September 3, 2026
Q&A: Sarti Spritz, home vegetable gardens
Each week, we answer reader questions about food and drink in Charlotte
Q: What’s this Sarti Spritz that’s getting all the buzz and where can I get one?
Tom: Like many trends, this one seems to come out of nowhere to capture the social media zeitgeist. The Sarti Rosa Spritz is the latest spin on the popular Aperol spritz. Approved for sale in North Carolina only on May 1, it’s popularity in the state immediately skyrocketed. Sarti Rosa comes from an Italian brand dating to 1885, which was acquired by the Campari Group in 1995. The current version is a vodka-based aperitif incorporating blood orange, passion-fruit, and mango juices. However, only a little more than one percent of the product is actually fruit juice. In addition to the vodka, the ingredient list also includes water, sugar, and citric acid, plus “flavorings, and colorants.” Whereas the classic Aperol spritz offers a pleasingly bitter (in a good way) taste, and the nearly equally popular Hugo (elderflower) spritz offers subtle floral notes, the Sarti spritz lands decidedly on the sweet side. In fact, on my first sip, my first thought was “Hawaiian Punch.” Not nearly that sweet, but a lot of that overall flavor. That said, it can make for a nice change as a restaurant patio sipper. As to where you can get one, more area restaurants and bars are adding it to their cocktail lineups every day, but I’ve confirmed they are listed on the menus at Packard Tavern and Sea Level in Uptown, The Wine Loft in South End, several of the DTR locations, Little Mama’s in SouthPark, Mama Ricotta’s in Midtown, Bev Proseccheria in Plaza Midwood, Streetcar Bar + Bites in Wesley Heights, and Blue Door in Wilmore. As you might guess, the recent high demand has made Sarti Rosa difficult to keep in stock, so occasional shortages can be expected at your favorite spot. Cheers!
Q: I’m thinking of starting a home vegetable garden. Any tips?
Tom: From me? Trust me, you don’t want that. Sadly, home gardening is not one of my gifts. But there are some local resources you can take advantage of. I’d start with the Mecklenburg chapter of the Master Gardeners program, part of the N.C. Cooperative Extension, a partnership linking N.C. State University, N.C. A&T State University, county governments, and federal resources. They can offer expert advice on how to start and maintain a healthy and bountiful home garden. I do recommend getting your seeds and starter plants from local trustworthy sources, specifically 2024 UPPY Farmer of the Year Mary Roberts of Windcrest Farm. She has always been more about enabling home growers more than selling them vegetables. Also, seek out Erin Hostetler of The Patio Farmer. She runs several classes as well as does private consulting on getting the most out of your dirt, whether it’s a massive back yard or a condo patio.
