The Summer of Spritz, Here’s 3 Local Ones You Should Try
Here’s some good news for cocktail lovers! Malta does spritz season properly. Come early evening, tables fill up, glasses clink, and something cold and sparkling usually ends up in hand. Alongside the usual classics, there are a few local takes that feel right at home on the island.
Here are three versions to look out for, and well worth a sip.
1. Bajtra Spritz
Made with local bajtra, this is one of the most recognisable local twists. The prickly pear gives it a soft, rounded sweetness with a slightly floral edge. Topped with prosecco and a splash of soda, it’s light and easy to settle into, especially on a warm evening.
2. Kinnie Spritz
A more bittersweet option, built around Kinnie, Malta’s well-known soft drink made from bitter oranges and aromatic herbs. Mixed into a spritz, it brings a sharper, slightly more complex flavour. It’s the kind of drink people either discover quickly (and love it) or come back to after a few tries.
3. Limoncello Spritz
A familiar sight across the island, often made with locally produced limoncello rather than imported bottles. One to keep an eye out for is Leila’s Limoncello, a small-batch version that leans into fresh citrus flavour without being overly sweet. Paired with prosecco and soda, it’s crisp, bright and very easy to drink.
Now it’s simply a question of where to sit down with one. Valletta has plenty of rooftop bars, many looking straight out over the harbour as the sun starts to sink. Over in Spinola Bay, things feel a bit busier, with tables looking over the water and a steady evening buzz, while Balluta Bay tends to be a touch calmer. For a different vibe in the south, the Three Cities are hard to beat, especially later on when it all softens and the waterfront comes into its own. Book a table, enjoy the sunset and Saħħa (cheers) to a great time in Malta!
