In the world of cocktails, few creations boast a more glamorous origin story than Le Gigi. Born amidst the glitz of London's Mayfair in the early 2000s, this legendary drink was conceived at the launch of Gigi’s Restaurant. Its purpose? To honour the iconic singer and style disruptor, Grace Jones, who graced the event. The gesture was as extravagant as the artist herself. The original Le Gigi was crafted with a staggering combination: 1990 Cristal Champagne and an incredibly rare 1888 vintage Armenac. With a price tag rumoured to hover around £1000 per glass, it quickly earned the title of "the most expensive cocktail ever made," a reputation it still holds today.

While the original's ingredients were exceptionally opulent, the style of Le Gigi – marrying Champagne or sparkling wine with a bitter spirit or aperitif – has deep roots and a far more accessible evolution. This combination is now universally recognised as a spritz. Interestingly, the spritz lineage dates back even further than Gigi's homage. Originating in the 1800s under Austrian rule in Veneto, Italy, the earliest spritzes were simple affairs: local wine "spritzed" with a splash of water to make it more palatable for occupying soldiers.

The spritz concept evolved dramatically. After WWII, a vibrant orange-hued version became a staple in Italy: the Aperol Spritz. Combining the bittersweet Aperol aperitif, Prosecco, and a splash of soda, it captured the essence of Italian aperitivo culture – a pre-dinner ritual focused on socialising and stimulating the appetite. But it wasn't until the early 2000s that the Aperol Spritz exploded onto the global stage. Driven by an aggressive and brilliantly executed marketing campaign by Campari Group (Aperol's owner) and amplified by the drink's inherently photogenic, sun-drenched appeal, it became a worldwide phenomenon.

This global spritz craze did more than just popularise one cocktail; it fundamentally shifted drinking culture. It ushered in wider acceptance of bitter flavour profiles (once considered challenging outside of Italy), celebrated the relaxed ritual of aperitivo, and aligned perfectly with a growing trend towards lower ABV (alcohol by volume) drinks among a more health-conscious younger generation. The spritz was no longer just Italian; it was a global symbol of sophisticated, sociable, and slightly lighter drinking.

Today, the spritz universe is vast and wonderfully varied. Craft bartenders and home enthusiasts experiment with different bitter bases (like Campari, Cynar, or Select), sparkling wines, and garnishes. Crucially, the rise of high-quality non-alcoholic spirits and sparkling wines has revolutionised the category, making the spritz ritual accessible anytime, anywhere, without compromise. This brings us to the modern, elegant incarnation of its Mayfair namesake: Le Gigi.