A Lychee Rosé Spritzer is the kind of drink that makes any moment feel a little more special without asking for much effort. It’s crisp, lightly sweet, and just floral enough to feel interesting. Think patio afternoons, bridal showers, or a simple Friday night wind-down.
You get bright, chilled rosé, juicy lychee, and a pop of bubbles, all working together in a glass that looks as good as it tastes. It’s easy to make, easy to sip, and even easier to love.
Why This Recipe Works
This spritzer leans on the natural sweetness and perfume of lychee, which pairs beautifully with the red-fruit notes in rosé. The bubbles from club soda or sparkling water lift the drink and keep it light, so it never turns syrupy or heavy.
A squeeze of citrus tightens the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check. With just a few ingredients, you get balance: crisp, floral, bright, and refreshing. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable—make it by the glass or batch it for a crowd.
What You’ll Need
- Rosé wine: Dry or off-dry, chilled.Look for notes of strawberry, watermelon, or citrus.
- Lychee fruit or lychee syrup: Canned lychees in light syrup work perfectly; fresh if you can find them.
- Sparkling water or club soda: Unflavored, well-chilled, for lift and balance.
- Lime or lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, just a splash.
- Ice: Clear, solid cubes keep things cold without watering down too quickly.
- Optional sweetener: Lychee syrup from the can or simple syrup, to taste.
- Garnishes: Lychee fruit on a pick, a slice of lime, or a few mint leaves.
How to Make It
- Chill everything well. Pop the rosé, club soda, and glasses in the fridge for at least an hour. Cold ingredients make a cleaner, crisper spritzer.
- Prep the lychee. If using canned lychee, reserve the syrup and set aside 1–2 fruits per glass. If using fresh, peel and pit carefully.
- Fill the glass with ice. Use a stemless wine glass or a tall Collins glass for easy sipping.
- Add rosé. Pour about 4 ounces of chilled rosé over the ice.
- Add lychee and citrus. Drop in 1–2 lychees.Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of lychee syrup (or simple syrup) if you like it a bit sweeter. Squeeze in 1–2 teaspoons of fresh lime or lemon.
- Top with bubbles. Add 2–3 ounces of sparkling water or club soda. Start with less, taste, and add more if you want it lighter.
- Gently stir. A quick, soft stir blends flavors without knocking out the fizz.
- Garnish and serve. Add a lychee on a skewer, a mint sprig, or a thin slice of lime.Serve immediately while it’s icy and bubbly.
Keeping It Fresh
Freshness is all about temperature and timing. Keep the rosé and soda cold before you pour, and only add the bubbles right before serving. If you’re batching for a party, combine the rosé, lychee, and citrus in a pitcher and refrigerate, but wait to add the sparkling water until guests arrive. Store any leftover lychee syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week—it’s great in other drinks or drizzled over fruit.
Health Benefits
This spritzer is lighter than many cocktails thanks to its lower alcohol content and sparkling water base.
Lychee brings vitamin C and antioxidants, and using fresh citrus adds a little extra brightness without heavy sugar. You control the sweetness, which helps keep calories in check. As always, enjoy mindfully—this is a sipper, not a chugger.
What Not to Do
- Don’t use a very sweet rosé. It can make the drink cloying once the lychee is added.
- Don’t skip chilling. Warm ingredients dull the flavors and flatten the sparkle.
- Don’t add the soda too early. It loses bubbles if it sits in a pitcher.
- Don’t overload with syrup. Start small; you can always add more sweetness if needed.
- Don’t use strongly flavored seltzers. They can overpower the delicate lychee and rosé notes.
Alternatives
- Zero-proof version: Swap rosé for nonalcoholic rosé or a mix of white grape juice and hibiscus tea.Keep the lychee, citrus, and bubbles the same.
- Spirit-kissed: Add 1/2 ounce of vodka or gin for extra punch without changing the flavor too much.
- Citrus twist: Use grapefruit soda instead of club soda and skip extra syrup for a slightly bitter, refreshing edge.
- Herbal: Clap a few mint or basil leaves between your hands and stir them in. Or rim the glass lightly with a mix of sugar and finely grated lime zest.
- Berry boost: Add a few crushed raspberries before pouring in the rosé for color and tartness.
- Frozen slush: Blend rosé, a handful of ice, a few lychees, and a splash of syrup for a frosty version. Top with a little soda for fizz.
FAQ
What kind of rosé works best?
Choose a dry or off-dry rosé with bright acidity and notes of strawberry, watermelon, or citrus.
Provence-style rosé is a safe bet. Avoid very sweet or heavy rosés, which can make the drink taste flat or sugary.
Can I use fresh lychees?
Yes. Fresh lychees are lovely if you can find them.
Peel, pit, and add them directly. If you’re using fresh fruit, you may want to add a touch of simple syrup since you won’t have the canned syrup’s sweetness.
What’s the right ratio of wine to soda?
A classic spritzer lands around 2:1 wine to soda. For a lighter drink, go 1:1.
Taste and adjust. The goal is bright and refreshing, not watered down.
Can I make a pitcher?
Yes. Combine chilled rosé, lychee (plus a little syrup), and citrus in a pitcher and refrigerate.
Just before serving, add cold sparkling water and plenty of ice. Garnish in the glasses so the herbs and fruit look fresh.
Is there a good substitute for lychee?
White peach, pear nectar, or elderflower cordial carry a similar delicate sweetness. Use lightly and keep the citrus to balance.
The drink will taste different but still refreshing and floral.
How do I keep it from getting too sweet?
Use a dry rosé, go easy on the syrup, and add a firm squeeze of lime or lemon. If it still leans sweet, add more soda and a bit more citrus to tighten the finish.
Can I use flavored sparkling water?
Unflavored is best, but a subtle flavor like plain lemon can work. Avoid strong flavors (berry, coconut, vanilla) that can clash with lychee and mask the rosé.
What glass should I use?
Stemless wine glasses or Collins glasses are practical and show off the color.
If you want to dress it up, use a coupe or a flute, but don’t overfill—spritzers need room for bubbles.
How long will a mixed spritzer stay bubbly?
About 10–15 minutes at its best. After that, it’s still tasty but loses lift. Build each glass to order for peak fizz.
Any snacks that pair well?
Light bites shine here: prosciutto and melon, soft goat cheese with crackers, shrimp cocktail, cucumber tea sandwiches, or fresh berries.
Salty, tangy, and fresh flavors play nicely with the drink’s floral notes.
Jump to RecipeFinal Thoughts
The Lychee Rosé Spritzer is simple, elegant, and easy to tailor to your taste. With the right chill, a balanced splash of citrus, and a gentle hand on the sweetness, it delivers a refreshing sip every time. Keep it light, keep it bubbly, and don’t overthink it.
It’s the kind of drink that makes hosting effortless and everyday moments feel a little brighter.
