Spritzing Around Town
Written by Kaitlin Hill
A classic “spritz” is an effervescent Italian drink following the 3-2-1 rule of three parts sparkling wine (often Prosecco), two parts bitter liquor (the classic being Aperol), and one part club soda. The combination is bubbly, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days. In Hunt Country, restaurants and bars are offering their take on the popular summer sip with unique flavors, herbaceous add-ons, and even quirky glassware. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites on Main Street and just outside and enlisted the help of spritz enthusiasts to share their thoughts.
Tremolo Bar’s Classic Aperol Spritz
Appropriately, the Middleburg Life spritz tour started with a classic Aperol Spritz from Tremolo Bar. Pretty to look at and even better to drink, Tremolo’s version is “everything you want in an Aperol Spritz,” said Jenny Hausman, who was visiting Middleburg from Old Town Alexandria and enjoying the concoction on Tremolo’s patio at the time of the tour. She went on to compliment the drink as the perfect balance of Aperol and “spritziness,” an ideal drink for the hot summer day.
The Frenchy at Goodstone Inn
Goodstone Inn’s rendition of The Frenchy is a refreshing and delightfully fizzy mix of white peach puree, house sparkling wine, and Cointreau. Benjamin Hall, the restaurant manager, described the drink as “our playful reinterpretation — lighter, brighter, and just a touch more refined. It begins with luscious white peach puree, soft and fragrant, like biting into perfectly ripened fruit at the height of summer. Sparkling wine lifts it all, adding elegance and a celebratory sparkle. Then comes the twist: a kiss of citrus liqueur. It sharpens the edges just enough, bringing a delicate brightness that feels unmistakably French.” Whether there for a weekend stay or just a nightly tipple, the Goodstone Inn is a great setting to enjoy a cold cocktail as temperatures rise.
Ginger Cherry Spritz from Nomad
Nomad’s bartender, Dillon Baird, admitted he hasn’t come up with a creative name for his take on the spritz, but that in no way detracted from the deliciousness. Made with Sauvignon Blanc, ginger beer, and cherries, Nomad’s take is as unique as the glass it is served in — which has a mustache printed on it. One patron remarked, “It’s got some zip!”
Crenshaw Sunrise at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern
Anna Adams, food and beverage director at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, whipped up a Crenshaw Sunrise for her take on the spritz. The pale pink drink is named for Crenshaw Road in Upperville, where Slater Run Vineyards is located. She added, “The color reminds me of a sunrise.” The drink consists of Cirrus Vodka, Lillet, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and Slater Run Sparkling Rosé. For those looking to enjoy the Aperol part of an Aperol Spritz, Adams also makes a Pink Pony, which consists of gin, Aperol, strawberry, and basil. While it’s not technically on the menu, Adams noted that she almost always has the ingredients to make it.
Mt. Defiance’s Vermouth Spritz
For fans of vermouth, Mt. Defiance offers a spritz made of sweet vermouth, orange, and club soda. The seemingly simple drink has a complex flavor that is “both smooth and crisp,” according to cider barn patron Anna Giragosian. She added that the drink was “subtle and very drinkable,” especially in the heat of the summer. The drink is made with in-house sweet vermouth, which is blended with local honey and caramel syrup.
Spritzes Galore at Lost Barrel Brewing
Lost Barrel offers a few bubbly drinks for its take on the spritz. The menu includes an LBB Spritz of sparkling wine or Riesling mixed with any of its hard seltzers. Lost Barrel also has a Hugo Spritz. Often considered the cousin of an Aperol Spritz, the Hugo Spritz is made of Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, club soda or seltzer, fresh mint, and lime. Both are easily enjoyed on a hot day, surrounded by friends, family, and the welcoming atmosphere of Lost Barrel. ML
Featured photo by Kaitlin Hill.
Published in the June 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.