, jammy sweetness and that beautiful blush color. Look for a quality bottle like Lazzaroni Fragolino—you’ll taste the difference.
• Club soda: Just a splash of club soda adds an extra lift of bubbles and lightens the overall sweetness slightly. It’s a small addition that makes a real difference in the drink’s texture.
• Fresh mint leaves: Mint adds a cool, herbal contrast that plays beautifully against the sweet strawberry. It’s optional but highly recommended, since it takes the garnish from “cute” to “actually impressive.”
• Fresh strawberries: What’s a strawberry spritz without a few fresh berries on top? Choose ripe, firm berries for the best look and flavor. A little fan cut on the side goes a long way.

Directions

Step 1: Fill your glass with ice

Fill a large wine glass or rocks glass with ice.

Step 2: Add the liquid ingredients

Add the Prosecco, strawberry liqueur and club soda.

Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Garnish and serve

Garnish the spritz with mint leaves and fresh strawberries.

Poolside Spritz Variations

• Swap the sparkling water: Try flavored sparkling water like strawberry, lemon or even cucumber instead of plain club soda for an extra layer of flavor without adding sweetness.
• Try a different liqueur: Cherry liqueur is a natural swap here. It gives the drink a slightly deeper, more complex fruit flavor with a richer ruby color. Raspberry liqueur is another great option if you want to lean into the berry theme.
• Go tropical: Substitute pineapple or passion fruit juice for the club soda to give the poolside spritz a tropical twist that still plays beautifully with strawberry.
• Try basil instead of mint: Replace the mint garnish with a sprig of fresh basil for a slightly savory, aromatic note that makes the drink feel a little more grown-up and complex.
• Make it alcohol-free: Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine and strawberry syrup in place of the liqueur for a beautiful mocktail version that everyone at the pool can enjoy.

How to Make Poolside Spritzes for a Group

Poolside spritzes are practically meant to be turned into batched cocktails. Mix the strawberry liqueur and club soda together in a large pitcher ahead of time, then top each glass individually with Prosecco right before serving—this keeps the bubbles alive, and keeps the drinks tasting fresh rather than flat. If you’re setting up a self-serve station, keep the Prosecco in a chilled bucket and let guests pour their own.

Because the the liqueur base is bubbly (even without Prosecco), it can be difficult to store for long periods without losing the effervescence. It’s best to keep all of the ingredients separate until you’re ready to pour. Always add the sparkling wine at the last possible moment for the best fizz.

Poolside Spritz Tips

What can you serve with a poolside spritz?

This spritz is a natural partner for light, summery food. I love poolside snacks like charcuterie boards, Caprese skewers, shrimp cocktail, or anything you’d happily eat with your feet dangling in the water. The sweetness of the strawberry plays well against salty snacks like prosciutto and marinated olives, which is a combination I’m always here for. If you’re into summer desserts, the strawberry theme works great here. A fresh strawberry shortcake alongside a poolside spritz is essentially a perfect afternoon.