The spritz has taken the world by storm in the last few years and it’s safe to say that it’s now an established part of many pub and bar customers’ summer repertoire.
But while the original Aperol Spritz is still the go-to for many a spritz drinker, it’s far from the only game in town in 2026.
And so with the sun threatening to make an occasional appearance in the coming weeks, SLTN asked some drinks companies what they expect customers to be looking for in a summer spritz.
The response was that bartenders and customers alike have an appetite for exploration, from different liqueurs and syrups to new takes on traditional products.
A spokeswoman for syrups and liqueurs brand Marie Brizard said spritzes will ‘continue to have strong momentum in 2026 because they’re versatile, refreshing and highly social serves’.
“Alongside the classics, there’s growing interest in new flavours.”
“Alongside the classics, there’s growing interest in new flavours, which is where our Marie Brizard liqueurs and syrups brand comes into play.
“With over 50 flavours in each range, this premium portfolio is the perfect spritz partner for outlets, offering the ingredients they need to elevate their spritz menu.
“Big sellers like The Hugo – featuring Marie Brizard Elderflower – will remain popular.
“But this year I also anticipate a move towards drier twists featuring Scottish fruit, elderflower, rhubarb and herbal notes. We’ll be keeping an eye on the market, and wherever the flavour trends move next, Marie Brizard will be ready for it!”
Elderflower was also one of the flavours predicted to be a winner this summer by Ryan McFarland of Drinksology Kirker Greer, who reckoned the spritz category ‘has huge momentum because it suits the way people are socialising now’.
“Consumers want drinks that are refreshing, easy to drink and suitable for earlier occasions, whether that is a rooftop gathering, brunch or an outdoor terrace occasion,” he said.
“The spritz has developed into a much more complex category.”
“That said, the spritz has definitely evolved into a much more complex category in 2026.
“Drinkers are looking for more than just the classic bittersweet orange profile. There is growing interest in layered flavours, different textures and even slightly more challenging profiles with herbal bitterness, savoury notes or drier finishes.
“One serve I really like is a Nashi Pear Spritz using Ukiyo Nashi Pear Gin, Prosecco, soda and a fresh slice of pear. It delivers a crisp, delicate fruit profile that feels refreshing and modern without becoming overly sweet, and the growing popularity of Asian pear flavours in the UK makes it feel especially relevant this summer.
“I also think herbaceous spritzes will continue to grow.
“Drinks built around elderflower, green tea, citrus, olive brine or herbs feel lighter.”
“Drinks built around elderflower, green tea, citrus, olive brine or fresh herbs feel lighter, more sophisticated and more food-friendly, which is exactly where consumer tastes are heading for summer 2026.”
As well as embracing new and emerging products there’s also the chance to reposition more established traditional drinks within spritz serves.
George Bagos of mixers brand Three Cents said: “Be it a port, sherry or vermouth with tonic, fortified wine spritzers are the latest craze.
“There are so many different styles ranging between dry and sweet when it comes to the base of the drink, so it enables bar-goers to really explore and graduate through the category to find a style that suits their taste.
“As port and sherry shake off their reputation as an old-fashioned drink, we’ve got our eyes on this as summer’s go-to refreshing serve.”
