Searching for a Kinnie Spritz in Malta

I thought I’d never find the elusive cocktail, until I got a brilliant, and unnecessary, idea.

Kinnie Spritz origin story

Simonds Farsons Cisk, the same company that brews the local Maltese beer Cisk, makes the most popular soda in Malta. Kinnie gets it’s unique flavor from bittersweet oranges and wormwood, a medicinal herb. Its bittersweet flavor is divisive, with some people loving it while others disliking it intensely. For me, I like Kinnie. I don’t drink much soda because it’s usually too syrupy and sweet for me, but Kinnie has a nice bite to it.

Looking to expand the Kinnie market, Simmonds Farsons Cisk invented a couple cocktails using their soda. One, a Kinnie Negroni, is just like a regular Negroni with a splash of Kinnie on top and garnished with a slice of orange rather than an orange peel.

The other is a Kinnie Spritz. This cocktail is 2 parts Prosecco to 1 part Kinnie served over ice.

Problem solved! Making a Kinnie Spritz (photo: Brent Petersen)

Simple right?

Well, try finding a bar that serves a Kinnie Spritz in Malta.

I must’ve asked at a dozen places and no one had it on the menu or had even heard of a Kinnie Spritz.

Then, I came up with a brilliant idea. I’d make my own Kinnie Spritz.

We went into a bar called Kazin Banda in St. Julian’s. Long having given up trying to find a Kinnie Spritz, I didn’t even ask if they had it. Instead, I ordered a bottle of Kinnie and a Prosecco. We sat down and I proceeded to mix my own Kinnie Spritz at the table.

As I finished my mixology session, I looked up and saw the sign. Written on a blackboard above me was a drink menu with the words “Kinnie Spritz.”

Sign at Kazin Banda for a Kinnie Spritz (photo: Brent Petersen)

About the Author

Brent Petersen is the Editor-in-Chief of Destination Eat Drink. He currently resides in Setubal, Portugal. Brent has written the novel “Truffle Hunt” (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection “That Bird.” He’s also written dozens of foodie travel guides on Destination Eat Drink, including one for Malta,. Brent’s podcast, also called Destination Eat Drink, is available on all major podcasting platforms and is distributed by the Radio Misfits Podcast Network.