This Spring Break Spritzer is the Only Cocktail You Need This Vacation

Finally, Spring Break is just around the corner. Traditionally, whether it involves traveling to an exotic locale or planning a relaxing stay-cation, the quintessential Spring Break experience includes copious amounts of alcohol. But there's no reason to conform to the college stereotype portrayed in media, where cheap, gag-inducing alcohol is consumed by the bucketful. The classy Spring Break Spritzer is the perfect cocktail for you and your friends to enjoy as you celebrate a break from midterm season. 

This cocktail involves the base pairing of arak and grapefruit juice. Arak is a clear, anise-flavored liquor that is very popular in regions of the Middle East. Combining it with fresh grapefruit juice is how I was originally introduced to the liquor, and I've loved the combination ever since. I've added rosemary simple syrup to play off of the tart grapefruit juice, and seltzer to add some bubbles—because who doesn't love bubbles? 

My recipe for the Spring Break Spritzer is super simple and is easy to make even if you're traveling. Grapefruit juice and seltzer are easily found at most gas stations, convenience stores, and supermarkets. You can also make the simple syrup ahead of time and bring it with you in your checked luggage or in your carry-on as long as it is in a bottle smaller than three ounces. Arak is a slightly more unusual liquor and therefore harder to find, but I've been able to buy multiple brands at Bevmo!, which has locations across the U.S. If you really can't find any arak abroad, or just don't want to take any with you, replace it with vodka for a spin on a Greyhound.

This Spring Break Spritzer is also a super versatile cocktail. It makes a particularly great brunch cocktail, which is essential, because you'll need something just as bougie to match your vacation breakfasts of overpriced avocado toast and fresh fruit. If you prefer a more savory brunch cocktail, you can try this spin on the classic Bloody Mary. But the Spring Break Spritzer also makes an amazing dinner drink, lunch drink, after-dinner drink, mid-day drink, midnight drink... I think you get my point. Check out these cocktails for even more ideas. 

#SpoonTip: Make your Spring Break Spritzer even classier with a salt or sugar rim. You can also try out other simple syrups such as ginger, basil, or elderflower and see what flavor combination you prefer. There are lots of different options with easy-to-follow recipes. 

Spring Break Spritzer

• Prep Time:5 mins
• Cook Time:6 mins
• Total Time:11 mins
• Servings:1
• Easy

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz arak
• 4 oz pink grapefruit juice
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves
• Sparkling water optional
• Ice cubes

• Step 1

  Combine water, sugar, and rosemary leaves in a small pot.

  

• Step 2

  Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved.

  

• Step 3

  Simmer for one minute and then remove from heat.

  

• Step 4

  Pour simple syrup into a glass jar through a strainer to remove rosemary leaves.

  

• Step 5

  Pour arak and grapefruit juice and 2-4 tablespoons of rosemary simple syrup into a small glass and stir.

  

• Step 6

  Fill a glass with ice.

  

• Step 7

  Pour arak, grapefruit juice, and rosemary simple syrup mixture into the glass and top off with seltzer water if desired.

  

• Step 8

  Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and serve immediately.