Spiced Orange Gin Spritz

This Gin Spritz recipe is the perfect aromatic gin cocktail. It starts with brewed black tea that’s simmered in warming spices. Once at room temperature, shake the spiced orange black tea with gin, mounds of ice, and freshly squeezed citrus. Then pour into your favorite cocktail glass and top with sparkling wine. It’s a gin spritzer cocktail with orange that’s easy to make, flavorful and zesty and will leave your home smelling like Fall.

Move over Aperol Spritz. There’s a new gin spritz in town! This gin cocktail marries warm vanilla, comforting spices, tart citrus, a hint of juniper berries, and sparkling wine to create the most refreshing, zesty cocktail that pairs perfectly with any season. If you prefer vodka cocktails, try this Red White and Blue Cocktail. Or, if you prefer whiskey, try my New York Sour with a festive twist.

TIP: If you prefer delicious drinks without alcohol, try my spiced Cranberry Spritzers with blood oranges and candied rosemary or my homemade Vegan Eggnog. And if you need a main to pair with this bevie, try one of these 12 Vegan Main Dishes!

🍸 What Is A Gin Spritz?

According to sommelier Jordan Salcito, spritzes can be traced back to the ancient Romans and Greeks. In those days, it was considered uncouth to be drunk during a meal, so it was quite common to add water, even sea water, to wine. In more modern times, the origin of the spritz dates back to Northern Italy when Austrians occupied the land. Legend tells us that they did not like the taste of wine so they began adding a “spritz” or spray of water, to make the drink more palatable.

As the spritz cocktail continued to evolve, various itineration’s were introduced, such as honey, berries and flowers, as well as the addition of sparkling wines, liqueurs and other alcohol. To learn more about the origin of the spritz, check out this story from Martha Stewart. Of course, if you prefer a shot, try the Blue Kamikaze Shot, or if it’s hot outside, this authentic Tinto de Verano!

🔪 Ingredients With Substitutions

• Gin – the perfect vegan cocktail starts with gin, and I prefer Bombay Sapphire, however, you can use any gin you have on hand, such as Beefeater, Tanqueray or this gin alternative that’s non-alcoholic. And if you love gin cocktails, try my Blackberry Smash, guaranteed to please.
• Sparkling wine – I use Prosecco in this gin spritz, but you can substitute with any sparkling wine of your choosing. And, if you prefer, champagne will even work.
• Oranges – it’s best to use fresh-squeezed orange juice for this recipe, and I always recommend organic, when possible. Alternatively, you can use bottled juice, instead. If you love fruity cocktails, try my Strawberry Pina Colada.
• Lemons – again, buy organic whenever possible as this spritz cocktail calls for freshly squeezed lemon juice. For an added zest, add a squirt of fresh organic lime juice, as well. Of course, bottled juice is always acceptable.
• Black tea bags – black tea adds a nutty, chocolatey, even fruity flavor to this cocktail. I prefer organic, but any black tea will serve this gin spritz recipe well.
• Orange zest – this popular cocktail garnish makes this zesty cocktail even zestier when brewed with black tea and other spices. Oranges should be washed and rinsed prior to use with a fruit and vegetable wash or hot, soapy water. Use a zester to lightly grate the outside of the orange into a small bowl, being careful not to go too deep.
• Coconut sugar – I prefer using coconut sugar for this recipe, however, you may substitute with organic brown sugar, which is oftentimes vegan, or agave nectar.
• Cinnamon sticks – no spiced cocktail is complete without cinnamon sticks. Can also be used for an all-natural potpourri.
• Vanilla extract – adds a warm, comforting flavor and aroma. You may substitute with other extracts, such as almond extract or orange extract.
• Allspice – ground allspice adds a seasonal flavor the the cocktail.
• Ice – you may substitute with, well, ice! LOL!

🥃 How to Make a Gin Spritz

Step 1. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Reduce heat to low, then add tea bags and seep for 5 minutes.

Step 2. Remove tea bags. Add orange zest, coconut sugar, cinnamon sticks, allspice, and vanilla and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

Step 3. Remove from heat. Allow to cool to room temperature. Once cool, strain the spiced orange black tea mixture using a fine mesh sieve.

Step 4. Add ice to a cocktail shaker. then pour in the spiced orange black tea, gin, orange juice, and lemon juice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

Step 5. Next, add the spiced orange black tea, gin, orange juice, and lemon juice to the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

Step 6. Finally, in a glass with ice, (see below for glass recommendations), pour the shaken drink into each glass, filling them about 3/4 of the way full. Top each glass with sparkling wine and stir gently. Garnish with dried blood oranges and fresh mint or basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

🍾 Equipment Needed

To make the best gin spritz ever, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, cocktail jigger, large wine glass, tumbler or glass of your choice (see below for suggestions). I love this cocktail and jigger set with a built-in strainer.

🥂 Glasses For A Spritz

Something as extraordinary as gin deserves to be served in an equally extraordinary glass, like my favorite Gin and Tonic Copa de Balon Set. However, once you’ve shaken this gin spritz recipe with ice in a cocktail shaker, you can serve it in a variety of glasses, including a large wine glass, highball glass, tumbler, balloon glass, lowball glass, or even a mason jar.

🍉 Recipe Variations

• The spiced orange black tea can be made ahead of time. Cool to room temperature, strain, and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Add the fresh juices, gin, and sparkling wine when ready to serve.
• This recipe can be scaled up to make larger batches for parties and gatherings.
• Ground cinnamon can be used in place of cinnamon sticks. Use about 1/2 teaspoon for each cinnamon stick.
• Fresh squeezed orange and lemon juice really elevates the flavors in this drink. Alternatively, bottled juice can be used as a replacement in a pinch.
• Make this drink a mocktail by substituting gin with this non-alcoholic gin alternative.
• There are so many ways to have fun garnishing this drink. Cinnamon sticks, dehydrated citrus slices, fresh herbs, like mint or rosemary, orange or lemon wedges, and a cinnamon sugar rim are all great choices.
• If you enjoy cocktails, try my classic Vodka Mule!

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

• Use tonic water, club soda, or sparkling water as a substitute for sparkling wine if you prefer your beverage alcohol-free.
• Choose a sweeter sparkling wine, such as Moscato or Asti Spumante, if you prefer less tartness in this bevie. In addition, stir in a tablespoon of agave nectar to add even more sweetness.
• Substitute with tequila or vodka if you’re not a fan of gin.
• Substitute with white or pink grapefruit juice if you don’t fancy orange or lemon juice.
• Add a cinnamon and/or sugar rim. This balances the tartness with added sweetness. Simply run a lemon wedge around the perimeter of your glass and dip into a small plate of cinnamon and/or sugar.

💭 FAQ

Serving Suggestions

If you’re serving this gin spritz with a main dish, may I suggest my Cavolo Nero Pasta or this Chopped Veggie Salad. If pairing with a dessert, try this amazing raspberry Vegan Pavlova, no-bake Vegan Lemon Cheesecake, or my Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies.

🍲 What To Serve With This Recipe

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