by Martha Rhodes

Created on: January 28, 2009   Last Updated: August 09, 2010

A "spritzer" is a light and refreshing drink that is made with carbonated water or soda. The word "spritzer" is German derived from the word "spritzen" meaning "to spray". Soda pop is actually a spritzer. The flavoring of the pop is added along with carbonated water. Carbonated water is created by introducing carbon dioxide into plain water with the use of seltzer bottles or soda siphons or chargers, or at the bottling plant where the carbonated water is bottled. The effervescence of the water disguises the taste of the alcohol in the drink.

One of the most common types of mixed drink spritzers is the simple white wine spritzer. White wine spritzers are made by placing two jiggers of white wine into a highball glass and then filling with soda water. The drink is usually garnished with a citrus peel or wedge.

Spritzers made with fruit juices are also quite popular for those who do not drink alcohol. The cranberry spritzer is made with equal parts cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda.

Another twist on the spritzer is the Jell-O spritzer. Here is the recipe:

Raspberry Jello Spritzer recipe

3/4 cup Vodka
1/4 cup Raspberry liqueur
1 cup lemon-lime soda
2 cups water
1 package raspberry or sparkling berry Jell-O

Mix Jell-O with 2 cups boiling water. Once dissolved set in fridge to cool for 10 minutes. Add lemon-lime soda, vodka and raspberry liquor and stir until blended. On a cookie sheet, line plastic 1 oz cups or Dixie cups and pour into containers. Chill until firm and serve.

The variety available in creating a drinking spritzers is limitless, but spritzers need to be individually made and served immediately otherwise the drink goes flat.

You may want to experiment in developing your own spritzer recipe and taking it one step further, why not invest in a selzer bottle or soda siphon. These can also make great Christmas gifts for those people who have everything. Amazon.com has a variety models available for purchase ranging in prices upward of $30. The CO2 chargers are generally sold separately.

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