Burnt Orange Tequila Spritz

Burnt Orange Tequila Spritz

The tequila spritz is what happens when the Italian aperitivo hour meets aged agave. Instead of gin or plain prosecco, this one leads with SWOL Añejo, whose oak and vanilla give the bubbles a warm, caramel-orange backbone. A short pour of Aperol or dry orange liqueur adds gentle bitterness, prosecco brings the lift, and a flamed orange peel finishes it with a whisper of caramelized citrus oil. It is light enough for brunch and interesting enough for a nightcap, and it comes together in one glass with no shaker. Here is the exact ratio, plus the swaps that keep it working whatever is in your fridge.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1.5 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila (the hero; its barrel-aged oak and vanilla are what set this spritz apart from a vodka or gin version)
  • 0.5 oz Aperol or dry orange liqueur (Aperol for a bittersweet, blush-orange spritz; dry orange liqueur like triple sec for a drier, more citrus-forward pour)
  • 2 oz prosecco or other dry sparkling wine (cava or a dry sparkling both work; keep it brut so the drink stays crisp)
  • 0.5 oz fresh orange juice (fresh, not from concentrate, for the cleanest citrus)
  • 1 orange peel, for flaming (a wide swath so you have oils to express)
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Fill a chilled highball or large wine glass with ice.
  2. Build SWOL Añejo, Aperol or orange liqueur, and fresh orange juice over the ice.
  3. Top with pre-chilled prosecco and stir once, gently, to combine without knocking out the bubbles.
  4. Hold a wide orange peel skin-side down over the glass, flame it briefly to caramelize the oils, then drop it in.
Style of Glass to use
  • Highball Glass
Garnishes
  • Orange

Aperol or orange liqueur, which to use

Both make a legitimate tequila spritz, they just steer the flavor. Aperol adds rhubarb-orange bitterness and a rosy color, closer to a classic Aperol spritz with agave underneath. A dry orange liqueur keeps it drier and lets SWOL Añejo's oak lead. For a lower-bitterness crowd, split the difference at a quarter ounce of each.

The flamed orange peel, why it matters

Expressing and flaming the peel caramelizes the citrus oils on the surface, which is where the "burnt orange" character comes from. Hold the peel a few inches above the drink, skin toward the glass, pass a lit match in front of it, and squeeze so the oils flash. It reads as toasted orange and balances the sweetness of the prosecco and Aperol.

Spritz ratio and glassware

The reliable aperitivo template is 3 parts bubbly, 2 parts spirit, 1 part bitter or liqueur, and this recipe sits right in that range. Serve it in a highball or a big-bowled wine glass over plenty of ice so it stays cold and dilutes slowly. Chill the glass and the prosecco first for maximum fizz.

Make it a pitcher (batch for brunch)

To batch for six, combine 9 oz SWOL Añejo, 3 oz Aperol or orange liqueur, and 3 oz fresh orange juice in a pitcher and chill. Add a full chilled bottle of prosecco only when you are ready to pour so it does not go flat, then serve over ice with flamed peels per glass.

Non-alcoholic burnt orange spritz

For a zero-proof version, skip the tequila and prosecco and build with a non-alcoholic aperitivo, fresh orange juice, and sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. You keep the flamed-orange aroma and the bittersweet citrus profile without the alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tequila spritz?

A spritz built on tequila instead of the usual gin or plain wine, combining tequila, a dry sparkling wine, a bitter or orange liqueur, and citrus over ice.

Can I use a different tequila?

You can, but añejo is the point here. SWOL Añejo's oak and vanilla give the spritz its warm, caramel-orange depth that a blanco will not.

Aperol or orange liqueur, which is better?

Aperol for bittersweet and blush-colored, dry orange liqueur for a drier, more citrus-forward spritz. Both are correct.

What sparkling wine should I use?

Any dry, brut sparkling: prosecco, cava, or a dry domestic sparkling. Keep it brut so the drink stays crisp.

How do I flame an orange peel safely?

Hold a wide peel skin-side toward the glass, pass a lit match in front of it, and squeeze once so the oils flash, then drop it in.

Can I make it ahead for a party?

Yes. Batch the tequila, liqueur, and juice in advance and add the prosecco only at serving time so the bubbles stay lively.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Yes, swap in a non-alcoholic aperitivo and sparkling water or zero-proof sparkling wine and keep the flamed orange garnish.

Burnt Orange Tequila Spritz TIPS

Flame with Flair & Chill Perfectly

Flaming the orange peel not only releases aromatic oils but adds a subtle caramelized bitterness that balances the sweetness of the Aperol and orange juice. For the best fizz, chill your sparkling wine and glass well before building the drink. To flame safely, hold the peel skin-side down near the flame and gently squeeze to ignite the oils—then rim the glass with the peel before dropping it in for double the aroma.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$89.99

$109.99

Sale

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

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