Season of Spritz

Summer is right around the corner and that means everything is in bloom! Spritzers are an easy way to utilize some of those favorite blossoms, citrus and herbs in an easy-to-drink cocktail.

By definition, a spritzer is a low-alcohol drink made with either a low-alcohol-by-volume (ABV) spirit, wine or fortified wine, or a regular-proof spirit, but in ½-ounce to 1-ounce quantities. Spritzers are light and fizzy and easy to make—no bartending skills required—so they’re perfect for making at home using the citrus and herbs you may have growing in your own backyard.

Note: If you are not familiar with the wide range of vermouths available, such as the Dolin Blanc used below, this is the perfect opportunity to explore vermouth at your local liquor outlet. Vermouth has seen its own little renaissance over the past few years. Essentially, it is a wine that is fortified with a brandy or other spirit to keep it shelf stable, then infused with botanicals and herbs. Vermouths can have lovely flavors and aromatics such as strawberry, peach, mint, apricot, etc.

USBG Foundation

In addition to being a beverage consultant and a contributor, I’m on the board of directors for the United States Bartenders Guild (USBG) National Charity Foundation. As you can imagine, the COVID-19 crisis has been especially difficult for those who work in the hospitality industry, for both the employees and the employers, many of whom don’t know if they are going to re-open or not once this is over.

The USBG Foundation gives grants to those who serve us—bartenders, bar backs, servers, anyone who is in the business of serving cocktails and drinks. To date, we have received over 275,000 applications nationwide. The USBG also offers national and state resources along with some health and wellness programming and job boards for hospitality workers. Please consider donating at usbgfoundation.org.

Traditionally, the restaurant, bar and alcohol industry have been recession proof. Why? Because the bar is the place where people feel a sense of togetherness. A place where people can talk to one another face to face, connect over a drink and feel good being around each other. Please consider donating to those bars now—and when they open back up, embrace them!