China Spritz — Bigallet's bitter orange liqueur under sparkling wine, the house's own serve

China Spritz

Bigallet's bitter orange liqueur under sparkling wine, the house's own serve

Number of people

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 ozSparkling White Wine
    Dry, well chilled
    Substitute: Prosecco
  • 1 3/4 ozBigallet China-China
    Poured over the ice first
    Substitute: Another bitter orange amer

Instructions

  1. Fill a wine glass with ice and pour in 1 3/4 oz Bigallet China-China
  2. Top with 3 1/2 oz cold dry sparkling wine
  3. Stir once, gently, and garnish with a slice of orange

Technique Notes

Stir once, gently, and only after the wine is in. China-China is dense and sits at the bottom; a vigorous stir to lift it costs the bubbles that make this a spritz rather than a short drink.

Why the China Spritz Works

China-China is orange peel first and gentian second, so it needs a mixer with acid rather than sweetness. Dry sparkling wine supplies that and nothing else, which is why the house ratio is stiffer than a Venetian spritz: there is no sugar in the glass competing for room.