Fresh ideas for your summertime spritz menu

For pubs and bars looking to attract a new younger crowd, a dedicated spritz menu can be a simple but effective way to drive sales, particularly during the spring and summer months. Gen Z and younger millennials are increasingly choosing lighter serves, lower-abv drinks and alcohol-free alternatives, making spritzes a natural fit for the modern pub or bar.

The beauty of a spritz menu is that it doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with three to six options that offer a mix of familiar favourites and contemporary flavours. As well as the classic Aperol spritz, consider options such as peach, elderflower, passion fruit or limoncello spritzes. These flavours are approachable, refreshing and easy to serve in a pub garden, on a sunny terrace or during a relaxed evening.

Alcohol-free serves are just as important. Younger consumers are increasingly moderating their alcohol intake, but they still want drinks that feel special. Including one or two zero-alcohol spritzes made with alcohol-free aperitifs, sparkling alternatives, botanical sodas or flavoured tonics ensures your menu appeals to a wider audience. The key is to give these drinks the same prominence and presentation as the alcoholic options.

Presentation plays a major role in the success of any spritz menu. Large wine glasses, plenty of ice, fresh fruit garnishes and colourful ingredients help create drinks that look premium without adding significant cost. Younger customers often discover venues through social media, so drinks that photograph well can become valuable marketing tools in their own right.

When it comes to promotion, simplicity works best. Make sure your spritz menu is visible throughout the pub, whether that’s on table talkers, menu inserts, blackboards or digital screens. If you have outdoor space, use signage to highlight the range and create a seasonal feel around the offer.

Social media can also help generate interest. Short videos showing a spritz being poured, garnished and served often perform well on Instagram and TikTok. Focus on showcasing the atmosphere of your pub, whether that’s a busy beer garden, live music event or sunny afternoon gathering. People are buying into the experience as much as the drink itself.

Seasonal offers can help maintain momentum throughout the year. A ‘Spritz of the Month’ promotion or a summer spritz festival can encourage repeat visits and give customers something new to try. Pairing spritzes with brunch menus, sharing platters or outdoor events can also help increase spend per head.

A successful spritz menu doesn’t need to feel like a cocktail bar concept transplanted into a pub. The most effective menus are approachable, affordable and easy to understand. By offering a mix of alcoholic and alcohol-free options, presenting them well and promoting them consistently, pubs can tap into one of the fastest-growing drinks trends while creating an offer that genuinely resonates with younger and older customers alike.

Kelly McCarthy is the owner of Ye Old Sun Inn in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire