8 sumptuously simple cocktails to spritz up your summer days

Something about summer in the air makes us want to hit the road and lighten our drinks. We've put Mandi Ayuyao, our Editor-In-Chief in charge of this list to inspire you when the air is warm and the days are long. Her personal summer-go-to is any and every variation of the Spritz. ​​So let us take you on our 'Fizz Trail' (unofficially-official according to us) where we're going to go through varieties of the originally-Italian Spritz. Basically a combination of fizzy booze, bitter liqueur, such as Aperol or Campari, and one part soda—our love for the vibe of this summertime drink has brought us to notice how it changes from city to city and even country to country.

Discover our list of our favourite fizzy recipes-- but proceed with caution, as danger lies ahead that you'll want to hydrate with nothing but once you try our favourite summer sips. We're throwing away the measuring cups for these recipes, and making it simple with parts (because who needs that!?) but our word isn't the law here, and feel free to add more or less as you desire!

• Aperol Spritz
• Campari Spritz
• Hugo Spritz
• Vodka Spritz
• Watermelon Spritz
• Whisky Spritz
• Basil & Lemon Spritz
• Porto Tonic

Aperol Spritz

We have to start out with the summer classic, and making it couldn't be easier.

• 2 parts Aperol
• 3 parts prosecco
• 1 part soda

Spritz it up: If you have a blender, take the ice and make it a slushy for exceptionally hot days!

Campari Spritz

This classic aperitivo uses still white wine rather than prosecco and Campari instead of Aperol. Other than that, the formula remains the same.

• 2 parts Campari
• 3 parts white wine
• 1 part soda
• Lemon for garnish

Spritz it up: Throw an olive or two into your cup for a fun variation of the classic.

HUGO Spritz

We might be a bit biased, but this drink tastes like a perfect summer day at the beach. It is a super simple drink with prosecco, mint, and elderflower and is best served ice cold and, preferably, somewhere warm and sunny.

• 1 part elderflower syrup
• 2 parts prosecco
• 2 parts soda water
• Mint leaves for garnish

Spritz it up: Use St. Germain instead of elderflower syrup if you can get your hands on a bottle, to make it elevate it into a St. Germain Spritz!

Vodka Spritz

If you're a vodka fan, try out this variation of the Spritz, whose simple result is a thirst-quenching cocktail perfect for sipping during the warmer months, and one that won't knock you over after you've had a couple.

• 1 part Belvedere Vodka
• 1 part Lillet Blanc
• 2 grapefruit slices
• 1 sprig of thyme

Spritz it up: Macerate strawberries, and throw them into the original recipe to make a blood red cocktail that's equally refreshing!

watermelon Spritz

Riding on that vodka high, we can't help but talk bout the watermelon and vodka combination that is a must-try for scorching hot summers. The dryness of the sparkling rose cuts through the sweetness of the fruit, making it a perfect palate cleanser before a rich BBQ feast

• 4 parts watermelon juice
• 1 part vodka
• 2 parts sparkling rosé

Spritz it up: If you're feeling fancy and have a watermelon on hand, empty out the centre, mix your drink in it, and drink it directly from the husk!

whisky spritz

This recipe is surprisingly delicious, with an edge of mystery. We love it because it's light and slightly sweet but with enough flavour to keep you wanting more.

• 1 part whiskey
• 2 parts ginger ale
• 3 parts sparkling apple juice
• 1 lemon wedge for garnish

Spritz it up: Add 1 part of Aperol to bring the flavour back to the OG Spritz.

Basil & Lemon Spritz

When basil starts to sprout in gardens and sunny window boxes, make this refreshing, bubbly drink.  What's best about it, is that it's a fantastic green colour so if anyone's asking, we're sipping on a healthy drink! We won't say anything if you won't!

• 1.5 parts vodka
• 1 part basil syrup
• 1 part lemon juice
• 3 parts sparkling wine
• Basil for garnish

Spritz it up: Add a few lemon wedges if you like your drink with a bit of a sour kick!

porto tonic

We've saved one of our best-kept secrets for last, known in Portugal as a Porto Tonico. It is a port wine cocktail crafted with twice as much tonic as white port, and garnished with mint and orange wedges, creating a refreshing drink that rivals some of the best summer sippers.

• 1 part white port wine
• 2 parts tonic water
• Mint for garnish
• Orange for garnish

Spritz it up: While we love it in its classic white port wine variation, if you love a red port, you can do the exactly the same and just switch them out!

stunning homes for spritzy SUMMER days

Of course, we're not letting you go without sharing the best homes we have that have outdoor settings or indoor bars where you can act as a bartender. We can also arrange for a professional mixologist to come and whip up some personal concoctions! These stunning summer homes have the ideal settings to take advantage of the sweet summer afternoons that turn to lively evenings.

Fresh Watermelon Spritz afternoons at Quinta Branca, Comporta

Campari Spritz vibes at Villa Acqua di Mare, Mykonos

Basil & Lemon hues in Villa Gabaret, Ile-de-Ré

Whisky Spritz classic at Château de Mazan, Avignon

Poolside Hugo Spritz days at Villa Cap Canaille, Cassis

Quirky Vodka Spritz at Mas du Moulin, Provence

Aperol Spritz sunsets at Villa des Îles D'or, Hyères

Porto Tonics in Domaine Monserrate, Sintra

Clean-cut Vodka Spritzing at Villa Sofia, Paros

Saint Germain Spritz vibes at Villa Nehemia, Mykonos

Disclaimer: The content we create is meant to entertain and inspire other responsible adults of legal drinking age to try their hand at making cocktails and learn more about the alcohol and spirits behind the drinks. We do not advocate overconsumption or the abuse of alcohol.