Who / What
Spritz is an Italian wine‑based cocktail that serves as a popular apéritif across Italy. It blends Prosecco, a mixer—commonly soda water—and a flavouring ingredient such as a bitter liqueur or amaro. The name derives from the Venetian original, called spritz veneziano, created in Venice in 1920.
Background & History
The spritz originated in early 20th‑century Venice, where bartenders mixed local sparkling wine with bitter apéritifs to craft a refreshing drink. The classic spritz veneziano uses the bitter apéritif Select, adding depth and aromatic bitterness. By the 1920s the recipe had spread throughout northern Italy, becoming a staple in Venetian cafés and public houses. Over the decades it evolved into various regional styles, incorporating soda, Campari, Aperol, and other bitters.
Why Notable
Spritz embodies the relaxed Mediterranean spirit of sipping wine before meals and has become an icon of Italian conviviality. Its straightforward composition, requiring only Prosecco and a bitter or sweet flavouring, allows for in‑house customization and regional variation. Major brands such as Campari and Aperol popularized the drink worldwide, making it a global staple of aperitivo culture. The spritz’s inclusion in international cocktail charts and award‑winning ‘best drinks’ lists underscores its enduring influence.
In the News
Recently, the spritz has gained new variations featuring sparkling rosé and artisanal craft bitters, reflecting evolving consumer tastes. The Italian tourism board promoted the spritz as part of its “Taste of Italy” campaign, highlighting the drink’s cultural heritage.
