This cocktail lives somewhere between a Margarita and a French 75. It’s the mullet of the cocktail world: half party, half elevated business. It has all the bright, reliable energy of a Margarita but gets a sophisticated lift from the bubbles. The secret ingredient is our Red Ember Syrup, a homemade morita chile simple syrup that adds a faint caramel smoke without ever taking over the drink.

The syrup is what makes this spritz special. By lightly caramelizing the sugar before adding the water, you get a toasted, nutty base that pairs beautifully with the oaky notes of the tequila. The morita chile softens in the caramel and releases its berry-like fruitiness, gentle warmth, and soft smoke. When you shake it with lime and tequila, then top it with something dry and bubbly, the whole drink comes alive. It’s bright, punchy, and has just enough of a simmering glow to keep things interesting.

This is the perfect tequila cocktail for someone who wants something refreshing and complex at the same time. It’s easy to drink, easy to make, and feels like something you’d order at a bar that knows what it’s doing.

The Inception of the Ember Spritz

This cocktail actually got it's start the same day I began testing our Red Ember Syrup. I wanted to understand how the syrup behaved in a drink, so I did what any reasonable person would do and put it into a simple daiquiri. That cocktail was delicious and was immediately stolen by my aunt. I went back to the kitchen to make myself another one, but instead of repeating the daiquiri, I decided to try something different. That’s how the spritz emerged.

Did I get to drink that one? No. That one was stolen too. But I did get to drink the third one, and that was the moment I knew this cocktail was a winner. Fair warning: if you too have a family of drink thieves, watch your back with this one!

Why the Ember Spritz Works

This drink works because each ingredient does something specific:

• Tequila brings structure and a little earthiness.
• Lime keeps everything bright and sharp.
• Red Ember Syrup adds warmth, fruitiness, and a soft caramel smoke.
• Sparkling wine lifts the drink and ties everything together.

The bubbles act like a megaphone for the smoky, toasted aromas. They also keep the drink from feeling heavy, even though it has depth.

Choosing the Right Sparkling Wine

A dry Cava or a Brut sparkling wine is your best bet. You want acidity and bubbles to cut through the richness of the syrup and the tequila. Avoid anything labeled “Extra Dry” or “Demi-Sec,” which are sweeter than they sound and will throw off the balance.

If you want something a little more floral, a dry Prosecco works too, but Cava is the most reliable.

How to Shake and Build the Drink

Shake the tequila, lime, and syrup with plenty of ice until the shaker is cold enough to hurt your hand. Strain it into your glass and top it with your sparkling wine of choice or sparkling water. The bubbles will lift the aromatics and give the drink its “elevated business” finish.

If you want a slightly stronger drink, use a smaller pour of bubbly. If you want something lighter and more spritz-like, top it generously.

Flavor Notes and Pairings

The Ember Spritz has three main flavor components: the bright citrus, the warm caramel notes, and earthiness from the tequila. Think of it like pairing for a Margarita, but with a slightly more elegant, aromatic edge.

It pairs well with:

• salty snacks like papitas, olives, or spiced nuts
• grilled shrimp or fish tacos
• Dishes with gentle heat like Chicken Tinga
• Smoky, grilled, or charred dishes

It’s also a great pre-dinner drink because it wakes up your palate without being too sweet.

Variations

• Mezcal Ember Spritz for a smokier, earthier version
• Spicy Ember Spritz by adding a thin slice of fresh jalapeño to the shaker
• Low-ABV Ember Spritz by using less tequila and more sparkling water

Troubleshooting

• Too sweet: add more lime or use a drier sparkling wine.
• Not smoky enough: use a batch of syrup made with two or three morita chiles.
• Too smoky: use a one-chile syrup or reduce the syrup slightly.
• Falls flat: chill your sparkling wine well and pour gently.

Why This Cocktail Belongs in Your Rotation

The Ember Spritz is simple, bright, and a little unexpected. It’s the kind of drink that feels special without being fussy. It works for warm afternoons, dinner parties, or any moment when you want something refreshing that still has depth. It’s also a great way to show off the Red Ember Syrup without overwhelming the drink.

It’s a cocktail with personality, and once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s become one of our favorites.