If you’re looking to shake up your cocktail game, this Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe is an absolute must-try. I stumbled upon this gem recently, and I can’t stop making it for weekend hangouts. It’s bright, a little salty, and so refreshingly unique — trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Keep reading, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail this effortlessly cool concoction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing and Balanced: The citrus brightens the drink while the olive brine adds a fun savory twist.
- Easy to Make: You only need a handful of ingredients and minimal prep—perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a sunny brunch or an evening chill session, this spritz fits right in.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The olive brine creates a savory hit you don’t get in typical spritzes, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right balance here is key, so picking quality ingredients will take this from good to great. The citrus aperitivo is your spirit’s backbone, and fresh lemon juice just elevates everything with that zesty zing you want.
- Citrus Aperitivo: Choose a vibrant citrus-forward aperitivo that’s not too sweet; it’s the cocktail’s base.
- Tonic Water: Use a well-carbonated tonic for that lovely fizzy lift; it brightens up the whole drink.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is best here — bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same bright punch.
- Olive Brine: Pick a high-quality brine from a good jar of olives; it really impacts the savory depth.
- Olives (for garnish): Classic green olives work great and add a subtle salty finish.
- Thyme Sprig (for garnish): Offers a fresh herbal aroma that complements the citrus and brine perfectly.
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe is how easy it is to customize it. Feel free to experiment with the type of citrus aperitivo or swap out the thyme garnish for rosemary or even a basil leaf if that’s what you have on hand.
- Herbal Switch-Up: I once used rosemary sprigs instead of thyme, and it gave the cocktail a woodsy complexity that my guests loved.
- Different Brine: Tried using pickled jalapeño brine for an extra kick—spoiler, it was spicy and fabulous!
- Lower Alcohol: Use a lighter citrus soda instead of tonic water for a refreshing mocktail version.
- Seasonal Citrus: Swap lemon juice for blood orange or grapefruit juice when in season for a fresh twist.
How to Make Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Glassware
Start by assembling all your ingredients—it makes the whole process smoother. I usually grab a classic Collins glass because it shows off the fizzy bubbles and gives enough room for the ice and garnishes. No glass of the right size? No worries, just use what you have and adjust the ingredient amounts a bit.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Pour 1.5 ounces of citrus aperitivo, 3 ounces of tonic water, half an ounce of fresh lemon juice, and a quarter ounce of olive brine directly into your glass. Add ice to fill it up. Now, stir it just twice—don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose the fizz and muddle the subtle flavors.
Step 3: Garnish with Love
I love to finish this drink with a couple of green olives skewered on a pick and a fresh sprig of thyme laid on top. The olives bring a salty pop with every sip, and the thyme adds a surprising herbal note that lingers beautifully on the nose. It really makes the presentation sing.
Pro Tips for Making Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: I learned the hard way that bottled lemon juice dulls the bright citrus notes, so fresh is definitely worth the small extra effort.
- Don’t Over-Stir: Stir just twice—this maintains the bubbles and keeps your drink crisp and lively.
- Choose Quality Olive Brine: The brine’s flavor can vary wildly—pick a clean, flavorful brine for the perfect savory kick.
- Adjust Saltiness to Taste: Start with a quarter ounce of brine; you can always add a tiny bit more if you like it saltier.
How to Serve Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe
Garnishes
For me, olives are non-negotiable; they bring that briny punch that defines the dirty spritz style. I use green Castelvetrano olives whenever possible because they’re buttery and mild. Thyme is my go-to garnish herb—it refreshes the nose and pairs perfectly with the citrus. But sometimes, I like swapping thyme for rosemary when I want a woodier aroma!
Side Dishes
Pairing matters! I usually reach for light Mediterranean appetizers—think marinated olives, roasted almonds, or even a simple platter of cured meats like prosciutto. Fresh bruschetta with a tomato and basil topping also complements the spritz’s bright and savory notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’m hosting, I like to elevate the presentation by serving the Dirty Spritz with a small skewer of assorted olives and a lemon twist perched on top for color. Laying a lemon wheel inside the glass gives it a sunny vibe, and using unique glassware—from vintage highball glasses to delicate coupe glasses—can make your guests feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This is best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, it’s okay to store the mixed drink (minus the tonic water to keep bubbles fresh) in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the tonic and ice just before serving again to revive the fizz.
Freezing
I haven’t tried freezing the Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe because the bubbles never survive freezing, and the texture changes. I recommend making it fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
Since this is a cold, fizzy cocktail, reheating isn’t really applicable. Just give it a gentle stir with fresh ice, and it’s ready to go!
FAQs
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What is a Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine?
It’s a refreshing cocktail that combines citrus flavors from an aperitivo and lemon juice, bubbly tonic water, and a savory hit from olive brine. Garnished traditionally with olives and herbs, it offers a delightful balance of bright, salty, and aromatic elements.
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Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you technically can, fresh lemon juice is far better for this recipe. It provides a lively acidity and brightness that bottled juice often lacks, affecting the overall taste.
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What type of olives work best for garnish?
I recommend Castelvetrano green olives because they’re buttery and mild, but traditional green olives or even stuffed olives work well. The brine from the olives is also what’s used to create the savory flavor in the drink.
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Is this cocktail suitable for a party?
Absolutely! It’s easy to make in batches, eye-catching, and offers something a little different from standard spritzes, making it perfect for impressing guests.
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Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, swap the citrus aperitivo for a non-alcoholic citrus soda or sparkling juice and keep the tonic and olive brine to retain the savory element.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe has become my go-to when I want something that feels special yet approachable. It’s easiest to make but tastes like you put in way more effort. If you love cocktails with layers of flavor—a little bright, a little savory—this one’s going to win you over. Try it out, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your favorite spritz too!
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Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
The Dirty Spritz is a refreshing and invigorating cocktail combining the bright, citrusy flavors of an aperitivo with the subtle saltiness of olive brine. Topped with tonic water and garnished with olives and a thyme sprig, this drink offers a unique twist on the classic spritz, perfect for summer afternoons or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Drink Ingredients
- 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 the citrus aperitivo, tonic water, lemon juice, and olive brine to a collins glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice to chill the drink and maintain optimal temperature for serving.
- Stir: Stir the mixture gently twice to combine all the ingredients evenly without diluting the drink excessively.
- Garnish: Finish by garnishing with olives and a fresh thyme sprig to enhance the aroma and visual appeal of the cocktail.
Notes
- Use high-quality citrus aperitivo for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of olive brine to taste if you prefer a more or less ‘dirty’ cocktail.
- The thyme sprig can be gently slapped before garnishing to release more aroma.
- Serve immediately while the cocktail is chilled and fresh.
- For a variation, add a splash of sparkling wine to make it bubblier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
