Spritz Season Never Ends in the South West

Just because the days are shorter doesn’t mean your drinks can’t sparkle. When the sun fades earlier and the evenings turn crisp, it’s tempting to think spritz season is over, but we’re keeping the sparkle alive a little longer.

Our new Spritz Collection reimagines the classic serves for the colder months, bringing warmth, depth, and a touch of festive indulgence to a drink that’s too good to save for sunny days. Lighter than a cocktail but full of flavour, these drinks bring a touch of celebration to even the chilliest evenings. Each one is served with seasonal twists: spiced fruits, toffee notes, berry brightness.

A Spritz isn’t just for summer.

The traditional spritz has Italian roots, with a mix of fizz, flavour, and something bitter or sweet to tie it together. But here at St Austell Brewery, our bartenders have given it a distinctly seasonal twist by balancing sparkling freshness with cosy depth.

Here’s how the season’s list takes shape:

• The Aperol – timeless, vivid, and refreshing.
• The Winter Hugo – the trendy classic reimagined with subtle winter flavours and a sparkling finish.
• The Elderflower 0.0% – proof that a good spritz doesn’t need alcohol with Tarquins Cornish Dry 0.0%. Delicate, fragrant, and perfectly balanced.
• The Blackberry – bubbly and refreshing, combining the sweet and tart flavour of blackberries with the crispness of sparkling wine and power of a vodka base.
• The Rhubarb & Bramley – a balance of tangy fruit and soft sweetness combine in this classic combination of rhubarb and apple, with a gin base
• The Winter Solstice 0.0% – spiced, sparkling, and comforting, without compromise. A dark night twist on a classic, combining Salcombe 0.0% gin with cloudy apple and plenty of ginger beer bringing warmth.
• The Toffee Apple – rich toffee and caramelised brown sugar bring back childhood memories with this twist on a classic combination with a Connie Glaze base
• The Rose Bramble – floral, elegant, and perfect for slow sipping. Light Salcombe Rosé gin combines with zesty lemon and the refreshment and zing of sparkling wine finished with blackberries.
• The Sloe Spritz – A warming mix of juniper, citrus and other spices rush headlong through the palate of this Plymouth Sloe Gin spritz, finished with sparkling wine and a grapefruit garnish

Each one is built for balance – refreshing enough to start an evening, yet layered enough to feel indulgent. These are drinks to savour, not rush. And like our pubs themselves, each one tells a story of craftsmanship, comfort, and the South West.

You’ll find our new spritz list at selected pubs across the South West – each one offering its own take on the season’s warmth. From harbourfront inns to countryside retreats, they’re as much a part of the experience as what’s in your glass.

Few spots are more atmospheric than Dartmouth’s historic harbourfront, especially as the lights begin to shimmer across the water. The 17th-century inn, recently restored, feels timeless – all soft lighting, snug corners, and the gentle hum of conversation. Order The Winter Hugo, a twist on a classic, bright with cranberry and elderflower, and toast to the season ahead.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Few places do laid-back coastal charm quite like Salcombe, especially when you’re sipping something sparkling by the water. The Victoria Inn’s cosy nooks make it the perfect stop after a coastal walk. Try The Rosé Bramble for a hint of pink gin glamour against the blue of the harbour.

 

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Overlooking the curve of Lyme Bay, Rock Point is the perfect place for The Rhubarb & Bramley, bright, crisp, and perfectly coastal. Take a window seat, watch the tides shift, and linger a little longer over lunch – it’s the kind of view that slows you down.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

As the seasons change, Hope Cove becomes a place to slow down, listen to the waves, and enjoy the calm of the coast. Sit by the window with The Toffee Apple, a glass that tastes like autumn in every sip.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Tucked into a valley steeped in myth and legend, The Wellington is perfect for slow afternoons. The Sloe Spritz fits right in: rich, berry-led, and timeless, with just enough sparkle to lift a grey day

Each pub offers more than just a place to drink. Wherever you find yourself, there’s a spritz to suit the season.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Our chefs have been just as busy as our bartenders this season, creating dishes that celebrate the best of autumn and winter. Featuring hearty favourites, warming flavours, and a little indulgence to carry you through cooler evenings. Naturally, there are a few perfect pairings for your chosen spritz.

Deep, savoury gravy meets the citrus warmth of this aromatic spritz. The pie’s rich filling, slow-cooked in Tribute Ale, finds balance in the drink’s spice and sparkle. A comforting duo that feels unmistakably British – and best enjoyed beside a roaring fire.

A lighter spritz for a bold dish. The tart apple and rhubarb notes cut through the curry’s warmth, bringing freshness to every mouthful. It’s a pairing that feels both comforting and bright.

Dessert on dessert, and we make no apologies. This sweet, caramel-kissed spritz mirrors the pudding’s richness while its bubbles keep things from feeling too heavy. A match made for long, lingering evenings.

Bold yet balanced, the sloe spritz brings berry warmth to a South West steak. A touch of peppercorn sauce ties it all together – pure winter comfort

The clean, floral flavours of this alcohol-free spritz enhance the crispy batter and light, flaky fish. A nod to the seaside, whatever the weather.

Spritzes may have started as summer staples, but here in the South West, they’ve found a new season to shine.

This autumn and winter, think of the spritz as your go-to for slow evenings and good company. Swap the terrace for a cosy corner, the sunshine for candlelight, and let the sparkle do the rest.