CLASS speaks to Daryl Beare, Brand Ambassador at Disaronno International UK 

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Drinking trends are always evolving, but one thing we're seeing more and more is consumers choosing to drink lighter for longer. People are staying out from brunch through to the evening, moving between different occasions throughout the day, and they're looking for drinks that fit that lifestyle.

That's where the spritz really comes into its own. It's refreshing, flavourful and sociable, while still feeling light and easy to enjoy. The continued growth of aperitivo culture has also played a huge role, with people embracing drinks that are as much about the occasion and experience as they are about what's in the glass.

What's particularly interesting is that we're seeing the spritz move far beyond just a summer staple. It's becoming a year-round ritual, tied to everything from long lunches and terrace drinks to after-work drinks and evenings with friends. From a bartender's perspective, spritzes also offer endless versatility. They provide a fantastic base for creativity, whether that's introducing seasonal ingredients, experimenting with different flavour profiles or simply offering guests something a little different. Combined with their visual appeal and easy-drinking nature, it's easy to see why the category continues to grow year after year.

Tell us about The Disaronno Spritz - what's the story behind it and where are you seeing it pop up around the world?

I'd be lying if I said the Disaronno Spritz was 500 years old, but it does draw inspiration from Italy's rich Spritz and aperitivo culture. For me, the beauty of the serve is that it captures the spirit of la dolce vita. That's not necessarily a specific time of day – it's a mood. It's those sweet moments spent with friends and family, whether that's brunch with your parents, catching up with old friends in a pub garden or chasing the last of the sunshine with your partner.

That idea sits at the heart of Disaronno's The Dolce Side of Life campaign, which celebrates those lighter, more sociable moments that bring people together. The Disaronno Spritz feels like a natural expression of that. It's refreshing, easy-drinking and perfectly suited to the occasions where conversation flows and people are focused on enjoying the moment.

The serve offers something a little different within the category. Disaronno's signature almond-like sweetness and subtle bittersweet character create a flavour profile that's instantly recognisable but refreshingly different from more traditional spritz serves. It offers something that feels both familiar and elevated, giving consumers a new way to experience the category.

The serve has huge potential globally because the spritz category itself continues to thrive around the world. As a brand with strong heritage and global recognition, we're fortunate to be able to introduce more consumers to the serve. There's always that proud-parent moment when you see people enjoying a Disaronno Spritz in incredible locations around the world – whether that's in front of Sydney Harbour Bridge, alongside the canals of Amsterdam, against the Chicago skyline or across the diverse hospitality scenes of Asia. Ultimately, though, the magic happens in that first sip. That 'liquid on lips' moment is what really drives trial and converts people into fans of the serve.

Ok, so how do you make the perfect Disaronno Spritz?

The beauty of the Disaronno Spritz is its simplicity. It's easy to recreate at home but still feels sophisticated enough to order in your favourite bar.

To create the perfect serve, pour 50ml of Disaronno Originale over plenty of ice, add 25ml of fresh lemon juice and top with soda water. Give it a gentle stir and finish with a twist of lemon zest.

What I love about the serve is how the citrus and soda lift Disaronno's signature flavour profile. You still get those distinctive almond notes, but they're complemented by a bright freshness that makes the drink incredibly refreshing and easy to enjoy. It's a simple serve, but when it's well balanced, it delivers everything people love about the spritz occasion.

Spritzes are great foundations to play around with - have you seen any tasty Disaronno Spritz variations?

Absolutely. One of the reasons I enjoy working with the Disaronno Spritz is because it provides such a versatile canvas for experimentation.

Citrus flavours work particularly well. Pink grapefruit and blood orange are personal favourites because they complement the almond notes beautifully while adding extra freshness and complexity. Berries can also bring a playful, fruit-forward twist, with Disaronno's sweetness helping to balance some of the sharper characteristics.

If you're looking for something a little more celebratory, adding Prosecco or another sparkling wine can completely transform the serve. It introduces a luxurious touch and helps elevate the citrus and drier notes, creating a fantastic option for special occasions.

What I love most is that the Disaronno Spritz isn't just a summer serve. As the seasons change, there are plenty of opportunities to adapt it. Apple, pear and warming spices such as cinnamon or clove work brilliantly in the autumn and winter months, creating something that still feels refreshing but with a richer, more comforting character. That's the beauty of the serve – it can evolve throughout the year while still remaining unmistakably Disaronno.

Disaronno Spritz Recipe:

Ingredients

• 50ml Disaronno Originale

• 25ml Lemon Juice

• Soda Water

Method

Pour Disaronno over ice, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and top up with soda water. Stir and garnish with lemon zest.