If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s a little bit different, a little bit tangy, and totally refreshing, then I’ve got just the thing for you. This Dirty Spritz with Olive Brine and Citrus Recipe is my go-to drink when I want something vibrant yet perfectly balanced. It’s light, bubbly, with just enough of that briny olive kick to keep things interesting. Trust me, once you try this at home, it might just become your new favorite spritz too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, briny, and bubbly: You get a lively mix of citrus and olive brine with sparkling tonic water that wakes up your taste buds.
- Easy to make at home: Just a handful of ingredients and a quick stir—no fancy bartending skills required.
- Versatile and refreshing: Perfect for a sunny afternoon, a casual get-together, or when you just want something a bit different from your usual cocktail.
- Delightfully elegant garnish: Olives and thyme add that little classy finishing touch that makes it special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Dirty Spritz with Olive Brine and Citrus Recipe are simple but thoughtfully combined. Each plays a role in creating that perfect balance of savory, citrusy, and effervescent flavors.
- Citrus Aperitivo: Look for one with a bright, slightly bitter orange or lemon flavor to anchor the drink’s zestiness.
- Tonic Water: Choose a good-quality tonic with a nice balance of sweetness and bitterness — it really makes a difference in the fizz and flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is non-negotiable here; bottled just doesn’t have that lively punch.
- Olive Brine: This is where the “dirty” in the spritz comes from—grab the brine from your favorite jar of olives.
- Olives for Garnish: Use large green olives stuffed with garlic or almonds for a delicious bite.
- Thyme Sprig: Adds a subtle herbal aroma that complements the briny and citrus notes perfectly.
Variations
I often like to tweak this Dirty Spritz with Olive Brine and Citrus Recipe depending on the mood or the season. Feel free to personalize it — that’s the beauty of cocktails!
- Add a splash of gin: If you want a boozier version, I love adding a bit of gin for that botanical complexity.
- Swap lemon juice for lime: This gives the spritz a sharper, tangier edge that’s especially refreshing in summer.
- Try different herbs: Rosemary or basil can be great alternatives to thyme if you want to experiment with herbal notes.
- Make it sparkling wine spritz: Replace tonic water with prosecco for a festive twist that elevates the drink’s bubbly charm.
How to Make Dirty Spritz with Olive Brine and Citrus Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Before you dive in, make sure you have fresh lemon juice on hand — I can’t stress this enough! Grab your citrus aperitivo, tonic water chilled, and your jar of olives for the brine and garnish. Having everything ready means a smooth, stress-free process.
Step 2: Build Your Drink in a Collins Glass
Add 1.5 ounces of citrus aperitivo to your glass, followed by 3 ounces of tonic water. Then squeeze in half an ounce of lemon juice, and add a quarter ounce of olive brine. This last ingredient is the secret star—it gives that lovely “dirty” savory note.
Step 3: Add Ice and Stir Gently
Top the glass generously with ice to chill everything immediately. Then give it a gentle stir — just two quick stirs are enough to mix without losing the fizz. I found that over-stirring causes the tonic to go flat faster, so keep it light!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a few olives (I usually pick ones stuffed with garlic—they’re my favorite) and a fresh sprig of thyme. The thyme adds a wonderful aroma every time you take a sip. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Pro Tips for Making Dirty Spritz with Olive Brine and Citrus Recipe
- Use fresh citrus juice: It makes all the difference in brightness and freshness, so avoid bottled lemon juice if you can.
- Balance olive brine carefully: I started with too much brine once and it overwhelmed the drink—stick to 0.25 oz to keep it just right.
- Chill your tonic water: Cold tonic preserves the carbonation better when you pour it into the glass.
- Minimal stirring: Stir just enough to combine the flavors—over-stirring kills the fizz fast.
How to Serve Dirty Spritz with Olive Brine and Citrus Recipe
Garnishes
I love garnishing this spritz with green olives stuffed with garlic or almonds because they bring a salty bite that complements the brine perfectly. Fresh thyme sprigs add a lovely herbal aroma, and they look so pretty against the sparkling drink.
Side Dishes
This cocktail pairs beautifully with Mediterranean-inspired snacks — think marinated olives, crispy crostini with herbed goat cheese, or a platter of charcuterie. My family goes crazy for this combo when we have friends over for brunch or casual evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to rim the glass rim with a mix of sea salt and finely chopped thyme for an extra flavor pop. Serving it in vintage-style glassware with a small skewer of olives makes it feel extra fancy and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This spritz is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftover mixture (minus the tonic water), you can store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add tonic and ice when you’re ready to serve again to keep it bubbly.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended because the tonic water’s fizz disappears and the texture changes. For best results, mix fresh every time you want to enjoy the cocktail.
Reheating
Since this is a cold cocktail, reheating doesn’t apply—but if your drink gets too warm, just add fresh ice and stir lightly to refresh it.
FAQs
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What is olive brine and where can I find it?
Olive brine is the salty, flavorful liquid that olives are packed in. You can find it in the jar alongside green olives in most grocery stores or specialty markets. Just be sure to use the brine, not the olives themselves when measuring for the cocktail.
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Can I use bottled citrus juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
While you technically can, the fresh lemon juice adds a bright, vibrant acidity that bottled juice just can’t replicate. For the best flavor, I always recommend using freshly squeezed lemons.
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What can I substitute for Citrus Aperitivo if I don’t have it?
If you can’t find a citrus aperitivo, try an orange or lemon liqueur, like triple sec or limoncello, but keep in mind this may alter the bitterness and sweetness balance slightly.
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How strong is a Dirty Spritz with Olive Brine and Citrus?
It’s a light, refreshing cocktail with moderate alcohol content thanks to the aperitivo and tonic water—perfect for sipping without feeling weighed down.
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Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?
Definitely! Swap the citrus aperitivo for a non-alcoholic citrus syrup or a splash of fresh orange juice to keep the refreshing vibe but without the alcohol.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried the Dirty Spritz with Olive Brine and Citrus Recipe, I was blown away by how something so simple could be so deeply satisfying. It’s become my go-to when I want a cocktail that feels fresh, lively, and just a little bit unexpected. Whether you’re sitting on the patio in the sunshine or entertaining friends, this spritz adds that perfect pop of personality. So go ahead — give it a try and let this clever blend brighten your next gathering!
Print
Dirty Spritz with Olive Brine and Citrus Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
The Dirty Spritz is a refreshing and slightly savory cocktail featuring a vibrant blend of citrus aperitivo, tonic water, lemon juice, and a touch of olive brine. Perfectly balanced and garnished with olives and a thyme sprig, this sophisticated spritz offers a unique twist on the classic aperitivo drink.
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: Take a Collins glass and fill it with ice to chill.
- Add Ingredients: Pour 1.5 oz of citrus aperitivo, 3 oz tonic water, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.25 oz olive brine directly into the glass over the ice.
- Stir the Drink: Using a bar spoon or stirrer, gently stir the mixture twice to combine the flavors without losing carbonation from the tonic water.
- Garnish: Add a few olives and a fresh thyme sprig as garnish to complement the savory and citrusy notes of the cocktail.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
- Choose a high-quality citrus aperitivo for enhanced aromatic complexity.
- The olive brine adds a salty, savory note that makes this drink unique; adjust the amount to taste.
- Stir gently to maintain the tonic water’s fizz.
- Serve immediately while cold and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approx. 8 oz)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
