The spritz cocktail — best known in its branded Aperol goblet form with the orange-herbal aperitif drizzled into prosecco with a splash of soda water — has become a quintessential spring and summer sipper, seeing its fair share of the limelight. From Instagram-worthy images of the drink to Aperol’s 2017 marketing campaign based on the spirit, the spritz is also prominent on the cider scene. But hold on the oft-sweet spirit and opt for these canned cider versions that make apple the branded ingredient here.
Viva Spritz by Vermont Cider Co.
Released just this spring, Viva Spritz is Vermont Cider Co.‘s apple-based spritz, featuring all-natural ingredients and three different flavors. Peach Mango, Raspberry Lime and Black Cherry are all under 100 calories, sitting at 4.2% ABV and only 2 grams of sugar. The Peach Mango is currently available in a six-pack, while the variety pack includes two slim, 12-ounce cans of each.
Cider Spritz by City Roots
This Boston-based cider producer — created by small group of cider-loving employee-owners at the lauded Harpoon Brewery — ferments fresh-pressed, New England-grown apples with a wine yeast until it’s nearly dry, when it is then filtered clean and bright. This is apple true and true (no other adjuncts), just a light and refreshing version of it.
Mezzo Spritz by Virtue Cider
No carb, low cal (90) and zero sugar reads the label of this 12-ounce porch-pounder that is the most dedicated of this bunch to the traditional spritz model. Cider, sparkling water and botanicals are blended together and, in some canning runs, blended with refreshing elements like blood orange.
Hard Cider Spritzers by Noble Cider
North Carolina-based cider house Noble has also recently launched a line of cider spritzers, with four different flavors: Lime & Hibiscus, Grapefruit & Citra, Orange & Jasmine Tea and Lemon & Elderflower. The locally grown, fresh-pressed apple juice is fermented then blended with the aforementioned citrus and botanicals (including the IPA-friendly Citra hop variety) for a top that’s easy to pop over and over.
