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Spree Drink recipe

Highball glass

Unleash a Spree of flavors with this easy and delicious cocktail recipe. Combining the sweetness of apple and peach schnapps with the kick of vodka and grape juice, this highball glass drink is perfect for beginners to impress their guests. Mix up a Spree and let the party begin!


Spree Ingredients

Spree Recipe

  1. mix ingredients together
  2. fill Highball glass almost full with ice cubes

Recommend: serve in Highball glass

The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.

The Spree Cocktail: A Sweet and Fruity Classic

As a professional bartender, I've had the pleasure of creating and serving countless cocktails over the years. One that always seems to be a crowd-pleaser is the Spree cocktail. This sweet and fruity concoction has been around for decades and has gained popularity around the world. In this article, we'll explore the history and origin of the Spree, the roles of its ingredients, how to garnish it, variations to suit different preferences and dietary needs, and common mistakes to avoid when making it.

Popularity

History and Origins

The Spree cocktail has no clear origin story, but it's believed to have been first created in the 1920s. Some sources suggest that it was named after the Spree River in Germany, while others claim it was named after a candy called "Spree" that was popular at the time. Regardless of its origins, the Spree cocktail has become a classic drink that's enjoyed by many.

Famous For

The Spree cocktail is famous for its sweet and fruity taste, which makes it a popular choice for those who prefer a sweeter drink. Its vibrant appearance, thanks to the combination of different colored liqueurs and grape juice, also makes it a visually appealing drink.

Geographic

While the Spree cocktail is popular around the world, it's more commonly found in bars and restaurants in the United States, where it's been a staple for decades. It's also a popular drink in Europe, particularly in Germany, where it's believed to have originated.

Ingredient Roles

The Spree cocktail is made up of four key ingredients: apple schnapps, peach schnapps, vodka, and grape juice. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the sweet and fruity taste that the Spree is famous for.

  • Apple schnapps: This sweet and fruity liqueur adds a distinct apple flavor to the Spree, which complements the other ingredients perfectly.
  • Peach schnapps: The peach schnapps adds another layer of sweetness and fruitiness to the Spree. It also helps to balance out the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Vodka: The vodka in the Spree adds a subtle kick of alcohol, which enhances the overall flavor of the drink.
  • Grape juice: The grape juice provides the Spree with its vibrant color and adds a natural sweetness that complements the other ingredients.

How to Garnish

Garnishing the Spree cocktail is simple and can be done in a variety of ways. Here are a few options to consider:

  • Lemon twist: Adding a small twist of lemon to the drink can help to balance out the sweetness and add a bit of acidity.
  • Fresh fruit: Adding a few slices of fresh fruit, such as peaches, apples, or grapes, can add an extra pop of color and flavor to the drink.
  • Sugar rim: Coating the rim of the glass with sugar can add a touch of sweetness and make the drink look more visually appealing.

Variations

The Spree cocktail can be easily adapted to suit different preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:

Virgin/Mocktail Version

For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, the Spree can be made into a mocktail by simply omitting the vodka and using a non-alcoholic substitute for the apple and peach schnapps.

Gluten-free Version and Ingredients

The Spree cocktail is naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. However, it's important to ensure that the apple and peach schnapps are made with gluten-free ingredients. Some popular gluten-free schnapps brands include DeKuyper and Hiram Walker.

Vegan Version

The Spree is already vegan-friendly, as none of the ingredients contain animal products. However, it's important to ensure that the apple and peach schnapps are made with vegan-friendly ingredients. Some popular vegan schnapps brands include Bols and Stirrings.

Keto Version

For those following a keto diet, the Spree can be adapted by using sugar-free grape juice and a low-carb substitute for the apple and peach schnapps. Some popular low-carb schnapps brands include Skinnygirl and Dr. McGillicuddy's.

Low-Calorie Version

To make a low-calorie version of the Spree, simply use a sugar-free grape juice and a low-calorie substitute for the apple and peach schnapps. Some popular low-calorie schnapps brands include Skinnygirl and Pucker.

More Variations

The Spree can be adapted in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Some popular variations include adding a splash of cranberry juice for a tart twist, or using pineapple juice instead of grape juice for a tropical flair.

Common Mistakes When Making

When it comes to making the Spree cocktail, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

  • Overpouring: The Spree cocktail is meant to be a sweet and fruity drink, so it's important not to overpour the alcohol, as this can overpower the other flavors.
  • Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of the schnapps and grape juice used can greatly affect the overall taste of the Spree. It's important to use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best possible flavor.
  • Not garnishing: Garnishing the Spree can help to balance out the sweetness and add an extra pop of flavor and color to the drink. Skipping this step can result in a less visually appealing drink.

In conclusion, the Spree cocktail is a classic drink that's been enjoyed by many for decades. Its sweet and fruity taste, combined with its vibrant appearance, makes it a popular choice for those who prefer a sweeter drink. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can create the perfect Spree cocktail that's sure to impress. Cheers!

If you are going to order Spree in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Spree can be served with different ingredients in different places.