It’s the height of summer which means it's spritz season! There’s a reason the world loves a spritz, it’s light, refreshing and so easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying these by the Piscina “pool”, Spiaggia  “beach”, Terrazza “patio” or Ristorante “restaurant” do as the Italians do and enjoy.

What is a Spritz?

A spritz is a wine-based aperitif made with a base of prosecco, a bitter liqueur, citrus, and soda water. 

What is the origin of the Spritz?

Originating in the 1800s, the spritz first appeared in the Veneto region of Italy, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Austrian soldiers stationed there found the local Italian wines too strong for their liking and began to dilute them with a splash of water, or "spritzen" in German, giving rise to the name "spritz."

As time passed, the drink evolved. By the 1920s and 1930s, soda water replaced still water, and bitter liqueurs like Aperol or Campari were added. This evolution led to the creation of the classic Aperol Spritz we enjoy today.

3-2-1 Method

An easy rule of thumb when making a spritz is the 3-2-1 method of 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts bitters (such as Aperol), and 1 part soda water.

Spritz Cocktail Recipes:

Aperol Spritz

In a glass with ice, add:

• 3 parts prosecco

• 2 parts Aperol

• 1 part club soda 

Garnish with orange slices

Hugo Spritz

In a glass add:

• 1/2 ounce St-Germain

• 1 sprig mint

Muddle mint and St. Germain

• Add ice and pour in:

• 4 ounces prosecco, chilled

• 1 ounce of soda water, chilled

Garnish: mint sprig

Garnish: lemon wheel

Negroni Sbagliato Spritz

In a glass with ice add:

• 4 oz prosecco

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• ½ oz Campari

• Top off with club soda 

Stir and garnish with lime

Limoncello Spritz

Add to a glass with ice:

• 3 oz of prosecco

• 2 oz of Limoncello

• 1 oz of club soda

Stir the ingredients and garnish with mint and lemon

Scarlet Spritz

In a glass with ice add:

• Coat the inside of the glass with absinth and then discard

• Pour in 1 ½ ounces of strawberry-infused Aperol (soak strawberries in Aperol overnight to make Strawberry infused Aperol)

• ½ ounce of Lillet Blanc 

• 2 dashes of Rhubarb bitters

• (Stir to mix)

• Then pour in sparkling wine on top

Cranberry-Aperol Spritz

In a glass with ice add: 

• 2 oz Aperol

• 2 oz Cranberry Juice Cocktail

• 4 oz Prosecco

• Splash of Orange Juice

Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and a rosemary sprig. 

Now that you have your spritz inspiration, let’s immerse you in the Italian lifestyle. Here are a few stunning Italian villas, perfect for sipping Aperol spritzes on the Terrazza.

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