Top 9+ winter spritzes for cold-weather sipping

Baking spices, citrus notes, and rich amari transform the traditional aperitivo into the perfect winter sippers.

Spiced Pear Spritz, Bitter Lemon Spritz, Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz, Meletti Spritz, Coconut Water Mezcal Spritz, Contratto Spritz, Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz, Blackberry Red Wine Spritz, Espresso Spritz

While spritzes are often thought of as summer aperitifs, many variations are ideal for the colder months — especially when paired with baking spices, citrus notes, and rich amari. In winter, the formula shifts seamlessly: sparkling wine or beer meets bittersweet liqueurs, robust spirits, and warming syrups, creating drinks that feel as appropriate by a roaring fire as they do at a cozy gathering. 

We’ve gathered our favorite spritz cocktails that lean into the season, from a fragrant spiced pear cocktail to an effervescent highball with a rich, bittersweet amaro. Some spotlight tea, espresso, or red wine for added depth; others layer alpine herbs, smoky mezcal, or cinnamon-spiked citrus to help brighten that seasonal depression. Many of these recipes honor the spritz’s Italian origins while reinventing the traditional aperitivo with heartier flavors and seasonal appeal. The result is a collection of cold-weather spritzes that balance bitterness and brightness, structure and sparkle — proof that this effervescent classic belongs on the winter table, too.

01 of 09

Spiced Pear Spritz

Spiced Pear Spritz, Bitter Lemon Spritz, Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz, Meletti Spritz, Coconut Water Mezcal Spritz, Contratto Spritz, Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz, Blackberry Red Wine Spritz, Espresso Spritz

This fragrant winter spritz layers pear-flavored vodka with falernum liqueur and Peychaud’s bitters for warm spice undercurrents, finished with dry sparkling white wine and club soda. The interplay of pear and spice makes it especially satisfying when the mercury drops. Serve over ice with dried star anise and pear slices to enhance the aroma and seasonal charm.

02 of 09

Bitter Lemon Spritz

Spiced Pear Spritz, Bitter Lemon Spritz, Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz, Meletti Spritz, Coconut Water Mezcal Spritz, Contratto Spritz, Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz, Blackberry Red Wine Spritz, Espresso Spritz

This take on the Italian classic swaps sparkling wine for a light lager, marrying the herbal depth of amaro with fresh lemon juice and crisp bubbles. A rich, bittersweet profile comes from Averna — a Sicilian amaro. It’s balanced by sharp citrus notes, a refreshing contrast to the Italian liqueur. Choose a crisp, American-style lager such as Miller High Life for an easy drinking, refreshing take on the winter spritz.

03 of 09

Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz

Spiced Pear Spritz, Bitter Lemon Spritz, Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz, Meletti Spritz, Coconut Water Mezcal Spritz, Contratto Spritz, Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz, Blackberry Red Wine Spritz, Espresso Spritz

This citrus-forward spritz brings warmth through a cinnamon-infused simple syrup balanced with fresh orange and lemon juices and layered with a bittersweet Italian amaro. The club soda amplifies the aromatics while keeping the drink bright and crisp, perfect any time of year.

04 of 09

Meletti Spritz

Spiced Pear Spritz, Bitter Lemon Spritz, Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz, Meletti Spritz, Coconut Water Mezcal Spritz, Contratto Spritz, Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz, Blackberry Red Wine Spritz, Espresso Spritz

Meletti is an Italian amaro from the eastern region of Le Marche with luxurious notes of orange peels, cloves, and coffee. This herbaceous spritz highlights the complex amaro with a simple blend of Prosecco and soda water. It’s accented with a few dashes of orange bitters and a blood orange peel garnish. Its simplicity belies nuanced complexity — warm spice and citrus notes echo low and slow, offering an elegant gateway into winter spritz territory.

05 of 09

Coconut Water Mezcal Spritz

Spiced Pear Spritz, Bitter Lemon Spritz, Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz, Meletti Spritz, Coconut Water Mezcal Spritz, Contratto Spritz, Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz, Blackberry Red Wine Spritz, Espresso Spritz

Though originally conceived as a warmer-weather cocktail, this mezcal-based spritz’s smoky and slightly spicy personality can easily translate into a winter sipper. Base ingredients combine coconut water with ginger syrup, mezcal, and elderflower liqueur, and is topped with brut Champagne. Sweet, smoky, slightly spicy and effervescent, this adventurous option is garnished with olives for a bold finish.

06 of 09

Contratto Spritz

Spiced Pear Spritz, Bitter Lemon Spritz, Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz, Meletti Spritz, Coconut Water Mezcal Spritz, Contratto Spritz, Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz, Blackberry Red Wine Spritz, Espresso Spritz

Built around the historic Italian aperitif Contratto, this spritz leans into alpine herbs and bracing bitterness, lengthened with sparkling wine and soda for lift. Its complex, botanical profile and vivid citrus garnish make it especially suited to winter aperitivo hour, when savory snacks and richer fare call for structure and bite. The balance of bitter and bright keeps the drink refreshing while still feeling seasonally appropriate.

07 of 09

Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz

Spiced Pear Spritz, Bitter Lemon Spritz, Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz, Meletti Spritz, Coconut Water Mezcal Spritz, Contratto Spritz, Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz, Blackberry Red Wine Spritz, Espresso Spritz

This aromatic spritz pairs caraway- and dill-scented aquavit with the tannic, bergamot-laced depth of Earl Grey tea, topped with sparkling wine. The tea’s gentle bitterness and the spirit’s savory backbone give the drink a distinctly cold-weather sensibility, evoking Scandinavian traditions and afternoon tea alike. Elegant and unexpected, it’s a natural fit for winter brunches or early-evening gatherings.

08 of 09

Blackberry Red Wine Spritz

Spiced Pear Spritz, Bitter Lemon Spritz, Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz, Meletti Spritz, Coconut Water Mezcal Spritz, Contratto Spritz, Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz, Blackberry Red Wine Spritz, Espresso Spritz

Juicy blackberries and red wine form the foundation of this deeply hued spritz, finished with bubbles to lighten its structure. The wine’s tannins and dark-fruit notes lend a richness that feels right at home in cooler months, while the effervescence keeps the drink lively rather than heavy. Serve with fresh berries for a cocktail that bridges a fruity sangria and bittersweet spritz.

09 of 09

Espresso Spritz

Spiced Pear Spritz, Bitter Lemon Spritz, Orange-Cinnamon Amaro Spritz, Meletti Spritz, Coconut Water Mezcal Spritz, Contratto Spritz, Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz, Blackberry Red Wine Spritz, Espresso Spritz

This buzzy spritz combines freshly brewed espresso with coffee amaro, pineapple juice, vanilla syrup, and Prosecco, creating a cocktail that is equal parts aperitivo and after-dinner pick-me-up. The coffee’s roasted depth and subtle bitterness ground the drink in cold-weather comfort, while the bright fruit and bubbles add an effervescent elegance. Lighten up your typical Espresso Martini with this bright, caffeinated spritz option.

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