The Story Behind The Watermelon Spritz

At Gibsons Italia, the Watermelon Spritz is the perfect aperitif at the start of a large meal, something diners at this iconic Chicago-based steakhouse can appreciate.

Made with watermelon juice, tequila, aloe liqueur, grenadine, sparkling rosé, and lemon juice, the restaurant’s bar manager, Steve Gleich, had a unique source of inspiration for his twist on a popular pre-dinner cocktail: a relaxing day at the spa. “I created this drink with flavors that remind me of the spa, such as aloe, mint, and melon, which are all calming,” Gleich says.

Chareau is a liqueur from California made from an unaged brandy base that’s infused with aloe, cucumber, and other ingredients. In a cocktail like the Watermelon Spritz, Chareau contributes a refreshing and slightly sweet layer of botanical flavors. The cocktail is wonderfully versatile, from a casual brunch to an afternoon rooftop soirée.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces watermelon juice
  • 1 ounce Siete Leguas blanco tequila
  • ½ ounce Chareau aloe liqueur
  • ½ ounce Jack Rudy grenadine
  • 1 ounce dry sparkling rosé
  • ¼ ounce lemon juice
  • Mint

Directions

  1. Add all the ingredients into a red wine glass over ice.
  2. Stir briefly to incorporate ingredients.
  3. Garnish with mint leaves.

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Updated: 2020-03-06

Switch up your summer spritz with this Watermelon Spritz Cocktail Recipe. Perfect for spring and summer afternoons and easy to batch!