There’s something about a sparkling cocktail that feels made for Southern entertainment. Perhaps it’s the way the bubbles catch the afternoon light, or how a beautifully garnished glass seems to signal that it’s time to slow down and stay awhile. The Bourbon Spritz is especially suited to the occasion, bright, refreshing and effortlessly polished, with just enough warmth to carry it from afternoon cocktails into dinner.
For this recipe, we’re reaching for Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, distilled at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. Its rich notes of toasted oak, vanilla and dark caramel make it a natural foundation for this slightly elevated take on the classic spritz. Paired with fresh lemon, Aperol, honey and Prosecco, the combination balances the richness of the bourbon with the freshness of citrus and the delicate sweetness of honey. The result is a spritz that feels both refined and refreshing.
The Sweet Addition
A touch of honey adds a special twist to the classic Bourbon Spritz, bringing a soft floral sweetness and a little extra depth to the cocktail. The type of honey you choose can also subtly shape the flavor, making it an easy way to add your own touch.
For this recipe, we’re using River Bluff Honey’s Wildflower Honey. The Charleston-based honey company describes its wildflower honey as sweet and light, making it a lovely complement to the richer flavors of the bourbon without overpowering the citrus and Aperol.
Choosing Your Honey
Wildflower honey is our choice for this Bourbon Spritz, but different varieties can offer their own character:
- Wildflower: Floral, lightly earthy and nuanced, with enough depth to complement the bourbon.
- Clover: Mild and clean for a more understated sweetness.
- Orange blossom: Delicately floral with citrus notes that pair beautifully with Aperol.
- Acacia: Light and subtle for a softer honey presence.
- Buckwheat: Darker and more robust, best used sparingly alongside the bourbon.
Honey Bourbon Spritz
Serves 1
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
- 1 oz Aperol
- ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons River Bluff Honey Wildflower Honey
- 2–3 oz chilled Prosecco
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Fresh mint, for garnish
- Ice
How to Make It
Add the bourbon, Aperol, lemon juice and honey to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled.
Strain over fresh ice in a wine or spritz glass and top with chilled Prosecco. Keep the Prosecco out of the shaker to preserve its bubbles.
Finish with an orange peel and fresh mint. For an extra aromatic touch, express the orange peel over the drink before adding it to the glass.
The Finishing Touch
What makes this cocktail special is its simplicity. Each ingredient has a place: rich bourbon, bittersweet Aperol, bright lemon, floral honey and sparkling Prosecco.
It is polished enough for a dinner party, effortless enough for an afternoon on the porch and just distinctive enough to become a new favorite.
A little honey, a little oak, and just enough sparkle.
