There is more than one Spritz
The Spritz is a Venetian wine‑based aperitivo built on three pillars: Prosecco, a bitter liqueur, and a splash of soda water, served over ice in a wine glass and garnished with orange. This balance of bubbles, bitterness, and freshness is what defines the drink. It’s one of Italy’s most iconic pre‑dinner drinks.
The cocktail’s story begins in the early 19th century, when Veneto was under Austrian rule. Austrian soldiers found local wines too strong and asked tavern keepers to spritz (from the German spritzen, “to splash”) a bit of water into their glass to lighten it. This simple diluted wine gradually evolved as sparkling water became common and bitter liqueurs like Aperol (1919) and Select (1920) entered the scene.
By the 1920s–1930s, bartenders in Venice and Padua began combining Prosecco with these bitters, creating the modern Spritz. The recipe became standardized in the 1970s with Prosecco replacing still wine. From that simple gesture emerged the effervescent aperitivo we adore today
Popular Variants
The Spritz is no singular cocktail; it is a curated collection of sparkling expressions, crafted for those who savor variety, elegance, and the art of the aperitivo.
• Aperol Spritz: bright orange, sweeter, gentler bitterness. The global icon.
• Campari Spritz: deeper red, bolder, more bitter and complex.
• Select Spritz: the original Venetian version, slightly less bitter than Campari.
• Cynar Spritz: herbal, earthy, made with artichoke‑based amaro.
• Limoncello Spritz: bright and citrusy.
• Elderflower Spritz: floral and delicate.
Countless modern riffs using amari, vermouths, or fruit liqueurs
All follow the same general ratio: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts bitter, 1 part soda.
The Amante Spritz | Amante 1530
INGREDIENTS
– 2 parts Amante 1530
– 3 parts Prosecco
– 1-part high-quality soda water
– 1 squeeze of an Amalfi lemon wedge
METHOD:
Gently combine over ice in a large wine glass.
Aperol Peach Spritz | Aperol
INGREDIENTS:
– 1 oz. Aperol BUY NOW!
– 1/2 oz. peach liqueur
– 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 oz. fresh orange juice
– Club Soda to top
– Prosecco to top
METHOD:
• Add ingredients to a shaker with ice.
• Shake gently
• Serve in a rocks glass over ice with Prosecco and a dash of club soda.
> Courtesy of Lucinda Sterling of Middle Branch, New York, NY, U.S.A.
Spritz Royal | Zebra Champagne
INGREDIENTS:
– 1 1/2 oz. (4 cl.) Aperol BUY NOW!
– 3/4 oz. (2 cl.) soda water
– 2 oz. (6 cl.) champagne brut
– slice of orange for garnish
METHOD:
Gently combine over ice in a large wine glass.