Aperitivo in Italy: it’s time for a Spritz!

If you ever traveled to Italy, you probably know how Italians, everywhere in the country, love to have their “aperitivo” after work. And one of the most iconic drinks of Italian aperitivo is definitely Spritz - so legendary that, in fact, deserved a book on it own: Spritz by Talia Baiocchi and Leslie Pariseau, published by Ten Speed Press.

The book offers a in-depth look into the history of this cocktail from Veneto, usually enjoyed during languorous summer evenings on a Venetian patio. We immediately discover that Spritz is so much more than a light, delicious blend of bubbles and bitters. It is, in fact, an approach to drinking more than everything else.

According to the authors, who collaborate on the online drink magazine PUNCH, the book was the result of a research about cocktails lower in alcohol content. The Spritz had the very peculiar characteristic of “nodding to the tradition of wine and cocktails” and therefore deserved a more in-depth exploration.

Pariseau explains: “We found that we wanted to know where this thing came from and how exactly it got to be that way. So we went to Italy to find out and discovered that the spritz is actually a style of drinking rather than a strict recipe.”

The book, beautifully illustrated and compact in size, is must for Italy lovers and - of course! - also includes the original Venetian recipe for Spritz.

Let’s take a look at the rules.

First of all, a Spritz has to be effervescent, and buoyancy is one of its trademark. You can obtain bubbles through soda water, prosecco, sparkling wine or flavored soda.

The Venetian Spritz is also low in alcohol, not containing more than one once (or preferably less) of strong spirit, since this drink is consumed when the night is still young. Finally, remember that this cocktail is a pre-dinner drink, meant to be consumed in that liminal hour between work and play. Therefore, it should be bitter as a means to open the stomach for a meal.

Now, the recipe of the true and traditional Venetian Spritz.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bitter liqueur: Aperol, Aperol with Campari one to one, or - in alternative - Contratto Aperitif, Contratto Bitter, Mauro Vergano Americano, and Cappelletti Aperitivo Americano
• 3 to 4 oz prosecco
• 2 oz soda water

Method

Build the ingredients in a rocks or wine glass, over ice, and add the garnish. Enjoy!

Our suggestion: try this at home. Close your eyes as you imagine yourself enjoying your cocktail facing a beautiful Italian sunset. Finally, open your eyes and start planning your vacation in Italy, preferably in one of our amazing luxury villas for rent. They are all ready for you.