Easy Amaretto Spritz Cocktail Recipe

If you love a good Italian cocktail, say hello to this easy Amaretto Spritz! Made with nutty amaretto liqueur, zesty lemon juice, and bubbly prosecco, this easy cocktail tastes like a cross between an Amaretto Sour and an Italian Spritz. 

While traveling in Italy last year, I made a point to try as many spritz cocktails as I could. I tried everything from the classics, like Aperol Spritz and Limoncello Spritz, to lesser known Sweet Vermouth Spritz and Passion Fruit Spritz, so I’ve been very eager to experiment with this style of cocktail, and this Amaretto Spritz has been one of my favorite cocktails.  

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Unique flavor – The combination of nutty amaretto mixed with fizzy prosecco and soda water creates a balanced and unique flavor that is akin to both a classic Italian spritz and Amaretto Sour. 

Super simple – This cocktail is a breeze to make (and drink!) and requires no special equipment – not even a cocktail shaker! 

Easy to batch – An Amaretto Spritz is as easy to make for a crowd as it is to just make one cocktail. I have measurements for making a big pitcher listed in the notes section of the recipe card. 

What is a Spritz?

Spritz cocktails are Italian cocktails that originated in the Veneto region of Italy. It dates back to the 19th century when Habsburg soldiers used a spray of water (“spritzen” in German) to dilute the strong wine of the Veneto region, which they were not quite accustomed to. 

The “spritz” has evolved and has resulted in the creation of the classic Aperol Spritz, which is still a popular cocktail in Italy and many other countries. Spritz cocktails are particularly popular in the Summer thanks to their refreshing qualities. 

Interestingly, while spritz cocktails are generally aperitifs (or pre-dinner drinks), amaretto is considered a digestif (after-dinner drink). It really doesn’t matter when you drink it as long as you enjoy it. Personally, I feel like this drink feels like more of an aperitif over a digestif due to the refreshing quality of its effervescence. 

Ingredient Notes

Amaretto liqueur – This Italian almond liqueur has a sweet almond flavor and notes of cherry. Some brands are made from actual almonds, and others, like Disaronno, are actually made from apricot kernels. 

Lemon juice – It’s always best to use fresh lemon juice in cocktail recipes. Bottled just doesn’t have the same flavor. You can also use fresh lime juice or a combo of both for a lemon-lime vibe. 

Prosecco – I recommend getting a dry or brut style as the amaretto is plenty sweet on its own. A sweet prosecco might being a little too cloying. Save the expensive sparkling wine for sipping on their own. For cocktails, a good bottle of prosecco under $20 works perfectly.

Soda water – You’ll need either seltzer, club soda, or sparkling mineral water. I like to use my SodaStream for seltzer on demand. 

Garnishes – Cocktail cherries are the perfect garnish to play on the amaretto’s almond and cherry notes. For cocktail cherries, I recommend using high quality amarena cherries, like Luxardo or Fabbri. Lemon or orange slices would be another great choice. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the amaretto and lemon juice to a large wine glass filled with ice. I used my Viski Spritz glasses – these are one of my favorite sets of glassware.

Step 2: Top with prosecco and soda water. 

Step 3: Garnish with cherries on a cocktail pick and/or a slice of orange or lemon. 

Expert Tips

To add more complex flavors, try adding a few dashes of bitters. Cherry bitters would work great, or some type of citrus flavor such as lemon or orange bitters. 

If you want a sweeter cocktail, add a little bit of sugar syrup, cocktail cherry juice, or even fresh orange juice. An orange liqueur, like Cointreau, would also be great to add for a touch of citrusy sweetness. 

To add some zestier sweetness, swap the soda water for lemon-lime soda. I have a great homemade version of lemon-lime soda, if you’d like to try that.

Make it into a mocktail by swapping amaretto liqueur with amaretto syrup and the prosecco for more soda water or alcohol-free sparkling wine. Nowadays, there’s so many alcohol-free beverage alternatives, you can make just about any cocktail into a mocktail with a complex flavor comparable to the real thing. 

FAQ

Can I make a large batch of Amaretto Spritz?

Yes, you can easily make a large batch of Amaretto Spritz. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. I’ve included measurements in the recipe card’s notes to serve 8. Mix the amaretto and lemon juice in a pitcher, then add the prosecco and soda water when you’re ready to serve to keep the fizz.

Can I make a batch in advance?

For the best taste and effervescence, it’s recommended to mix the amaretto and lemon juice ahead of time and refrigerate up to 1 day in advance. Add the prosecco and soda water just before serving to maintain the bubbles and freshness. Serve your cocktails over ice. 

What can you mix amaretto with?

Amaretto is quite versatile and can be mixed with a diverse range of ingredients. If you want to try another amaretto cocktail, try my Amaretto Fizz or Italian Amaretto Mule. 

Is it okay to drink amaretto straight?

Absolutely, you definitely can! Amaretto is delicious on its own, served over ice. With its typical sweet marzipan notes of almonds and cherry flavors, it is a pleasant liqueur to sip straight.