If you’re on the hunt for a cocktail that’s refreshing, a little bit cheeky, and packed with bright, unexpected flavors, you absolutely have to try this Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olives Recipe. I love this because it takes the classic spritz vibe up a notch with a salty twist from olive brine and a citrus punch that wakes up your palate. When I first tried this, the balance of bitter, salty, and zesty really blew me away. Stick around—I’ll walk you through everything you need to make this fan-freaking-tastic drink at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Balanced Flavors: The mix of citrus bitterness and olive brine saltiness creates an unexpected yet perfect harmony.
- Super Quick and Easy: You only need a handful of ingredients and a couple of minutes to whip this up.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual evening or a weekend gathering, this spritz elevates the vibe instantly.
- Customizable Garnishes: The olives and thyme sprig add a beautiful finishing touch, but you can tweak them to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olives Recipe plays a starring role in balancing brightness, bitterness, and a little savory edge. When you shop for these, look for fresh citrus aperitivo and really quality olive brine—it makes a huge difference.
- Citrus Aperitivo: Choose one with lively herbal and citrus notes to keep the drink fresh and vibrant.
- Tonic Water: Use a good-quality tonic since it’s a large part of the drink; it adds sweetness and fizz.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is key here. Bottled juice won’t deliver the same punch.
- Olive Brine: I like to use brine from Castelvetrano olives for its mild, buttery flavor.
- Olives for Garnish: Green olives work best—they add a salty contrast that’s unbeatable.
- Thyme Sprig: This fresh herb adds an aromatic note that pairs beautifully.
Variations
I love tweaking the Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olives Recipe based on what mood I’m in or what I have on hand—it’s surprisingly versatile! Don’t hesitate to play around with it.
- Herbal Twist: I once added a rosemary sprig instead of thyme, and it gave the spritz a lovely pine-like aroma—perfect for a cozy night.
- Different Brine: Using pickled jalapeño brine gave it a spicy kick that my friends went crazy for.
- Alcohol-Free Version: Swap the citrus aperitivo for a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif, and you have a delicious mocktail.
- Seasonal Citrus: Switching lemon juice with grapefruit or blood orange juice offers a beautiful seasonal flair.
How to Make Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olives Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients in a Glass
Start by adding your 1.5 oz of citrus aperitivo, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.25 oz olive brine into a tall Collins glass. I like to measure precisely here—the balance between tartness and saltiness is what makes this drink sing. If you’ve ever made a spritz before, this is your base with a little extra personality.
Step 2: Top with Tonic and Ice, Then Stir
Next, add about 3 oz of good-quality tonic water and fill the glass with ice. Stir gently, but only twice or so—over-stirring can flatten that nice fizz you’re after. I learned this the hard way when my spritz went a bit dull, so take it slow.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Finally, pop in a couple of olives and a sprig of fresh thyme. I love how the olives add that savory note and make the drink feel a little decadent without overpowering it. The thyme adds an herbaceous aroma that makes it smell as good as it tastes.
Pro Tips for Making Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olives Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: I can’t stress enough how freshly squeezed lemon juice and a lively citrus aperitivo make this cocktail a next-level experience.
- Chill Your Glass: I like to keep my Collins glass in the fridge for 10 minutes before making the spritz to keep the drink cooler longer.
- Olive Brine Brand Chooses Flavor: Experiment with different olive brines to find your favorite profile; some are saltier, some more herbal.
- Avoid Over-stirring: Stir gently and just a couple of times—you want to mix without losing the tonic’s bubbles.
How to Serve Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olives Recipe
Garnishes
I always use green olives because their briny pop perfectly complements the drink, and fresh thyme sprigs because they add a subtle herbal aroma that makes every sip more interesting. Sometimes I swap thyme with rosemary if I want something a bit more fragrant.
Side Dishes
This spritz is amazing alongside salty snacks like marcona almonds, cured meats, or even a simple cheese plate with sharp manchego or tangy goat cheese. It’s brilliant with Mediterranean appetizers that echo those olive and citrus flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love serving this in vintage glassware with a small skewer of mixed olives and a twist of lemon peel perched on the rim. Adding a sprig of thyme right on the straw elevates the entire look—and trust me, your guests will notice the effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover components like citrus aperitivo or olive brine, store those sealed tightly in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh for a couple of weeks. However, once mixed, the Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olives Recipe tastes best freshly made because the tonic loses its fizz quickly.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this spritz because the tonic water’s bubbles will disappear and the olive brine’s flavors could get muddled. This is definitely a cocktail to make fresh.
Reheating
Since it’s a cold cocktail, reheating isn’t applicable here. If you want to prepare in advance, just keep the components chilled separately and combine right before serving for the best fizz and flavor.
FAQs
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What does “dirty” mean in the Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olives Recipe?
“Dirty” usually refers to adding olive brine to the cocktail, giving it a savory, salty edge that contrasts beautifully with the citrus notes. It’s the olive brine that really gives this spritz its unique character.
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Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?
Absolutely! Swap the citrus aperitivo for a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif or a non-alcoholic sparkling citrus soda, and you keep the refreshing vibe while making it suitable for everyone.
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What type of olives work best for garnish?
I prefer green olives like Castelvetrano because of their mild, buttery flavor. They’re less briny and harsh compared to other varieties, which complements the cocktail without overpowering it.
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Can I prepare the Dirty Spritz ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the cocktail just before serving to keep the tonic water fizzy and fresh. You can mix the aperitivo, lemon juice, and olive brine ahead and store chilled, then add tonic and ice last minute.
Final Thoughts
This Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olives Recipe is one of those rare cocktails that’s both incredibly simple and wonderfully complex—all at the same time. It brightens up any afternoon or evening, and I honestly love how it brings that little salty surprise with the olive brine. Make it for yourself or your friends, and watch people’s faces light up when they take that first sip. Trust me, once you try it, this spritz will be your go-to when you want something fresh, flavorful, and just a bit different.
Print
Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olives Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
The Dirty Spritz is a refreshing and slightly savory cocktail that combines the bright flavors of citrus aperitivo, tonic water, lemon juice, and a hint of olive brine. This drink is perfectly balanced, easy to prepare, and garnished with olives and a sprig of thyme for an elegant touch, making it an excellent choice for a light, summery aperitif.
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
- Prepare Glass: Add 1.5 oz of citrus aperitivo, 3 oz of tonic water, 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 0.25 oz of olive brine into a collins glass.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the glass with ice and gently stir the mixture twice to combine the flavors without diluting them too much.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with olives skewered on a cocktail pick and a fresh thyme sprig for aroma and presentation, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness and acidity.
- The olive brine adds a unique savory twist, but adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- Choosing quality citrus aperitivo enhances the overall flavor complexity of the cocktail.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approximately 8 oz)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 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
