Bitter-orange spritz, zero-proof

Bitter structure stands in for wine

This is the pairing. Bitter orange, tonic or soda, ice, citrus wheel. Same glass as the wine service. Batch the bitter base; add bubbles at pour.

Bitter base keeps a week cold. Do not recarbonate leftover spritz.

• Bitter orange base1.25 cups
• Sparkling water6 cups
• Ice5 lb
• Orange2 ea

Multiplying the ingredients is the easy half. These are the parts of the recipe that the batch count does not move.

Cooking time

Nothing cooks, so batch size does not change a cooking time. Chilling does not scale either — it is set by the depth of the container, so a double batch in one deep tub takes far longer than two shallow ones.

1. Read the whole method before you shop. This is a planning recipe for bitter-orange spritz, zero-proof, not a certified kitchen test.
2. Amounts below are one batch: 8 portions. Build a plan and this card scales itself to it.
3. This dish can be completed up to 2 days ahead. Cold storage is the real limit — do not make it ahead if the fridge is already tight.
4. No heat. Assemble from cold ingredients. Keep covered until service.
5. Holds about 300 minutes once finished. After that, quality drops — do not invent extra time.
6. Drink pairing: This is the pairing. Bitter orange, tonic or soda, ice, citrus wheel. Same glass as the wine service. Batch the bitter base; add bubbles at pour.
7. Leftover route: Bitter base keeps a week cold. Do not recarbonate leftover spritz.
8. Confirm every ingredient and every allergen yourself. Dietary tags are planning filters, not safety guarantees.