Is your go-to summer drink starting to feel a little blah? It’s time to switch things up with the ultimate refreshing beverage: the Spritz. Forget the basic bubbly or even the classic Aperol Spritz; there’s a world of flavor combinations that will elevate your drink game and bring the outdoor patio vibes with them. There are few things more refreshing than a perfectly-balanced spritz on a hot day, and you can sip, savor, and soak up the sun with many delicious variations.
It seems as though it’s the summer of the spritz (or maybe I’ve just declared that), and that this bubbly beverage has taken the world by storm – but for good reason. The beauty of a good spritz? It’s totally customizable, from flavor to ABV. With its endless possibilities for customization, the spritz is the ultimate drink for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or just looking to switch up your drink order, this guide will walk you through the basics and explore some creative variations. So grab a glass, ice, and your favorite bubbly — it’s time to get spritzing!
What’s A Spritz?
A spritz is a refreshing and versatile cocktail that originated in Italy. Traditionally, it’s made with Prosecco, a bitter aperitif like Aperol or Campari, and a splash of soda water. However, the beauty of the spritz lies in its ability to be customized with countless ingredients, creating a wide range of flavors and experiences. The modern spritz has evolved to include tons of variations, incorporating different spirits, liqueurs, and flavors, so whether you prefer something classic, fruity, or even savory, there’s a spritz out there for everyone.
The Classic Spritzes
Aperol Spritz
Perhaps the most famous of them all, the Aperol Spritz originated as a pre-meal aperitif cocktail in Italy in the 1950s. Just remember the 3-2-1 formula: three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol (a bitter orange liqueur), and one part club soda. And, of course, an orange slice for garnish (aka little snack at the end).
Campari Spritz
A Campari Spritz is a classic Italian aperitif that swaps out Aperol for the bolder, more bitter Campari, known for its vibrant red color and complex flavor profile. Just like the Aperol Spritz, it’s typically made with equal parts Campari and Prosecco, topped with soda water, and served over ice.
Select Spritz
Select is a bitter liqueur, similar to Aperol, but with a unique blend of botanicals; a Select Spritz is a classic Italian aperitivo cocktail that features Select as its key ingredient. The traditional Select Spritz is incredibly simple and refreshing and follows the same 3-2-1 ratio as an Aperol Spritz: three parts Prosecco, two parts Select, and one part soda water.
Hugo Spritz
A Hugo Spritz is a refreshing and floral cocktail that originated in Northern Italy. It’s a delightful alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz. Unlike its bitter counterpart, the Hugo Spritz boasts a delicate flavor profile, thanks to the star ingredient: elderflower liqueur. Often made with St-Germain, this liqueur imparts a floral sweetness to the drink. Combined with Prosecco, soda water, and a touch of mint, the Hugo Spritz creates a light and bubbly experience perfect for warm weather.
Negroni Spritz
A Negroni Spritz is a delightful twist on the classic Negroni. It’s essentially a Negroni with a splash of Prosecco added to lighten it up and give it a bubbly, refreshing character. While the traditional Negroni is made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, the Negroni Spritz replaces a portion of the gin with Prosecco to create a more balanced and approachable cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a warm day.
Cynar Spritz
Instead of Aperol, this unique and refreshing spritz features Cynar, an Italian bitter liqueur made from artichokes, which gives the drink a distinctive, earthy flavor profile with a hint of sweetness. The combination of Cynar’s complex taste with the bubbly Prosecco creates a surprisingly delicious and sophisticated aperitif.
Averna
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. The combination of Averna’s complex flavors with the effervescence of Prosecco creates a unique, intriguing, and refreshing cocktail.
Bicicletta
A Bicicletta is a refreshing Italian cocktail that’s similar to a Spritz but without the Prosecco. It’s a simpler drink, typically made with a dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc), Campari, and club soda. The Bicicletta offers a lighter, less sweet profile than a traditional Spritz, making it a great option for those who prefer a drier taste.
Americano
No, not the espresso drink. An Americano is a classic cocktail that’s often considered a precursor to the Spritz. It’s a refreshing and low-alcohol aperitif with a distinctly bitter-sweet flavor profile. The Americano typically consists of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. It’s a simple yet elegant drink, perfect for enjoying before a meal or as a light refreshment.
Fruity Spritzes
Limoncello Spritz
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.
Bellini Spritz
A Bellini Spritz is a delightful fusion of two classic Italian drinks: the Bellini and the Spritz. It combines the sweetness and fruitiness of a Bellini with the refreshing effervescence of a spritz by blending peach puree with Prosecco and a touch of lemon juice. To truly make it a “spritz,” add a splash of soda water and a bitter aperitif like Aperol or Campari to create a complex and flavorful cocktail.
Creative Variations Of Spritz
Cucumber Spritz
A Cucumber Vodka Spritz is a refreshing and light cocktail that combines the crispness of cucumber with the smoothness of vodka. It’s a perfect summer drink that offers a sophisticated twist on the classic spritz, with a combination of vodka, cucumber (fresh or infused), lime juice, and soda water. Some recipes also include simple syrup or agave nectar for added sweetness. The cucumber can be muddled, infused into the vodka, or added as a garnish.
Lavender Spritz
A Lavender Spritz is a delicate and aromatic cocktail that combines the floral notes of lavender with the refreshing effervescence of a spritz. It typically includes lavender-infused syrup or liqueur, prosecco or sparkling wine, a citrus element (like lemon or lime juice), and soda water for a beautifully balanced, elegant, and fragrant cocktail.
Martini Spritz
A Martini Spritz is a contemporary take on the classic cocktail, infused with the refreshing elements of a spritz; it combines sophistication of a Martini with the bubbly lightness of a spritz, for a balanced and elegant drink. Typically, a Martini Spritz includes dry vermouth, prosecco, a touch of bitter (such as Campari or Aperol), a dash of olive brine, and a citrus garnish (lemon twist or olive). Ultimately, the proportions can vary depending on taste preference, but the general idea is a cocktail that has the clean, crisp characteristics of a Martini with the added effervescence of a Spritz.