Savory LifeRECIPES

Ponte de Lima Time Now: A Simple Portuguese Wine Spritzer

Updated November 6, 2026

Total time
5 min
prep 5 min · cook 0 min
Serves
4
portions as written

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Ponte de Lima Time Now: A Simple Portuguese Wine Spritzer

Ponte de Lima Time Now is a refreshing Portuguese-inspired wine spritzer that combines crisp white wine with sparkling water and a hint of citrus. It’s a light, low-alcohol drink that’s perfect for warm afternoons or casual gatherings, and it comes together in minutes. The name nods to the historic town of Ponte de Lima in northern Portugal, where vinho verde—a young, slightly fizzy white wine—is a local staple. This recipe uses that wine’s bright acidity as the base, then stretches it with soda and lemon for a drink that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle (750 ml) vinho verde or other dry white wine, chilled
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cold sparkling water or club soda
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) simple syrup, optional (see Tips)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. In a large pitcher, combine the chilled white wine, sparkling water, and lemon juice. Stir gently to mix.
  2. Add the lemon slices and, if using, the simple syrup. Stir once more.
  3. Fill four glasses with ice cubes. Pour the spritzer over the ice, distributing the lemon slices evenly.
  4. Serve immediately, while the bubbles are still lively.

Tips

  • Substitutions: If you can’t find vinho verde, use any dry, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The drink will be slightly less fizzy but still refreshing. For a sweeter version, add the simple syrup; for a drier one, omit it.
  • Chill everything: The wine, sparkling water, and glasses should be well chilled before mixing. This keeps the drink cold without diluting it with too much ice.
  • Don’t over-stir: Stirring too vigorously will flatten the sparkling water. A gentle swirl is enough to combine the ingredients.
  • Common mistake: Using warm wine will make the drink taste flat and watery. Always start with a chilled bottle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ponte de Lima Time Now as an aperitif before a meal, or alongside light appetizers like olives, grilled shrimp, or a simple green salad. It also pairs well with seafood dishes, especially grilled fish or calamari. For a festive touch, garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig.

Variations

  • Berry Spritz: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries to the pitcher and muddle lightly before adding the wine.
  • Herbal Twist: Replace the lemon with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary, letting them steep in the wine for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Peach Spritz: Substitute the lemon juice with peach nectar and add a sliced ripe peach for a summer version.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Use a non-alcoholic white wine or a mix of white grape juice and sparkling water for a family-friendly version.

Storage and Reheating

This drink is best enjoyed immediately, as the bubbles dissipate quickly. If you have leftovers, cover the pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours—the flavor will still be pleasant, but it will be flat. Do not reheat. For a fizzy leftover, add a splash of fresh sparkling water before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vinho verde? Vinho verde is a Portuguese wine from the Minho region, known for its light body, high acidity, and slight effervescence. It’s typically made from local grape varieties like Alvarinho and Loureiro. If unavailable, any dry white wine works.

Can I make this ahead of time? You can mix the wine and lemon juice a few hours ahead, but add the sparkling water and ice just before serving to keep the fizz.

Is this drink alcoholic? Yes, it contains wine, so it’s for adults of legal drinking age. The sparkling water dilutes the alcohol, making it lighter than a straight glass of wine. Please drink responsibly.

Can I use lime instead of lemon? Absolutely. Lime juice and slices give a more tropical, zesty flavor. Use about 1/4 cup (60 ml) lime juice and lime slices.

How do I make simple syrup? Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves, then cool. For this recipe, use 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of syrup, or adjust to taste.

What if I don’t have sparkling water? You can use tonic water for a slightly bitter, quinine-flavored drink, or even ginger ale for a sweeter, spicier version. Just note that the flavor profile will change.

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