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Start the Weekend With a Low-ish Proof Violet Spritzer

Start the Weekend With a Low-ish Proof Violet Spritzer
Credit: Claire Lower

Wine spritzers have a hokey reputation but, like most things dismissed as “girly,” they’re damn delicious. They’re also a great, low-ish proof beverage for when you want to sip on something without ruining yourself for the next day.

I say “low-ish” because I like to spike my spritzers with Crème Yvette, a violet liqueur made with raspberries and blackberries. When mixed with a dry rosé and a little seltzer, you get a beverage very much like a Kir Royale (which calls for capital-C Champagne), only a little less boozy, and a lot cheaper.

This violet spritzer can be built right in the glass, and you can either add ice, or simply chill the heck out of your wine and seltzer by popping it in the freezer for 45 minutes or so. To make this pretty purple beverage, you will need:

  • 4 ounces of chilled off-dry or dry rosé

  • 1 ounce Crème Yvette

  • 2 ounces chilled soda water

Add the first two ingredients to a wine glass or tumbler and stir to combine. Top with chilled soda water, and garnish if you wish. A strip of lemon zest looks very sophisticated, but I wouldn’t fault you for tossing some seasonal berries into the glass.