If you’re on the hunt for a cocktail that’s fresh, a little savory, and totally refreshing, you’re going to adore this Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe. This drink blends bright citrus notes with an unexpected briny twist that wakes up your taste buds in the best way. Whether you’re sipping solo or entertaining friends, this spritz hits that perfect balance of easygoing yet sophisticated. Let me walk you through how to nail it every time—you’ll find this is a fan-freaking-tastic recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Balanced: The citrus aperitivo and lemon juice brighten the drink while the olive brine adds a delightful savory twist.
- Super Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal steps, you can whip this up in under five minutes.
- Perfect for Entertaining: It’s a crowd-pleaser that stands out from the usual spritzes and cocktails.
- Customizable: You can swap out or tweak ingredients without losing that signature dirty spritz charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe comes from the interplay of fresh citrus and salty olive brine. When I first tried mixing these elements in a spritz, I was surprised at how nicely they complemented each other, creating a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail. Here’s what you’ll want to prep ahead of time:
- Citrus Aperitivo: This is your base spirit—look for one with bright, zesty notes to make your spritz shine.
- Tonic Water: Adds bubbles and a touch of bitter-sweetness that balances the brine perfectly.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key—it brightens the whole drink and adds that fresh zing.
- Olive Brine: Don’t skip this! It gives the “dirty” character and savory depth that sets this spritz apart.
- Olives (for garnish): The perfect savory touch and visual cue that lets everyone know this isn’t your ordinary spritz.
- Thyme Sprig: This fragrant herb adds an herbal aroma that complements the citrus and briny flavors beautifully.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe depending on the mood or occasion. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find the recipe is forgiving and perfect for personalizing.
- Herbal Twist: I sometimes swap thyme for rosemary or basil to add a different herbal aroma, and it really freshens up the drink in a new way.
- Spicy Edge: Adding a few dashes of hot sauce or muddling some jalapeño slices turns this spritz into something a bit more daring—my family loves it when I do this at game night!
- Low-Alcohol Version: Using less citrus aperitivo and more tonic water keeps it light and refreshing without losing flavor.
- Seasonal Citrus: Play around with blood orange or grapefruit juice in place of lemon for a seasonal upgrade that feels extra special.
How to Make Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Chill Your Glass
Start this recipe by grabbing a tall collins glass. I like to pop mine into the fridge or freezer for a few minutes—it keeps the spritz icy cold longer. Trust me, a chilled glass makes all the difference when you’re sipping on something with that zesty and briny punch.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Add your citrus aperitivo (1.5 oz), tonic water (3 oz), fresh lemon juice (0.5 oz), and olive brine (0.25 oz) into the chilled glass. This balance is where the magic happens—the citrus sweetness contrasts with the savory olive brine so beautifully. When I first tried this, I was surprised how a splash of olive brine could transform the whole vibe of the spritz.
Step 3: Top with Ice and Stir Gently
Fill your glass with ice—chunky cubes are best to keep things cold without watering down too fast. Give it two gentle stirs to blend everything without losing the bubbles from the tonic water. You don’t want to stir vigorously here; you want to keep those sparkling bubbles dancing in your glass.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your spritz with a couple of olives and a fresh thyme sprig. This isn’t just for looks—the aromas from the thyme and salty olives enhance each sip. I usually skewer the olives on a cocktail pick for easy snacking. And if you want to elevate your presentation, try freezing the olives first—they get that neat frosty look that impresses guests every time.
Pro Tips for Making Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe
- Always Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the brightness you want here, so I squeeze fresh every time.
- Choose a Quality Olive Brine: I learned this the hard way—cheap brine can be too salty or artificial tasting, so opt for a good-quality jarred olive brine.
- Don’t Skip Chilling the Glass: A cold glass keeps your spritz crisp longer, which is perfect for sipping over conversation.
- Stir Gently to Preserve Bubbles: Vigorous stirring mutes the tonic water’s fizz, so a couple of slow, careful stirs keep your drink lively.
How to Serve Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a couple of green olives and a sprig of fresh thyme on top. The olives add that salty bite you’re expecting in a “dirty” style drink, and thyme brings a subtle herbaceous note that lifts everything. If I want to get fancy, I’ll add a thin lemon wheel on the rim for extra citrus aroma and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This spritz pairs wonderfully with salty and light snacks. I love serving it alongside marinated olives, a cheese board with goat cheese and aged Manchego, or even some herby grilled shrimp skewers. It’s also fantastic with light seafood dishes or fresh salads with vinaigrette—something that complements the briny and citrus notes without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve these in clear, elegant collins glasses with a couple of gourmet cocktail picks threaded with olives and a sprig of thyme. Sometimes I freeze edible flowers inside the ice cubes for a whimsical touch. If you’re hosting a party, setting up a little DIY spritz station with different citrus zest and brined olives encourages guest fun and custom creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, I don’t recommend storing it fully mixed. However, if you want to prep the citrus aperitivo and olive brine mixture ahead, you can keep it in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 2 days. Then just add tonic and ice right before serving for best fizz and flavor.
Freezing
I don’t freeze this spritz itself because the bubbles and fresh citrus notes don’t hold up well. But I’ve had success freezing olives ahead (like I mentioned with the garnish), which adds a cool element to the presentation if you want to prepare garnishes in advance.
Reheating
Since it’s a cold cocktail, reheating obviously isn’t relevant here. If you want to revive a spritz that’s lost its fizz, try topping it up with a bit more chilled tonic water and fresh lemon juice, then give it a gentle stir.
FAQs
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What is olive brine, and where can I buy it?
Olive brine is the salty, flavorful liquid from jars of olives, often used in cocktails like martinis and now spritzes for that savory “dirty” flavor. You can find it in the olive section of most grocery stores—just pour some from your favorite jar of green olives or buy specialty olive brines bottled for cocktails.
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Can I substitute the citrus aperitivo?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a citrus aperitivo on hand, you can try using Aperol, Cointreau, or even a lighter vermouth for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
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How important is fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice really makes the difference in brightness and zing. Bottled lemon juice tends to taste flat or overly tart, so squeezing a fresh lemon is worth the little extra effort here.
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Can I make this into a mocktail?
Yes! Try omitting the citrus aperitivo and increasing tonic water and lemon juice for brightness. Adding a splash of olive brine still gives that signature savory twist.
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What’s the best way to serve this drink at a party?
Set up a spritz bar with pre-measured aperitivo, lemon juice, olive brine, and tonic water, along with plenty of ice and garnishes like olives and fresh herbs. This lets guests mix their own fresh Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe whenever they want.
Final Thoughts
This Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe has become one of my go-to drinks for unwinding or impressing guests with very little fuss. The play between citrus and savory olive brine feels refreshing and a little unexpected, which always sparks fun conversations in my kitchen. If you give it a try, I hope you find it as satisfying and versatile as I do. Pour yourself one, take that first sip, and enjoy—you’re in for a tasty, memorable treat!
Print
Dirty Spritz with Citrus and Olive Brine Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
The Dirty Spritz is a refreshing and slightly briny cocktail perfect for citrus and herb lovers. Combining a bright citrus aperitivo with tonic water, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of olive brine, this drink offers a unique savory twist balanced by effervescent tonic and aromatic thyme garnish.
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 the glass: Select a collins glass and add all the liquid ingredients—citrus aperitivo, tonic water, lemon juice, and olive brine—directly into the glass.
- Add ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes to chill the drink thoroughly.
- Stir gently: Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture twice to combine the ingredients without losing the tonic’s fizz.
- Garnish: Finish by garnishing the drink with olives and a sprig of fresh thyme to add aroma and a visually appealing touch.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and natural flavor.
- The olive brine adds a savory note—adjust the amount if you prefer a milder briny taste.
- Choose a citrus-forward aperitivo to complement the lemon and tonic flavors.
- Stir gently to preserve the bubbles in the tonic water.
- The thyme sprig not only garnishes but adds an herbal aroma enhancing the overall drinking experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
