chapman spritz
can we make it the drink of the summer?
What's a summer without a Spritz? While I love the classic Aperol Spritz, however since I made this Chapman Spritz, it's the only drink I want to have this summer. And if I'm being honest I love to create recipes with ingredients I already have on hand, especially when I am hosting folks on short notice, so this drink definitely fits the bill for my mostly Nigerian pantry.
The Chapman to my knowledge, originated in Nigeria and is a beloved and popular drink that combines a harmonious blend of fruity flavors, tangy citrus, and a hint of spice. It’s created with citrus fruit juices, grenadine or black currant syrup, Angostura bitters, and lime and orange-flavored sodas. It's always the first drink I order at local restaurants whenever I visit Nigeria.
While it's not an alcoholic drink in its traditional form, it makes the perfect base for a spritz due to its refreshing tropical and complex flavors. The Chapman Spritz is perfect for summer gatherings since the base can be served without sparkling white wine, allowing guests to opt for an equally delicious non-alcoholic summer delight. For garnishes, any fresh or dried citrus fruit slice or citrus fruit peel twirled. I also love using cucumber ribbons, cucumber slices work just as well.
Chapman Spritz
Ingredients
4 cups orange soda- (While the original recipe usually calls for Fanta, I’ve found that the Fanta in America tends to be much sweeter than in Nigeria, so I opt for a Blood Orange Soda from Trader Joe’s but any orange soda should do)
2 cups lemon-lime soda- (Sprite, 7up, or Sierra Mist all work well)
1/4 cup of Blackcurrant or Grenadine syrup
10-15 drops of Angostura bitters
1 tsp of orange zest
Juice of a lime
Juice of a lemon
Juice of an orange
Sparkling white wine
Ice cubes
Citrus fruit slices and/or peel
Cucumber slices
To make
Combine all ingredients, except sparkling white wine and garnishes, in a pitcher and stir. For the spritz, pour Chapman into an 8oz glass filled with ice up, to two-thirds of the glass and top with sparkling white wine.
Top with garnishes of your choosing