Aperitivo hinges on balance: a drink that primes the palate and sits naturally alongside a snack or a small plate. Stilla Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Milano captures that moment with the Spritz Royale, a recipe that combines the depth of armagnac with the freshness of Champagne, stretching the sip and creating continuity between glass and kitchen.
Elegance, Liveliness and Warm Notes in a Single Drink
Inspired by the Champagne Cocktail, the Spritz Royale keeps an essential build. “The drink blends the elegance and liveliness of Champagne with the warm notes of dried fruit and wood from the armagnac, creating a natural bridge between the two. Peach and the aromatic herbs in the bitters, which soak the sugar cube served on the side, allow guests to dial the sweetness up or down,” says Alejandro Pellejero, Head Bartender at Stilla Bar. “We wanted to bring guests closer to armagnac, a spirit that’s less familiar than others, relying on Champagne’s natural immediacy. The challenge was to create a cocktail with clear contours on the palate, able to carry the sip from the first taste to the bottom of the glass while respecting every ingredient. The number of orders has confirmed that choice.”
The Spritz Royale Recipe
The result is a layered cocktail designed for an aperitivo that seeks continuity. “The sip opens on Champagne’s freshness, finds its stride with the armagnac and finishes on a dry balance that holds both registers together. It pairs beautifully with our lobster club sandwich.”
Ingredients
- 15 ml Armagnac
- 5 ml French Peach Liqueur mixed with Angostura (4:1)
- Top with very cold brut Champagne
Method
Pour the armagnac and the peach liqueur – Angostura mix into the glass. Add the ice sphere and finish with well-chilled Champagne.
Garnish
Serve a sugar cube soaked in a blend of bitters on the side, allowing guests to adjust the cocktail’s sweetness.
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
Images credits Emanuel Florentin
