Dirty Spritz Recipe with Citrus Aperitivo and Olives Recipe

If you’re craving a cocktail that’s both refreshing and a little intriguingly savory, this Dirty Spritz Recipe with Citrus Aperitivo and Olives Recipe is going to win your heart. It’s bright and bubbly with the zing of lemon, softened by aromatic tonic, and then that olive brine kick? Absolutely next level. I first stumbled upon this combo experimenting with my usual spritz, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it’s addictive in the best way. Ready to shake up your cocktail game? Let’s dive in.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of carefully chosen ingredients that work together like a charm. The secret is in the balance—the citrusy aperitivo and lemon juice brighten everything up, while the olive brine gives a savory kick that you’ll learn to adore.

• Citrus Aperitivo: Choose a quality aperitivo with bright, zesty notes—it’s the foundation for that lovely citrus flavor.
• Tonic Water: Go for a high-quality tonic to avoid overpowering sweetness; this keeps the drink crisp.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must! It elevates the brightness and freshness of the spritz.
• Olive Brine: The “dirty” element here—opt for brine from good olives, not overly salty jars, so it blends smoothly.
• Olives (Garnish): Green olives with a bit of brine work beautifully to reinforce that savory note.
• Thyme Sprig (Garnish): Adds a fresh herbal aroma and a lovely visual touch that I always enjoy.

Variations

I love to tweak this recipe depending on the occasion and what I have on hand. You can really personalize the Dirty Spritz Recipe with Citrus Aperitivo and Olives Recipe to suit your taste or mood.

• Herbal Infusion: Adding a splash of rosemary syrup or swapping thyme for rosemary gives a woodsy twist I tried last summer and loved.
• Spicy Kick: A few dashes of hot sauce or a slice of jalapeño can turn this into a bold, spicy spritz perfect for adventurous palates.
• Low Alcohol: You can reduce the citrus aperitivo by half and double the tonic for a lighter, more sessionable version.

How to Make Dirty Spritz Recipe with Citrus Aperitivo and Olives Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Chill Your Glass

I always start by grabbing a nice Collins glass and pre-chilling it in the fridge or freezer for 5-10 minutes. This little step keeps your spritz perfectly cold longer—because nobody wants a warm spritz!

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Add 1.5 oz of your citrus aperitivo, 3 oz of tonic water, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.25 oz olive brine directly into the chilled glass. Pour it gently to keep that carbonation lively. Using fresh lemon juice is a game changer—don’t skip it.

Step 3: Add Ice and Stir Gently

Top the glass with plenty of ice—this not only chills the drink but also dilutes it just enough as you sip. Stir it about twice with a bar spoon to mix everything without losing the bubbles. I’ve learned that over-stirring can flatten the spritz, so gentle is key.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Skewer a few green olives and rest them across the rim, then tuck in a fresh thyme sprig. The olives reinforce the savory brine flavor, and the thyme adds a subtle herbal aroma that always impresses guests.

How to Serve Dirty Spritz Recipe with Citrus Aperitivo and Olives Recipe

Garnishes

I always serve this spritz with green olives skewered on a pick—sometimes stuffed with garlic or almonds for a little extra flair. A fresh sprig of thyme adds a lovely herbal note and looks so pretty resting on the glass rim. It’s these small touches that turn a simple drink into a mini celebration.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with salty snacks like marcona almonds, olives, or light tapas. When I’ve hosted friends, I love offering a platter of cheeses, cured meats, and crusty bread alongside—it’s an easy way to elevate your spritz hour.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve these in vintage glasses with edible flowers tucked alongside the thyme. Another fun idea I tried was using a small wooden board to serve each spritz with an olive skewer and a tiny bowl of additional olives for snacking. Presentation really makes guests feel pampered.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This spritz is best enjoyed fresh, so I don’t recommend storing it once mixed. However, you can pre-mix the citrus aperitivo, lemon juice, and olive brine mixture and keep that refrigerated for a day or two. Then add tonic and ice just before serving to maintain that sparkle.

Freezing

Because of the tonic’s carbonation and fresh citrus, freezing this cocktail isn’t a great idea. You’ll lose the bubbles and fresh flavors, which defeat the purpose of this spritz’s lively character.

Reheating

If you do end up with leftovers (which is rare around here!), best to toss them and make a fresh batch. The flavor profile changes quickly once the tonic loses its fizz.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Dirty Spritz Recipe with Citrus Aperitivo and Olives Recipe is one of those cocktails I turn to when I want something easy yet memorable. It’s fancier than your standard spritz but still approachable enough to whip up on a weeknight or impress at a gathering. I love how it combines sweet, citrusy, and savory flavors in a sparkling sip that’s utterly addictive. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite signature cocktail, like I did.

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