Think you’ve mastered the Spritz? Spruce up your summer Spritz game

THE SPRITZ has become a staple of summer drinking — they’re light, long, and refreshing. But there’s more to the Spritz than a splash of soda, and that’s where ORGANICS by Red Bull, can give you an assist. There’s four flavours on offer: Simply Cola, Bitter Lemon, Ginger Ale, and a Tonic Water. Here, John Sullivan, food and beverage director at Fratelli Fresh and Fratelli Famous, talks about how ORGANICS by Red Bull is sprucing up their Spritz game.

Red Bull has launched a new organic soft drink range, ORGANICS by Red Bull. You were one of the first venues to integrate the products – tell us why?
We integrated the ORGANICS by Red Bull range into our spritz menu at Fratelli Fresh Darling Harbour in mid-October. ORGANICS by Red Bull Bitter Lemon features in our Limoncello Spritz. We were inspired by the innovative nature of the brand and drinks range, which we feel aligns well with Fratelli’s own innovative edge. The organic aspect of the new range fits well with the Fratelli philosophy of using fresh, seasonal produce to create a high quality menu and dining experience.

You’ve mentioned a lot of research went into the F&B for the Fratelli Fresh venues – can you tell us about some of the trends you have seen globally which gave you inspiration?
Spritz culture has really taken off around the world with bars moving away from a classic spritz experience and experimenting with different mixes, liqueurs and sparkling additions. Sydney is right on-trend and at Fratelli Fresh Darling Harbour we’ve experimented with some unusual ingredients, including lychee, elderflower and limoncello liqueurs, to put our own stamp on the
humble spritz.

We’ve seen the trend of consumers becoming more health conscious. Many are substituting conventional items with organic products and choosing no or low alcohol options. How has this trend affected you?
At Fratelli Fresh we’ve always been known for our fresh, seasonal approach and produce across the full menu so customers know they can come to us for a healthy option. Spritz is a lighter, friendlier style of drink, which is appealing for those who are looking for something less robust or potent. Incorporating an organic ingredient such as ORGANICS by Red Bull Bitter Lemon, is a way of us stepping that up for the more health-focused customer.

What role do you see ORGANICS by Red Bull playing in this new space?
It’s certainly a leading brand and one that I’m sure will have good penetration in the drinks scene.

Tell us about the Limoncello Spritz as part of your new Spritz range?
This lovely summery Spritz incorporates limoncello, prosecco and ORGANICS by Red Bull Bitter Lemon. We took our inspiration from the Amalfi Coast where limoncello originates from and it ties in nicely with our Italian heritage. It’s also a way to introduce customers to limoncello, which is a liqueur that many have heard of, but may not have tasted. Our spritz family largely features floral and soft fruit flavours, such as white peach, lychee rosé and elderflower & pomegranate.

Limoncello adds something a little different, something a little punchier. It’s a nice contrast to our other Spritz. The Limoncello Spritz may just prove to be the spritz of the season.

Limoncello Spritz

  • 30ml limoncello
  • 80ml prosecco
  • Topped with
  • ORGANICS by Red Bull Bitter Lemon

Add the Limoncello and prosecco, add ice and top with the ORGANICS by Red Bull Bitter Lemon. Garnish with a wedge of lemon and a sprig of mint.