Blake’s Hard Cider and Korbel California Champagne Debut The American Spritz – a Summer Cocktail Built for America’s 250th

For decades, the Spritz has been gatekept by Italian bitter liqueurs and European cues. Today, two family-owned American brands, Blake’s Hard Cider and Korbel California Champagne, are reclaiming the cocktail for the American palate in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.

Blake’s Hard Cider and Korbel California Champagne proudly introduce The American Spritz: a crisp, golden cocktail that pairs Blake’s American Apple Imperial Hard Cider with Korbel Brut. A perfect pour for anyone looking for flavor-forward experimentation and a laid-back summer drink with added sparkle, the partnership offers a modern, refreshing twist on the Spritz.

A Michigan Farm Meets a California Vineyard

The American Spritz leads with the bright, sun-ripened notes of Michigan apples and finishes with the crisp, sophisticated effervescence of California grapes. The result is a balanced, fizzy, and approachable drink that tastes like a backyard celebration in a glass. It is light enough for a sunny patio but has enough kick and body to stand up to a pre-game tailgate.

How to make your own American Spritz:

  1. Fill a wine glass with ice

  2. Pour half a can of Blake’s American Apple Imperial Hard Cider

  3. Top with half a glass of Korbel Brut

  4. Add a lemon twist

  5. Garnish with an apple slice

“The American Spritz is about authenticity and accessibility,” said Andrew Blake, founder and CEO of Blake’s Beverage Company. “We paired a classic Michigan cider with a California champagne to create something light, simple, and refreshing — a summer cocktail that feels both elevated and grounded in American craft.”

“The American Spritz is exactly the kind of drink this moment calls for,” said Tessa Reynolds, Korbel Marketing Director at Freixenet Mionetto USA. “Versatile enough to carry a backyard brunch and sophisticated enough for a Golden Hour toast. At Korbel, we believe that the best moments happen when you’re together.”

About Blake’s Beverage Company:

Blake’s Beverage Company is a leading craft beverage producer with a family of brands committed to quality, innovation and authentic fruit-forward flavor. With roots on a 1,000- acre orchard in Armada, Mich., Blake’s Beverage Company now includes Blake’s Hard Cider, Austin Eastciders and AVID Cider Co. As the company continues to expand its national footprint, Blake’s Beverage Company remains grounded in its farm crafted origins – bringing bold, fruit-forward beverages to consumers across the country.

About Korbel California Champagne:

Established in 1882 in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces the United States’ most popular méthode champenoise champagne. The true measure of Korbel’s success over its 144 years can be seen in its impact on American consumers and in its presence at various celebrations throughout the years. Owned and managed by the Heck family since 1954, Korbel currently makes eleven California champagnes and a limited amount of still wine. In a separate facility, Korbel also produces one of the country’s most respected brandies.

About Freixenet Mionetto USA

Freixenet Mionetto USA, the United States subsidiary of Henkell Freixenet, offers a comprehensive portfolio of premium, iconic sparkling and still wine brands from renowned producers worldwide, including Italy, France, Germany, Spain, England, and the United States. Led by quality and innovation, the company ranks in the top three sparkling wine companies and is number one globally.

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