Austrian Zirben Spritzer - White Wine Spritzer with Pine Liqueur

When I was hiking in the mountains of Austria, I discovered a drink that instantly became my alpine obsession: a crisp white wine spritzer with Swiss stone pine schnapps. At the mountain huts, in our hotel - everywhere we stopped - people were enjoying this refreshing, pine-scented spritz. Naturally, we joined in… and it was delicious!

I knew I had to bring this treat home with me. During the rest of our vacation in Carinthia, I realized I'd forgotten to pick up the schnapps back in Salzburg (oops!), so I made a detour to get a small bottle. Totally worth it! Back home, I recreated this Zirben Spritzer for you - camera in hand - so I could capture the recipe in both photo and video, and share a little taste of Austria with you.

Alpine greetings from Austria… and cheers to Swiss stone pine schnapps! 🌲🍷

🎥 Video

🥘 Ingredients

• Dry white wine - Traditionally, Austrians use a crisp, dry wine like Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling, or Sauvignon Blanc for spritzers. Choose something light, refreshing, and not too oaky. A wine with citrus and herbal notes pairs beautifully with the pine aroma of the schnapps.
• Swiss stone pine schnapps (Zirbenschnaps) - The star of this drink. Brings that unmistakable alpine aroma and flavor.
• Sparkling water (soda water) - Use chilled sparkling water with fine bubbles. This lightens the drink and balances the alcohol, making it perfect for summer sipping.
• Ice cubes - Optional, but great if you prefer your spritzer extra cold. In Austria, spritzers are often served without ice to keep the flavor crisp and undiluted.
• Garnish (optional) - A thin slice of lemon or a small pine sprig adds a pretty alpine touch and a hint of extra aroma.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Chill your wine, sparkling water, and Zirbenschnaps before making the drink. This spritzer tastes best ice-cold.

Step 2: In a wine glass or tumbler, add cubed ice.

Step 3: Add Zirbenschnapps, white wine, then top with sparkling water. Adjust the ratio to taste; more wine for a stronger drink, more water for a lighter one.

Step 4: Gently stir to combine.

Step 5: Garnish, if you like, with a lemon slice or pine sprig for a pretty alpine touch. Serve immediately.

🥳 Batch version

To serve 6:

• 3 cups (720 ml) dry white wine
• 2½ cups (600 ml) sparkling water
• 3-6 oz (90-180 ml) Zirbenschnaps

Mix in a large pitcher or beverage dispenser with ice. Add garnishes just before serving.

🍽 Equipment

• Wine glass or tumbler
• Measuring jigger
• Bar spoon

If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don't miss it.

📖 Recipe

⛑️ Food Safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.