Guide to Spritz Season
Because summer deserves something sparkling.
Italy does a lot of things well, pasta, gelato, and the beautiful art of slowing down. But few things capture la dolce vita quite like a spritz.
Whether you’re unwinding at a seaside bar or mixing one up at home, spritzes are the ultimate warm-weather drink: light, bubbly, slightly bitter, and endlessly sippable.
From the classic Aperol to regional favorites like the Pirlo and Select Spritz, here are 9 iconic Italian spritz cocktails, complete with origin stories, recipe ratios, and garnish tips so you can find your summer favorite.
🍊 Aperol Spritz
Origin: Padua, Italy (1950s)
This is the drink that made spritzes famous outside Italy. With its crisp citrus flavor and sparkling finish, it’s as iconic as an Italian sunset and just as easy to fall in love with.
Recipe:
– 3 parts Prosecco
– 2 parts Aperol
– 1 part soda water
– Garnish: orange slice
🌿 Hugo Spritz
Origin: South Tyrol, Italy (early 2000s)
A modern classic born in the mountains of northern Italy. The Hugo swaps bitterness for light floral and citrus notes, thanks to elderflower and fresh mint. It’s refreshing, delicate, and practically made for hot afternoons.
Recipe:
– 3 parts Prosecco
– 2 parts St-Germain (or elderflower syrup)
– 3 parts soda water
– Garnish: mint and lime
🍋 Limoncello Spritz
Origin: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Bright, sweet, and undeniably summery, this spritz captures the spirit of southern Italy in a glass. Made with Limoncello and Prosecco, it’s like sunshine with ice. Easygoing and impossible not to love.
Recipe:
– 3 parts Prosecco
– 2 parts Limoncello
– 1 part soda water
– Garnish: lemon slice
🍷 Pirlo Spritz
Origin: Brescia, Italy
This is the northern Italian answer to the spritz, but with white wine instead of bubbles. It’s slightly more bitter, a little more bold, and a staple in the bars of Brescia. If you like Campari, you’ll probably love this one.
Recipe:
– 2 parts white wine
– 1 part Campari
– Splash of soda water
– Garnish: orange slice
🫒 Select Spritz
Origin: Venice, Italy (1920s)
Before Aperol, there was Select. Born in Venice and still a local favorite, this version is a bit deeper and more herbal. It’s traditionally served with a green olive instead of citrus. If you want something classic but slightly off the beaten spritz path, this one’s it.
Recipe:
– 3 parts Prosecco
– 2 parts Select
– 1 part soda water
– Garnish: green olive
🍊 Fiero Spritz
Origin: Torino, Italy
Made with Martini Fiero, this version leans a little sweeter and a lot more citrusy. It’s bright, bold, and works especially well with tonic instead of soda water. A good pick if you want something a little fruitier than the classic Aperol.
Recipe:
– 2 parts Martini Fiero
– 2 parts tonic water
– Garnish: orange slice
🍊 Campari Spritz
Origin: Milan, Italy
This one’s for the bold. The Campari Spritz is more bitter and more herbal than its Aperol cousin, but just as refreshing. It’s a classic choice for anyone who likes their cocktails with a bit of bite.
Recipe:
– 3 parts Prosecco
– 2 parts Campari
– 1 part soda water
– Garnish: orange slice
🍂 Averna Spritz
Origin: Sicily, Italy
Made with Averna, a smooth Sicilian amaro, this spritz has more depth and less bitterness than the usual suspects. It’s mellow, a little herbal, and slightly sweet with notes of citrus and spice. Great for late afternoon or cooler evenings.
Recipe:
– 3 parts Prosecco
– 2 parts Averna
– 1 part soda water
– Garnish: lime slice
🍹 Negroni Sbagliato
Origin: Milan, Italy (1972)
Legend has it this cocktail was created by mistake when a bartender grabbed Prosecco instead of gin. The result? A lighter, bubbly twist on the classic Negroni. Still bold and bitter, but a little more playful.
Recipe:
– 1 part Campari
– 1 part sweet vermouth
– 1 part Prosecco
– Garnish: orange slice
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to spritzes. Some lean into bold and bitter (looking at you, Campari), while others keep it light, floral, or citrusy. Whether you’re team Hugo, Limoncello, or something a little more offbeat, the best spritz is the one that fits your mood.
Here’s to slow afternoons, clinking glasses, and a little sparkle in your summer.
Spritz Season Essentials
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