Blood Orange & Rosemary Spritz

Bittersweet, aromatic, and made for golden-hour sipping.

This is the kind of drink that looks romantic without trying too hard. Blood orange brings a deep citrus bitterness, rosemary adds a savoury, almost piney aroma, and bubbles keep it light enough to drink well past sunset. It’s less “pink hearts” and more “candles lit, playlist on.”

Perfect for Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or any warm evening that deserves something special but unfussy.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 45 ml blood orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)

• 30 ml Aperol or blood orange liqueur

• 90 ml prosecco

• 30 ml soda water

• 1 small rosemary sprig

• Ice

Optional: a dash of orange bitters

Method

1. Chill your glass
   A large wine glass or spritz glass works best.

2. Build over ice
   Fill the glass with ice, then add blood orange juice and Aperol.

3. Add the bubbles
   Top with prosecco and soda water. Give it a gentle stir to combine.

4. Aromatic finish
   Clap the rosemary sprig between your hands to release the oils, then add it to the glass.
   Optional: add a dash of orange bitters for extra depth.

Taste Profile

• First sip: Bright citrus with soft bitterness

• Mid-palate: Light sweetness balanced by prosecco

• Finish: Herbaceous, aromatic, and refreshing

Simple Upgrades & Variations

• Gin Spritz: Add 15 ml gin for a slightly boozier, more complex version.

• Low-Alc: Use alcohol-free prosecco and a non-alcoholic aperitif.

• Batch Version: Multiply ingredients by number of guests and build in a jug just before serving.