Spring Is in the Air: The Return of Spritz Season

The transition from the cool, damp California winter to the bright, sun-drenched afternoons of April and May means one thing at K&L: the spritz is officially back. As the flowers bloom and the patio furniture is dusted off, I find myself reaching for glasses that capture the effervescence of the season. With Mother’s Day brunch just around the corner, there is no better way to celebrate the occasion than with a cocktail that is as elegant as it is effortless.

The Hugo Spritz

While the Aperol Spritz remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of the category, providing the perfect foil for a crisp Prosecco, the world of the spritz has expanded far beyond the orange grove. For those looking for something lighter and more floral, the Hugo Spritz has become a popular favorite. By swapping out the bitter orange for elderflower liqueur like St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur (750ml) $34.99 96-100WE and garnishing with fresh mint and lime, you transform the drink into a refreshing garden-party essential.

Hugo Spritz
Floral, aromatic, and perfect for spring brunch.

Ingredients
3 oz Foss Marai "Guia" Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Millesimato Brut $21.99
2 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur (750ml) $34.99 96-100WE
1 oz Top Hat Club Soda (4 x 7.5oz can) $5.99
Fresh mint and lime wheel

Method
Add all ingredients over ice, stir gently, and garnish generously with mint and lime.

The Negroni Spagliato

If you prefer something with more historical gravitas, the Sbagliato, or "mistaken" Negroni, replaces the gin with sparkling wine for a complex, bittersweet profile.

Negroni Sbagliato
Complex, bittersweet, and celebratory.

Ingredients
2 oz Foss Marai "Guia" Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Millesimato Brut $21.99
1 oz Bordiga Rosso Di Torino Vermouth (375ml) $19.99
1 oz Campari Bitter Liqueur (750ml) $27.99
Orange peel

Method
Build over ice, stir gently, and express orange peel over the glass.

The Americano Spritz

Similarly, the classic Americano cocktail—a refreshing mix of bitter aperitivo, sweet vermouth, and soda—offers a lower-proof, high-flavor alternative that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

Americano Spritz
Low‑proof and historically rooted.

Ingredients
1½ oz sweet vermouth
1½ oz bitter aperitivo
Soda water to top
Lemon or orange twist

Method
Build over ice, top with soda, and garnish.

Aperitif & Soda

Beyond the big names, our shelves are currently stocked with an array of aperitifs and vermouths begging for a splash of soda. Lillet Blanc Aperitif Wine (750ml) $23.99 92WE and Lillet Rosé Aperitif Wine (750ml) $23.99 93WE offer a softer approach perfect for a mid-morning brunch, providing delicate notes of honey and stone fruit, while the Bordiga line of vermouths provide an Italian herbaceous take on the classic aromatics. Whether you are hosting a Mother’s Day spread or simply enjoying the sun, the spritz is the ultimate seasonal companion. Stop by the shop this week to explore our latest arrivals, and let’s toast to the arrival of spring. 

- Josh Gelfand, K&L Spirits Buyer