A vodka spritzer is an alcoholic beverage made by mixing vodka, club soda, and some form of flavoring. Likely inspired by the popular wine spritzer, the vodka spritzer gets its name from the German verb spritzen, which means to splash or squirt. By consuming a drink that is watered down in a sense, people can moderate their consumption of alcohol. This drink also serves as a low-calorie alternative to many other alcoholic concoctions, which can help people who are on a diet or trying to stay healthy.
To make a vodka spritzer, bartenders start by adding a serving of vodka to a glass. A single serving generally consists of roughly 1.5 ounces (45 ml), while a double serving is twice that amount. The bartender then adds some form of mixer, which may consist of sparkling water, seltzer, club soda or soda water. Variations of this recipe may also call for sparkling lemonade or sweetened lemon-lime sodas in place of traditional mixers.
Finally, the drink is flavored to taste. Beverage makers produce dozens of different flavored vodkas, which can be used in place of traditional vodka to add different flavors to this drink. They may include sour apple, peach or pomegranate, as well as many other variations. The vodka spritzer can also be flavored with fruit juice, or slices of lemon or lime. More exotic varieties require the use of berries, apple slices or even mint for flavor.
Choosing a drink like the vodka spritzer allows a person to drink for a longer period without getting as intoxicated as he would with straight liquor or beer. This can help people drink and behave more responsibly, and also maintain a healthy diet. While many popular cocktails are high in calories, a single vodka spritzer made with club soda and lime has just over 100 calories. Both plain versions and those made with flavored vodkas are also free of carbohydrates, which is helpful for those following a low-carb diet plan.
Of course, as with all alcoholic beverages, the vodka spritzer should be consumed only in moderation. Experts recommend women drink no more than one serving of alcohol per day, while men should consume no more than two servings. A single serving consists of 1.5 ounces (45 ml) of spirits, such as vodka. This means that women should have no more than one of these drinks each day, while men should have no more than two in order to maintain optimal health.