Five New Spritzes to Try in Christchurch This Summer

Cold, sparkling and usually served over plenty of ice, few drinks capture the mood of summer quite like a spritz. It is what we want waiting at the end of a coastal walk, beside us in a sunny pub garden or overlooking the water as a warm afternoon slowly becomes evening.

The classic Aperol Spritz remains a favourite, but local menus now offer everything from tropical Italian aperitifs to elderflower, orange blossom and pink gin. We have explored the official menus of venues in and around Christchurch to find five distinctive drinks for our summer list.

The Sarti Rosa Spritz is one of the most interesting drinks on The Oaks’ new summer menu. It is made with Sarti Rosa, an Italian aperitif flavoured with passion fruit, mango and blood orange, combined with prosecco and soda and finished with lime wedges.

Its tropical flavours make it a fruitier alternative to Aperol, but it retains the bubbles and refreshing lightness that we expect from a spritz. It is likely to appeal to anyone who enjoys a passion-fruit cocktail but wants something less heavy and sweet than a traditional tropical serve.

The Sarti Rosa Spritz costs £10.45. The Oaks also offers Aperol, Citrus and Hugo spritzes, although this is the drink we would choose when we want to try something less familiar. The pub’s Highcliffe location makes it an appealing final stop after an afternoon by the sea.

Photo: TheOaks

Ye Olde George Inn provides an alcohol-free addition to our collection with its Elderflower Spritz, included among the mocktails available during the pub’s bottomless brunch.

Elderflower has become one of summer’s defining flavours - and for good reason. It is light, floral and refreshing without being overpowering. That makes this a softer alternative to the bitter Aperol and fruit-led spritzes found elsewhere on our list. It also allows anyone avoiding alcohol to join in with something more celebratory than an ordinary soft drink.

The Elderflower Spritz is available as part of Ye Olde George’s pre-booked bottomless brunch, which includes a brunch dish and two hours of drinks. Its Castle Street location places the pub close to Christchurch Priory, the Quay and the beginning of several riverside walks. We might complete the walking portion of the day before starting the bottomless brunch, however.

Photo: YeOldeGeorgeInn

With so many new variations competing for our attention, it is easy to overlook the drink that started the modern spritz obsession. The Bear of Burton officially includes the classic Aperol Spritz among its spritz choices.

The familiar combination of Aperol, prosecco and soda creates a balance of bittersweet orange, bubbles and gentle dilution. It is colourful and distinctive without being overly complicated, the sort of drink that works just as well before dinner as it does during a long afternoon in the garden.

The setting is an important part of this recommendation. The Bear has a spacious garden in Burton and promotes a summer drinks selection featuring garden spritzes, crisp rosé, refreshing G&Ts, cold pints and low-and-no alternatives. This is the one to order when we want a reliable classic somewhere that encourages us to settle in and stay awhile.

Photo: TheBearOfBurton

For something more floral, The Crown’s Raspberry & Orange Blossom Spritz combines Tanqueray Gin and prosecco with Fever-Tree Raspberry & Orange Blossom Soda. Fresh raspberries complete the serve.

The raspberry supplies a familiar burst of fruit, while orange blossom introduces a softer citrus fragrance. It sounds bright and summery without following the predictable formula of prosecco and a brightly coloured Italian aperitif.

The Crown is in Bransgore, approximately a 15-minute drive from central Christchurch and close to the New Forest. Its country-pub garden makes it a particularly inviting stop after a walk or an afternoon spent exploring the surrounding villages. The venue currently promotes spritzes among its summer drinks and offers two cocktails for £15 from 5pm on Fridays, although the drinks included in promotions may vary.

Photo: TheCrownInn

Our final choice is the colourful Gin Berry Spritz at The Walkford. It combines pink gin, prosecco and lemonade before being finished with a fresh strawberry garnish.

This is one for drinkers who prefer their cocktails fruity and approachable. Pink gin supplies the berry character, prosecco provides the sparkle and lemonade produces a sweeter finish than the more bitter Italian spritzes. At £6.45, it is also the least expensive alcoholic drink on our list.

The Walkford sits between Christchurch and Highcliffe, placing it within easy reach of the coast. Its beer garden makes it a convenient place to extend an afternoon after visiting Highcliffe Beach or walking through nearby Chewton Bunny.

Photo: TheWalkfordInn