There’s something about a strawberry spritz that brings me back to my grandmother’s garden in the summer.
The scent of ripe berries floated through the warm air as we sliced fruit into glasses filled with clinking ice.
That early joy sun-warmed strawberries and quiet outdoor moments sparked my love for fresh, fruit-based drinks.
Over time, I refined this recipe using vermouth for a delicate herbal base and tonic for an uplifting finish.
It’s light, refreshing, and just tart enough to wake up your taste buds.
Whether you’re hosting a picnic or relaxing after work, this spritz feels like summer in a glass.
Strawberry Spritz
- Total Time: 24 hrs
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This strawberry spritz cocktail features homemade strawberry-infused vermouth, topped with tonic water and fresh fruit. A light, refreshing drink for warm days, perfect for brunches or outdoor celebrations.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups (375ml) vermouth blanc or dry vermouth
8 medium strawberries, sliced or quartered
2 ounces strawberry-infused vermouth
2 ounces tonic water
Fresh sliced strawberries, for garnish
Citrus wheel (orange, lemon, or lime) or sliced peach or nectarine, for garnish
Instructions
1. Pour the vermouth into a clean glass jar.
2. Add sliced strawberries and seal the jar tightly.
3. Swirl gently and let sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
4. Strain and store the infused vermouth in a cool, dark place.
5. Pour 2 oz of the infused vermouth into a goblet.
6. Add 2 oz of tonic water and fill with ice.
7. Stir gently and garnish with fruit.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Use dry vermouth for a more herbal finish, or blanc vermouth for a floral, slightly sweet base.
- Strawberries should be bright red and fully ripe.
- For a non-alcoholic version, use strawberry-infused tea instead of vermouth.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Infused
- Cuisine: American
What Is a Strawberry Spritz?
A strawberry spritz is a refreshing cocktail made by combining fruit-infused vermouth with tonic water and fresh fruit. As a result, it’s light, slightly bitter, and packed with natural berry flavor—perfect for summer sipping. Unlike heavier cocktails, spritzes are designed to be low in alcohol and high in refreshment, which makes them ideal for warm-weather gatherings.
In this version, we swap the usual Aperol or Prosecco for homemade strawberry-infused vermouth. This shift brings out the sweetness of ripe berries while adding herbal depth. When served over ice and finished with a citrus garnish, the result is both elegant and effortless.
If you’re craving more, try our strawberry margarita recipe or this fruity, balanced cocktail mix. Both options are bright, refreshing, and made for fruit lovers.
Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Spritz Cocktail
| For the Strawberry-Infused Vermouth | For the Strawberry Spritz |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 cups (375ml) vermouth blanc or dry vermouth | 2 ounces strawberry-infused vermouth |
| 8 medium strawberries, sliced or quartered | 2 ounces tonic water |
| Extra strawberries, for garnish | |
| Citrus slice (orange, lemon, or lime), or sliced nectarines or peaches, for garnish |
Ingredient Tips
- Vermouth blanc adds delicate floral notes and a hint of sweetness. Meanwhile, dry vermouth brings a drier, herbal flavor.
- Tonic water adds a crisp, bitter lift to balance the fruit. For a lighter taste, opt for soda water with a splash of citrus.
- Garnishing enhances both flavor and presentation. Citrus slices like lemon or orange work well. Better yet, try a few soft summer fruits for a fragrant twist.
- Prefer a non-alcoholic option? You can soak sliced strawberries in herbal tea or blend them into a light cordial. That way, the result stays colorful and bright without the booze.
How to Make Strawberry-Infused Vermouth
Making your own strawberry-infused vermouth is simple and well worth the short wait.
To begin, pour the vermouth into a sanitized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. After that, toss in your sliced or quartered strawberries.
Seal the jar and swirl it gently to help the infusion begin.
Now, place the jar somewhere cool, but not in direct sunlight, as too much heat or light can alter the taste.
Allow the flavors to meld by steeping the mixture on the counter for a full day.
During this time, shake the jar lightly once or twice to keep the flavors moving.
You’ll notice the liquid turning soft pink as the fruit releases its juice and fragrance.
Once infused, strain out the strawberries and transfer the liquid to a clean bottle.
Store it in a dark, cool cabinet. Now you’re ready to mix the perfect strawberry spritz or add a fruity twist to other cocktails.
How to Make a Strawberry Spritz
With your infused vermouth ready, crafting the spritz is both quick and satisfying.
Start by pouring two ounces into a stemmed glass or goblet it sets the tone for a light, refined drink.
Follow with two ounces of tonic water. This adds a fizzy contrast to the berry-rich base.
Next, fill the glass with ice to keep the drink chilled and lively.
Stir gently, just enough to combine the flavors without disturbing the bubbles too much.
For the garnish, add a few strawberry slices to mirror the drink’s flavor.
You can also tuck in a citrus wheel or slices of stone fruit like peach for extra aroma and visual appeal.
Serve it right away, and enjoy a sparkling sip that’s just as perfect for laid-back afternoons as it is for festive evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spritz
- To begin with, it delivers a fruity, vibrant taste without needing extra sugar just real strawberries.
- Because of the tonic, it balances sweet and bitter flavors for a crisp, refreshing finish.
- What’s more, it shines in the glass with a natural pink hue that feels celebratory.
- In just minutes, you can create a cocktail that looks – and tastes- like it came from a craft bar.
- Even better, it pairs effortlessly with light summer foods like goat cheese, fruit skewers, or grilled vegetables.
- If you enjoy options, this drink lets you personalize with citrus wheels, herbs, or even peach slices.
- For a lighter version, simply swap the tonic for club soda or sparkling lemonade.
Variations and Tips
Make it non-alcoholic
Instead of vermouth, infuse strawberries into cooled white tea, hibiscus, or elderflower syrup. Then, top with sparkling water or tonic for a booze-free version that still feels special.
Add bubbles
To make it stronger, top off your spritz with Prosecco or sparkling rosé. It keeps the drink festive while enhancing the berry base.
Try flavored tonic
For something different, choose a botanical tonic think cucumber, elderflower, or citrus. These add depth without overpowering the main flavor.
Garnish creatively
While citrus works beautifully, so do fresh herbs like basil or mint. Even edible flowers can make your glass feel extra memorable.
Use frozen berries
When fresh berries aren’t available, thawed frozen strawberries still infuse beautifully. They’re a smart seasonal swap.
Serve by the pitcher
If you’re entertaining, prepare a larger batch ahead of time and let guests serve themselves straight from a chilled pitcher.
Strawberry Sourcing & Seasonal Note
Fresh strawberries make all the difference in this spritz. Across the U.S., peak strawberry season runs from March in Florida to late June in the Northeast. The USDA Seasonal Guide outlines when strawberries are at their best across different regions. Because of this, local berries in early summer are often sweeter, redder, and more fragrant than imports.
If you’re shopping by state, look for California strawberries in spring and early summer, while Oregon and Washington produce flavorful berries into July. For best results, choose berries that are red all the way to the stem bright green tops and no white shoulders.
Planning a celebration? This strawberry spritz is perfect for Fourth of July picnics or casual backyard BBQs. It’s light enough to sip all afternoon and colorful enough to dress any table.
Tip: If you’re buying in bulk at a farmer’s market, infuse a whole bottle of vermouth for a larger gathering. That way, the fruit never goes to waste and the drink becomes a crowd-pleaser.
Frequently Asked Questions
A classic strawberry spritz typically includes strawberry-infused vermouth, tonic water, ice, and fruit.
Some variations include a splash of sparkling wine or club soda to boost the bubbles and adjust the strength.
Traditionally, spritzes use vermouth, Aperol, or sparkling wine as the base. In this variation, vermouth blanc is infused with fresh strawberries to create a naturally sweet, herbaceous cocktail. If desired, a splash of prosecco will add extra fizz and strength.
The name “spritz” has roots in the German word spritzen, which translates to “splash.” It was first used in reference to adding soda water to wine during the 30min. Over time, the term came to describe bubbly cocktails with a base spirit and mixer.
Today, it refers more broadly to any cocktail featuring bubbles, a base, and a light mixer.
A traditional spritzer is usually made with white wine and club soda. However, modern takes often include ingredients like vermouth, tonic water, or fruit infusions. As a result, drinks like this strawberry spritz offer more flavor while staying low in alcohol.
Final Thoughts & Pro Tip
A strawberry spritz is more than just a pretty summer cocktail it’s a reminder of how simple, seasonal ingredients can shine when treated with care. The infused vermouth brings out the best in fresh berries, while the tonic lifts the entire drink with its crisp bubbles. Whether you’re relaxing solo or hosting friends, this cocktail adds something light, elegant, and undeniably refreshing to the moment.
Pro Tip: If your drink ever feels too strong or sweet, just top it off with a bit more tonic or add a squeeze of citrus. Little tweaks like these can balance the flavor without changing the character of the drink.
