There’s something about a warm summer evening that calls for a drink in hand. Not something too strong. Not something too sweet. Just something that feels easy. Fresh. Light. The kind of drink you sip slowly as the sun starts to drop and the sky softens.
That’s where the Somerset Strawberry Spritz comes in.
It’s the kind of drink that doesn’t try too hard but still manages to impress. It’s simple, crisp, and full of subtle flavour, with a refreshing mix of fizz, fruit, and just a touch of something floral. And once you’ve had one, it’s hard not to go back for more.
This isn’t just another take on the classic spritz. It’s a celebration of local flavour. A way to bring the best of Somerset’s strawberries into your glass and enjoy that relaxed aperitivo feeling—whether you’re sat in the garden, stretched out on a picnic blanket, or catching up with friends outside the pub.
Let’s take a closer look at why the spritz has become such a go-to in warm weather, how the Somerset version gives it a unique twist, and how you can make it your own.
What actually is a spritz?
The spritz has a longer story than most people realise. It didn’t start with Aperol. It actually goes all the way back to Northern Italy in the 1800s, during the time of the Austrian Empire.
Austrian soldiers stationed in Italy found the local wines a bit too strong for their liking. So they started adding a splash of water—still or sparkling—to soften the intensity. The German word for splash is “spritz”, and that’s where the name came from.
Over the years, it evolved. In the 20th century, especially after World War I, bartenders began adding bitter liqueurs like Campari or Aperol. Then prosecco got involved. By the 1950s, the Aperol Spritz had become a staple across Italy. And with social media, cheap travel, and a rise in the “aperitivo lifestyle”, it didn’t take long for the spritz to spread across Europe and beyond.
Now it’s everywhere—from rooftop bars in London to beach cafés in Greece.
But the Somerset Strawberry Spritz gives it a different kind of charm. Local. Calmer. A little more down to earth.
Why is the spritz such a good hot weather drink?
You’ve probably noticed that some drinks just work better in the heat. And the spritz isn’t just popular by accident. There are a few good reasons it fits perfectly with warm, slow summer days.
It’s light and easy
The spritz is usually low in alcohol—around 8 to 12% ABV—which means you can sip it without getting dehydrated or feeling too heavy. It’s refreshing, not overwhelming.
It’s crisp and clean
You’ve got bubbles from the prosecco or soda, which adds a little zing. And you’ve got bitterness from liqueurs like Aperol or vermouth, which keeps it from tasting too sweet. That sharp edge helps cut through the heat and makes it more thirst-quenching.
It’s served cold, always
Over ice, in a tall glass. Sometimes with a slice of fruit or a sprig of something green. It doesn’t just taste cool—it looks cool too.
It’s effortless
You don’t need a shaker or fancy kit. You can build it straight into the glass. It’s one of those drinks that’s ready in less than a minute but still feels like you’ve done something special.
It sets the tone
A spritz doesn’t rush you. It slows you down. It’s meant for unwinding. For easing into the evening. It’s not about knocking drinks back. It’s about enjoying where you are, what you’re doing, and who you’re with.
What makes the Somerset Strawberry Spritz different?
The Somerset Strawberry Spritz isn’t a reinvention. It’s more like a local variation. A version that uses what’s around you. Strawberries from nearby farms. Cider country spirits. English vermouths. It still keeps the heart of the classic spritz, but it adds something softer. More floral. More fragrant.
Instead of going down the Aperol or Campari route, this one uses white vermouth infused with strawberries. The result is something lighter and rounder. You still get that bitterness, but it’s balanced by fruit and floral notes rather than intense citrus.
It also brings a sense of place into the glass. If you’ve ever had Somerset strawberries in peak season, you know how much flavour they carry. That soft, ripe sweetness hits differently when it’s fresh and local.
And when you pair it with prosecco, elderflower, and a splash of soda? It just works.
How do you make a Somerset Strawberry Spritz?
You don’t need much. Just a bit of time to prep your infused vermouth, and then it all comes together quickly.
Prepare your strawberry-infused vermouth
- Slice or quarter 6–8 ripe Somerset strawberries.
- Add them to a clean bottle or jar that seals tightly.
- Pour in around 450ml of white vermouth (not dry vermouth).
- Leave it to infuse at room temperature for 24 hours. Keep it out of direct sunlight and give it a gentle shake now and then.
- After 24 hours, strain out the strawberries and chill the vermouth.
Why white vermouth? It’s more floral, with elderflower and citrus notes that balance beautifully with the strawberries. Dry vermouth, on the other hand, leans bitter and sharp—which can overpower the softer notes you’re aiming for.
Build your spritz
- In a tall glass, add 4 cubes of ice or a scoop of crushed ice.
- Pour in 20ml of your strawberry-infused vermouth.
- Add 20ml of elderflower liqueur (or elderflower syrup if you want it alcohol-free).
- Top with 60ml prosecco and 60ml sparkling water or soda water.
- Stir gently to bring everything together.
- Garnish with a slice of lime, a slice of strawberry, and a sprig of mint.
That’s it. Light, chilled, and ready in minutes.
Can you adjust it to your taste?
Absolutely. That’s part of what makes this drink so easy to come back to. You can shift it depending on what you’ve got in the cupboard or what mood you’re in.
Try these simple swaps:
- Use Somerset apple eau de vie instead of vermouth for a more spirit-forward version.
- Add a splash of lemon juice if you like a sharper edge.
- Go heavier on the soda if you want to keep it lighter.
- Swap mint for basil for a slightly more herbal feel.
You can even leave the alcohol out entirely. Just skip the vermouth and prosecco, and use strawberry cordial or fresh juice with soda and elderflower. It still feels fresh and grown-up, even without the alcohol.
When should you serve it?
This is one of those drinks that fits almost any outdoor setting. It’s best when it’s warm and relaxed. You don’t need to be dressed up. You don’t need a table full of food. You just need the moment.
It works well:
- As a welcome drink at summer gatherings
- Before dinner, when people are still arriving
- At barbecues, especially as a lighter option
- On a quiet afternoon in the garden
The Somerset Strawberry Spritz doesn’t ask for anything in return. It’s low-key, easy to like, and easy to make again.
What are the benefits of using local ingredients?
Using Somerset strawberries and regional vermouth isn’t just about ticking a box. It changes the flavour. The freshness is noticeable. You’re not reaching for a synthetic strawberry liqueur or something syrupy. You’re using what’s in season. And that makes the whole drink feel more alive.
There’s also something about drinking local that connects you to where you are. It’s less about trend and more about rhythm. You’re drinking with the season, not around it. And when you’re using ingredients grown a few miles away, you start to notice just how much better they taste.
Final thoughts: why this spritz is worth your time
The Somerset Strawberry Spritz is one of those drinks you’ll end up making more than once. Not because it’s complicated or flashy, but because it just fits.
It’s light but full of flavour. Simple but satisfying. It takes the idea of a spritz and adds a softer, fresher, local twist. And it brings a bit of calm to the day—like a quiet reminder that slowing down now and then is something worth doing.
So if the sun’s out, or even if it isn’t, give it a go. Make a small batch. Pour it into your nicest glass. Step outside. Take a sip.
You might find that it’s exactly what you needed.
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