The Aperol Spritz may have arisen as a firm favourite in the Spritz stakes in recent times, but the concept of a Spritz first appeared in the Italian region of Veneto way back in the 1800s, when it was controlled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the time. The Empire’s soldiers, who had travelled south, weren’t used to the strength of the region’s wines and requested that a splash – or 'spritzen', in German – of water be added to their drinks.
The Spritz took off, and it remains a much-loved style of drink – generally made up of sparkling wine, bitter liqueur and fizzy water. But as with the best things in the life, there are many variations. And this Pink Grapefruit Spritz is an excellent example. Here, the rosé vermouth brings complexity, while the grapefruit tonic or soda adds that bittersweet touch, with gin and its trademark botanicals lifting it into a refreshing cocktail. Delish!
