What Is a Spritz? What to Know About This Italian Drink
When I was in Italy I saw pretty much everyone drinking them and was dying to know what they were. Well, the name of that orange beverage is a “spritz,” and it’s pretty wonderful. While the Spritz originated in Italy, its popularity has transcended borders and continues to gain enthusiasts around the world. In recent years, the cocktail has become a favorite in various international cities, particularly during the summer months.
Modern Twists on the Spritz
- Plus, you can prepare the Aperol and orange juice ahead of time and freeze it for up to two days, making it a perfect drink to serve at a party.
- The elderflower syrup gives the cocktail a sweet and floral flavor that is balanced out by the bubbles from the Prosecco and mineral water.
- Imagine a late summer afternoon, sipping on a delightful beverage that not only quenches your thirst but also brings a burst of fruity goodness.
It’s also low ABV, so you can enjoy them from afternoon ’til night…Get the Hugo Spritz recipe. Aperol is a bright red amaro made with flavorful, herbal ingredients that give it a distinct taste that might remind you of burnt orange and tart rhubarb. After hearing those flavor notes, it’s probably immediately obvious why, when paired with Prosecco and a bit of soda water, it makes an sprtz amazing cocktail to drink for spring and summer. The Wild Berry Chambord Spritz Cocktail is a perfect drink for those who love a sweet and fruity cocktail. The Spritz Veneziano, a variation of the classic recipe, is made with white wine instead of sparkling and garnished with a green olive.
Fall Spritz
Made with elderflower liqueur, it has a light and sweetly floral flavor that’s hard to resist. This cocktail is a spin on the classic spritz, and it’s easy to make in just three minutes. Another Italian classic, a Limoncello Spritz is a refreshing and sunny cocktail that captures the essence of Italy. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Aperol Spritz, substituting the bitter Aperol with the sweet and tangy Limoncello. A combination of the sweet lemon flavor from the Limoncello, bubbly Prosecco, and the crisp soda water creates a light and invigorating drink that tastes like the Amalfi Coast. To prepare a Spritz, you simply combine the prosecco and aperitif in a wine glass filled with ice, then top it with soda water.
- A savory refresher that is crisp and light with all the makings of the old school classic.
- The Spiced Cherry Spritz is a delightful and surprisingly complex cocktail that is perfect for those who want a little bit of sweet and bitter in their drink.
- The bitter liqueurs are what give this drink that signature orange color, as well as its bitter orange taste.
- While the traditional ingredients are well-loved, variations can include using different types of aperitifs, such as Select or Cynar, which will introduce unique flavors and nuances to the drink.
- For something refreshing, try these spritz cocktails at happy hour!
The Rise in Popularity
However, this can be adjusted to suit individual tastes, and some spritzes may include additional ingredients that alter the ratio. Spritzes don’t immediately call minerality to mind, but a touch of salinity can anchor the aromatic cocktails. In her crowd-pleasing Tan Line Spritz, Stacey Swenson pairs a mix of Cappelletti, dry vermouth and watermelon juice with a generous pinch of salt before topping with prosecco. It’s a move that lets the flavors pop, making it brighter and more refreshing. Take inspiration from the winner of our blind tasting of spritzes and use a blend of liqueurs. Joe Campanale’s Doppio Spritz combines the Italian Contratto and Brooklyn-born Forthave Red Aperitivo for a recognizably bittersweet drink that forgoes the wine element altogether.
The Limoncello Spritz is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that transports you to an Italian lemon grove. This cocktail is perfect for lemon lovers and is a combination of limoncello, prosecco, and club soda. The drink is topped with crisp, cold prosecco, making it perfect for a warm summer day. If you’re looking for a cocktail that is both delicious and different, the Hugo Spritz is definitely worth a try. With its combination of flavors and refreshing taste, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Making a Spritz at home is relatively easy and requires just a few ingredients. To start, you’ll need a bottle of Prosecco or white wine, a bottle of liqueur, and some soda water. Simply fill the glass with ice, pour in the Prosecco or white wine, add a splash of liqueur, and top with soda water. Perfect for those who appreciate a slightly sweeter drink, this spritz features Averna, a rich, sweet Italian amaro with notes of caramel, vanilla, and herbs, instead of Aperol.