Spritz

The Spritz is a refreshing and effervescent cocktail that typically combines sparkling wine, a bitter liqueur like Aperol or Campari, and a splash of soda water.

  • 5 min
  • Easy
  • Old-Fashioned glass
  • 3 ingredients
Hero bottle: Prosecco →

Spritz

Ingredients

1
  • Prosecco2 oz
  • Campari1⅜ oz
  • Soda Watersplash

Method

  1. Build into glass over ice, garnish and serve.
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What you need

Nothing fancy. Here is what to look for. We earn a small cut if you buy through these links, at no cost to you.

Rocks glasses

A heavy base and 8 to 10 oz, with room for one big ice cube.

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A double jigger

Marked in oz and ml, with lines inside for the small measures.

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The hero bottle

An Italian sparkling wine from the Veneto and Friuli, made mainly from the Glera grape. It's around 11% ABV. Light and fruity, with green apple, pear and soft bubbles. Even the drier ones can taste a little sweet.

See 9 Prosecco drinks

Where it comes from

The Spritz originated in Northern Italy, Veneto, during the 1800s as an economical way to dilute wine with water, eventually evolving into a sophisticated aperitif. The modern Spritz formula emerged in the 20th century with the addition of liqueurs like Aperol or Campari, creating the iconic golden drink. Today, it represents Italian la dolce vita culture and is the world's most consumed aperitif cocktail.

Tips from the bar

  • Maintain the proper ratio of 3-1-1 (prosecco-aperitif-soda) for authentic balance
  • use well-chilled prosecco to prevent excessive carbonation loss
  • pour soda water last to preserve effervescence
  • serve in large wine glasses with plenty of ice
  • garnish with an olive rather than orange for traditional presentation

Twists worth trying

Aperol Spritz
The classic and most popular version using Aperol for delicate bitter-orange flavors and iconic sunset color
Campari Spritz
A darker, more assertive variation using Campari for pronounced bitterness and sophisticated appeal
Bitter Spritz
A contemporary variation featuring different digestif liqueurs for unique bitter profiles

What to eat with it

  • Cured Italian meats and cheeses
  • Arancini risotto balls
  • Bruschetta with fresh tomato
  • Prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe
  • Focaccia with herbs
  • Marinated olives and almonds

The finished drink

Spritz

Questions

What is in a Spritz?

A Spritz is made with prosecco, campari, soda water.

What glass do you use for a Spritz?

Serve a Spritz in a old-fashioned glass.

What does a Spritz taste like?

Expect bitter, refreshing, effervescent.

What can I make with Prosecco?

We have 9 drinks built around Prosecco. See them all on the Prosecco page.

More with Prosecco

Every Prosecco drink →

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