How to Enliven Your New Year Party with Homemade Wine Spritzers

Why not add a touch of flair and fun to your celebration is by offering a DIY wine spritzer bar. 

Wine spritzers are light, refreshing, and easy to customise, making them the perfect party drink. Here’s how you can set up your own wine spritzer station and elevate your New Year festivities.

Why Wine Spritzers?

Wine spritzers are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. By mixing wine with soda water, lemonade, or flavoured sparkling waters, you can create an array of drinks to suit every palate. 

They’re also lighter in alcohol than straight wine, which makes them a great choice for pacing yourself throughout the evening.

Setting Up Your Wine Spritzer Bar

1. Choose Your Wines

The foundation of any good spritzer is the wine. Offer a selection of wines to cater to different tastes:

White Wine: Crisp and fruity varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Riesling work beautifully.

Rosé: A dry or slightly sweet rosé adds a lovely blush to your spritzers.

Red Wine: For those who prefer red, opt for a lighter variety like Pinot Noir or a chilled Lambrusco.

2. Stock Up on Mixers

The magic of a spritzer lies in the mixer. Provide a variety of options, such as:

Soda Water: For a classic, crisp spritzer.

Lemonade: Adds a touch of sweetness and zing.

Flavoured Sparkling Waters: Experiment with citrus, berry, or tropical flavours.

3. Add Garnishes

Garnishes elevate your spritzers from simple to spectacular. Set out bowls of:

Fresh fruit slices (lemon, lime, orange, or berries)

Herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary

Edible flowers for a festive touch

How to Make the Perfect Spritzer

The beauty of a spritzer is its simplicity. Follow this easy formula for a perfectly balanced drink:

Fill a glass with ice. This keeps the drink chilled and refreshing.

Pour in wine. Use about two-thirds of the glass.

Top with a mixer. Add soda water or lemonade to fill the glass.

Garnish. Add fruit, herbs, or a decorative stirrer for flair.

Spritzer Variations to Try

Want to impress your guests with some pre-made options? Here are a few ideas:

Citrus Zing: White wine, soda water, and a splash of orange juice, garnished with an orange slice.

Berry Bliss: Rosé, lemonade, and fresh raspberries or strawberries.

Herbal Red: Light red wine, sparkling water, and a sprig of rosemary or thyme.

Tips for a Successful Spritzer Bar

Label Everything: Use small signs to label wines, mixers, and garnishes.

Provide Recipes: Display simple recipe cards to inspire guests.

Offer Non-Alcoholic Options: Include sparkling grape juice or alcohol-free wine for those who prefer not to drink.

Cheers to a Memorable New Year

With a DIY wine spritzer bar, you’ll not only add a touch of creativity to your New Year party but also give your guests a fun and interactive way to enjoy their drinks. Whether they prefer sweet, dry, or something in between, everyone can craft a spritzer that suits their taste.

So, gather your ingredients, pop the corks, and toast to a fabulous year ahead! Cheers!