If you’re looking to elevate your cocktail game with something refreshingly different, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe is a fan-freaking-tastic mix that perfectly blends citrusy brightness, a touch of herbal bitterness, and that sneaky salty oomph from olive brine. When I first tried it, I was hooked instantly—it’s my go-to for when I want something light but bursting with flavor. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my tips for making it just right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Twist: The olive brine adds a savory note that makes this spritz totally stand out from the crowd.
- Simple & Quick: Only a handful of ingredients and a couple of minutes to put together ensures no one’s stuck waiting for their drink.
- Perfect Balance: Tangy lemon juice cuts through the tonic’s bitterness, while the citrus aperitivo brings a wonderful aromatic depth.
- Garnish Elegance: A sprig of thyme and olives not only taste great but offer that sophisticated look that impresses guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here is in the balance of simple, quality ingredients—each one brings something special. When I shop for this, I usually go for a citrus-forward aperitivo and a good quality tonic water to keep things bright and bubbly.
- Citrus Aperitivo: Look for one with pronounced citrus notes for that fresh, zesty character.
- Tonic Water: Choose a premium tonic with natural quinine and minimal added sugars to keep the drink crisp.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is absolutely best here—bottled just can’t compare.
- Olive Brine: Save the brine from good-quality olives — it adds that salty, umami punch that lifts the entire drink.
- Olives (for garnish): I love using green olives stuffed with garlic, but plain ones work great too.
- Thyme Sprig (for garnish): This herb adds a lovely aromatic touch and looks gorgeous atop the glass.
Variations
I love experimenting with this recipe depending on the season and what’s in my bar. You’ll find that shifting up garnishes or swapping a few ingredients can make it feel totally fresh each time you make it.
- Herb Swap: One time I swapped thyme for rosemary, and that woodsy aromatic changed the vibe beautifully.
- Olive Brine Adjustments: If you want it less salty, start with a smaller splash of olive brine and add more as you go.
- Fruit Freshness: Adding a thin slice of orange or grapefruit can bring an extra pop that’s really delightful on hot days.
- Spicy Kick: For a fun twist, try adding a dash of chili bitters to add a subtle warming note.
How to Make Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe
Step 1: Gather Your Glass and Ingredients
I always start by grabbing a tall collins glass and some fresh ice. Having everything prepped and ready means no scrambling—trust me, it makes the final steps so much smoother.
Step 2: Combine the Liquid Ingredients
Pour 1.5 oz of your citrus aperitivo, 3 oz of tonic water, 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 0.25 oz olive brine right into the glass. I like to add the lemon juice last so I can taste and adjust the brightness if needed.
Step 3: Add Ice and Stir
Top off the glass with plenty of ice. Then, gently stir twice—don’t overdo it! You want to chill and lightly mix everything without losing all the bubbles from the tonic.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Pop in a couple of olives and a fresh sprig of thyme. Not just for looks, the thyme’s aroma really enhances every sip. Now you’re ready to enjoy a cocktail that’s refreshing and sophisticated all at once.
Pro Tips for Making Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe
- Fresh is Best: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice—bottled juice just doesn’t cut it for this drink’s brightness.
- Stir Gently: I discovered that stirring just a couple of times keeps the tonic’s bubbles intact for a lively, effervescent spritz.
- Taste and Adjust: Olive brine can differ in saltiness, so start small and add gradually until it hits your perfect savory note.
- Garnish Smart: Using fresh thyme sprigs doesn’t just look pretty—it adds an herbal fragrance that makes every sip memorable.
How to Serve Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe
Garnishes
I usually go for green olives stuffed with garlic—they provide a nice burst of flavor when you bite into them—and a fresh thyme sprig perched right on the rim. It’s these little touches that take the drink from simple to something special in seconds.
Side Dishes
This spritz pairs wonderfully with light appetizers like marinated olives, herby goat cheese crostinis, or crunchy veggie sticks with a zesty dip. When I serve it at gatherings, my guests love munching on Mediterranean-inspired bites alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve tried serving this drink in elegant coupe glasses with a thin citrus twist instead of lemon juice for garnish. Adding edible flowers or tiny rosemary sprigs also creates an Instagram-worthy presentation that gets everyone talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to add ice and garnish fresh before serving again.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this one since the carbonation and citrus fresh flavor won’t hold up well after thawing.
Reheating
Because it’s a cold spritz, reheating isn’t necessary or suggested. If you want to revive stored cocktail, just give it a gentle stir and top up with fresh tonic and ice.
FAQs
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Can I make the Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe without tonic water?
You could try substituting tonic water with sparkling water or soda, but keep in mind that tonic brings a distinct bitterness and flavor that complements the olive brine and citrus. Using plain sparkling water will result in a lighter, less complex drink.
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What brand of citrus aperitivo do you recommend?
I’ve had great results with brands like Aperol or Limoncello-based aperitivos that have strong citrus notes. Look for something that’s flavorful but not too sweet so it balances well with the lemon and olive brine.
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Is olive brine necessary, or can I leave it out?
Olive brine is what makes this spritz “dirty,” adding a savory, salty layer that’s essential to the overall flavor profile. You can leave it out if you prefer, but the cocktail will lose its signature character.
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How do I prevent the spritz from getting too salty?
Start with a small amount of olive brine and taste before adding more. Different olive brines vary in saltiness, so it’s safer to add gradually to get the perfect level for your palate.
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Can I make this cocktail in a batch for a party?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredient amounts and mix everything (except ice) in a large pitcher. Keep it chilled and add ice and garnishes to each glass individually for the freshest experience.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe brings together unexpected flavors into a summery, refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make but still feels fancy. Every time I serve it, people ask me what’s in it—and I love sharing the little secret of the olive brine. Give it a try next time you want a simple yet delicious drink that’ll impress without stress. I’m confident you’ll find yourself reaching for this one again and again!
Print
Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
The Dirty Spritz is a refreshing and crisp cocktail that combines the zesty flavors of citrus aperitivo and lemon juice with a slight briny twist from olive brine, perfectly balanced with tonic water. Garnished with olives and a sprig of thyme, this sophisticated spritz is ideal for a light, flavorful drink to enjoy on warm days or as a stylish aperitif.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 1.5 oz Citrus Aperitivo
- 3 oz tonic water
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.25 oz olive brine
Garnish
- Olives
- Thyme sprig
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add 1.5 oz Citrus Aperitivo, 3 oz tonic water, 0.5 oz lemon juice, and 0.25 oz olive brine into a collins glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice to chill the mixture and keep the drink refreshing.
- Stir: Stir gently but thoroughly twice to blend all the flavors together evenly.
- Garnish: Garnish the spritz with olives and a fresh thyme sprig for an aromatic and visually appealing finish.
Notes
- Use a high-quality tonic water to enhance the drink’s crispness.
- Adjust the amount of olive brine to your taste if you prefer more or less of the briny flavor.
- The thyme sprig adds a fresh herbal aroma; substitute with rosemary if preferred.
- This cocktail is best served immediately to maintain the fizz and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approx. 7 oz)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
