Spritz-style drinks are a staple on spring menus and for social gatherings across the country, increasingly featured on patios as warmer weather returns to outdoor dining.

Consumer demand for refreshing, visually appealing, and sessionable beverages has prompted established and new brands to innovate and expand their offerings. The spritz category's global momentum and commercial potential are underscored by functional beverage brand Chill Spritz entering the United Kingdom market, extending its reach beyond traditional alcoholic aperitifs.

What We Know So Far

  • Warm afternoons are a primary driver for the rising popularity of spritz-style drinks on spring menus, according to multiple reports from outlets including wyomingnewsnow.tv.
  • The National Restaurant Association’s What’s Hot 2025 Culinary Forecast ranked "creative spritzes" as the No. 2 trending beverage alcohol item, signaling strong industry confidence.
  • Consumer behavior supports the trend, with an OpenTable report cited by WFMZ-TV indicating that 55% of Americans prefer to dine outdoors when the weather is nice.
  • Market data from the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR) showed that volumes of premium-priced bitters and spirit aperitifs in the U.S. grew at an 18% compound annual rate between 2018 and 2023.
  • The category is expanding beyond alcohol, with brands like Chill Spritz, a functional non-alcoholic beverage, announcing its entry into the UK market.
  • Ready-to-drink options are also growing, as Saint Spritz is reportedly expanding its distribution into major supermarket chains like Publix, according to Brewbound.

Why Spritz Drinks Are Dominating Spring Menus

The spritz is ideally suited for outdoor dining, aligning with consumer preference, seasonal timing, and operational efficiency for bars and restaurants. As temperatures rise, diners gravitate towards outdoor seating; OpenTable found a majority of Americans prefer al fresco dining in pleasant weather. Its characteristic effervescence and bright profile make it a perfect lighter, more refreshing cocktail for this setting.