Why this summer’s unofficial anthem is fizzy, fruity, and fabulously refreshing.

New York City in summer is a full-on sensory experience. There’s the roar of air conditioners working overtime, the scent of food trucks wafting through tree-lined blocks, and of course — the first cool sip of a well-made spritz. Whether you're team Aperol, crazy for cucumber, or rosé-all-day loyal, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a glass in hand and a breeze on your skin.

But spritzing in NYC isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual. A midday cooldown, a rooftop ritual, an artful balance of bitter, bubbly, and bold. Let’s dive into where to sip, how to mix, and why BiteUnite NYC might just be your new summer headquarters for all things wine, food, and fun.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Spritz

First, let’s break it down. A “spritz” isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a formula. Traditionally, it’s made of:

• 3 parts prosecco or sparkling wine
• 2 parts bitter liqueur (like Aperol, Campari, or elderflower liqueur)
• 1 part soda water

Add ice, a slice of orange or grapefruit, and you’ve got yourself a poolside (or sidewalk café) classic.

But NYC isn’t known for doing things the boring way. Enter: basil-strawberry spritzers, white wine and lychee combos, and even Thai-inspired lemongrass ginger spritzes (more on that later).

Where to Sip the City

1. Gilligan’s at Soho Grand Hotel

Palm trees, nautical stripes, and a famous frozen watermelon cocktail. It’s hard to beat this summer escape in the heart of SoHo. Their Aperol spritz is iconic, but the spiked watermelon spritz is what really screams July in NYC.

2. City Winery at Pier 57

This riverside spot is perfect for sipping a white wine spritz while watching the Hudson sparkle. City Winery offers local, sustainable wines—try the dry rosé with club soda and a sprig of rosemary for a garden-fresh twist.

3. Aldama (Williamsburg)

If you’re looking to go a little off-script, Aldama’s wine cocktail menu features light, citrus-forward options made with Mexican ingredients. Think: grapefruit, hibiscus, and sparkling wine combos. Add tacos and a shaded patio for the ultimate summer combo.

4. Bar Blondeau (Greenpoint)

Perched atop the Wythe Hotel, this French-inspired spot has the airy vibes of a Mediterranean terrace. Order their elderflower spritz and snack on oysters with a view of the Manhattan skyline. Sunsets hit different here.

Spritzes Meet Small Plates at BiteUnite NYC

Of course, sipping spritzers is only half the fun. What about making your own? That’s where BiteUnite NYC steps in.

Located in Lower Manhattan, BiteUnite is known for its hands-on cooking classes that are as fun as they are flavorful. But beyond the pasta rolling and dumpling folding, it’s also the perfect summer activity for groups, couples, and solo adventurers looking to beat the heat and indulge their senses.

One of the best parts of summer cooking at BiteUnite? The natural pairing between their classes and refreshing drinks.

Here’s how to turn your BiteUnite experience into your own spritz-worthy escape:

Pasta Making and Peach Spritz Pairing

At BiteUnite’s Hands-On Pasta Making Class, you’ll knead, roll, and shape your own noodles while surrounded by music, laughter, and reliable air conditioning. Once you’ve whipped up a fresh lemony linguine or creamy mushroom tagliatelle, pair it with a peach wine spritz—equal parts prosecco, white peach purée, and seltzer over crushed ice.

Book your pasta adventure

Thai Cooking and Lemongrass Ginger Spritz

Take things tropical with the Authentic Thai Cooking Class. You’ll learn to balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors in dishes like Pad Thai or green curry. Cool it all down with a homemade lemongrass ginger spritz: muddle lemongrass and mint, mix with white wine and a splash of ginger beer, and serve cold.

Explore Thai flavors here

Host a Spritz and Bites Party

Want to really lean into spritz season? BiteUnite also offers private dinner parties and corporate team-building events, which can be customized for wine tastings, appetizer-making workshops, and build-your-own spritzer bars. Imagine crafting your perfect drink while plating canapés you made from scratch. That’s the BiteUnite vibe.

See group experiences

DIY: Spritz at Home (After Class)

Once you've picked up skills at BiteUnite, bring them home for your next rooftop hang or fire escape happy hour. Here’s an easy recipe inspired by your time in the kitchen:

Cucumber Basil Spritz

• 3 oz dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc works great)
• 1 oz St. Germain (elderflower liqueur)
• 1 oz soda water
• A few slices of cucumber
• Fresh basil leaves
• Ice

Muddle cucumber and basil in a glass. Add wine, liqueur, soda, and ice. Stir and sip while pretending your A/C unit is actually an ocean breeze.

Final Sip

There’s something romantic about a summer spritz in New York—the way the ice clinks, the fizz catches the sunlight, the bite of bitter-orange liqueur cutting through the muggy air. And when that drink is paired with a meal you’ve made yourself, in a kitchen filled with joy and good company, it becomes something more.

So whether you’re chilling at a rooftop bar, ferrying to a riverside picnic, or whipping up Pad Thai and wine cocktails at BiteUnite NYC, don’t forget to raise your glass to summer. It only lasts so long—and it tastes better with bubbles.

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