Why the Spritz Always Feels Like a Celebration

Among all cocktail families, the Spritz is by far the cheeriest. It’s light, effervescent, and has just enough octane to remind you you’re sipping on an adult beverage. A spritz combines bubbles with more bubbles - sparkling wine being the star.

Even the name, ‘Spritz,’ from the German spritzer (meaning to spray or splash), perfectly captures the drink’s playful spirit. You won’t ever see a bar patron crying into their Spritz.

The template is simple: 3:2:1 - three parts sparkling wine, two parts liqueur, and one part soda water. Of course, these ratios aren’t set in stone, and a little variation can go a long way.

The Aperol Spritz

This is the drink that brought the Spritz into the spotlight. It was created in the 1950s by two brothers hoping to popularize their bittersweet liqueur in Padua, Italy. Aperol’s fruity sweetness and soft bitterness provide a balanced base, while sparkling wine and soda water keep it bright and refreshing. Since this is an Italian cocktail, Prosecco is the go-to choice.

The Spritz: Summer’s Happiest Cocktail

  • Hints of orange, herbs, & spices

  • Refreshing balance of bitter & sweet

Sips

  1. Start with a large wine glass

  2. Fill with ice

  3. Next, pour in the 3 oz. of Prosecco

  4. Then, add in 2 oz. Aperol

  5. Lastly, pour in the 1 oz. of soda water

  6. Stir gently

  7. Garnish

  8. Enjoy!

Beyond the Aperol Spritz

If you’re looking to explore more bubbly cocktails, check out the new book Spritz: Cheers to 100+ Refreshing, Sparkling Cocktails from Cider Mill Press. It’s packed with inventive recipes - from light and botanical to bold, boozy twists on the classic style.

[Get the book: Spritz: Cheers to 100+ Refreshing, Sparkling Cocktails → cidermillpress.com/spritz]

Cheers, and happy Spritz Day!

Tips

  • Build in one glass for easy clean up

  • Pre chill your Prosecco

The aperol spritz Recipe

  • 3 oz. (90 ml) Prosecco

  • 2oz. (60 ml) Aperol

  • 1 oz. (30 ml) Soda Water

Find some of these ingredients and more as part of my Curiada x Anders Erickson Collection

The aperol spritz Ingredient List

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