There are a few moments that define summer: golden hour stretching a little longer, bare feet on warm tile, the soft clink of ice cubes in a glass. And this season, our go-to drink for all those slow, lovely moments is the Dirty Spritz.
It’s a nonalcoholic cocktail that feels like a tiny luxury—bright, refreshing, and just a little bit savory. Adapted from one of our favorite sources, Bon Appétit, it balances citrus and salt in a way that feels effortlessly European. Picture this: you're outside, the sun is soft, music is playing quietly, and you’re sipping something that tastes like a vacation. That’s the Dirty Spritz.
Why We Love It
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Refreshing & unexpected: Lemon juice and olive brine? It sounds surprising, but it works beautifully.
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Nonalcoholic & elegant: No buzz, but all the flavor and ritual of a classic aperitif.
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Simple ingredients: Most of them you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
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1½ oz chilled nonalcoholic citrus aperitivo (like Wilderton)
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¾ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz olive brine
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3 oz chilled tonic water
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Garnishes: olives, a sprig of thyme, lemon twist (optional but lovely)
How to Make It
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In a tall glass, combine the citrus aperitivo, lemon juice, and olive brine.
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Fill the glass with ice.
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Top with chilled tonic water and stir gently.
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Garnish with a few olives, a twist of lemon, and a thyme sprig if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips for the Perfect Dirty Spritz
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Chill your ingredients: This keeps the drink crisp without watering it down too quickly.
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Don’t over-stir: Just a couple of swirls is enough to blend everything while keeping the fizz.
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Experiment with garnishes: Try rosemary instead of thyme, or add a strip of cucumber for a garden-fresh twist.
This is our drink for summer afternoons that slip into evening. For book club on the patio. For Sunday lunch that turns into dinner. It’s also our go-to when we want something celebratory without alcohol. It feels special—without being fussy.
Cheers to sunshine, slow moments, and drinks that make you feel like you’re somewhere beautiful.