Spritz season is still in full swing. Here, we uncover the history of the much-favored summer drink and how to serve up delicious variations.
op's picks — Aug 28
Did you know that the classic Spritz Veneziano cocktail that we've come to know and love dates back to over a century ago? Today's spritz is also called an aperitivo, as traditionally, the beverages were served to stimulate the appetite before a meal. It's synonymous with the Italian culture and lifestyle, signifying the importance of leisure or enjoying a bite in an unhurried manner. Therefore it's no surprise that the wine-based drink, which is three parts prosecco, two parts bitters, and one splash of soda, caught on in America as the quintessential summer staple.
"This cocktail in all of its refreshing variations always has been my favorite to order," shares Olivia, 'The aperitivo perfectly balances sweet flavor with bubbles and reminds me of dinners after Milan fashion week or on vacation in Capri. A summertime spritz evokes a relaxed state of mind!"
The unique versions of a low-proof Italian spritz are all based upon specific regions of the country. Take a Select Spritz, for example. The Select bitter first burst onto the Venetian cocktail scene in the 1920s and is known for its more savory taste mixed with juniper berries and rhubarb roots. The recipe follows the same 3:2:1 traditional spritz rules, however, this drink is topped green olive as a signature garnish.
Then you likely are familiar with sweeter Aperol (the sister apéritif of Campari), which has a distinct sunset orange hue and citrusy notes. The bitter originates in the northern region Padua, and today the daytime cocktail is always finished with a fresh orange wedge.
A summertime spritz evokes a relaxed state of mind.
Our go-to mixologist Cody Goldstein loves to serve up his own variation. "We make a drink called Cap N' Soda, which includes two of my favorite wine-based products: prosecco and Cappelletti. The latter's flavor profile, to me, is a mix between Aperol and Campari with notes of berries and a slight bitterness. We finish by adding some fresh berries and a touch of lemon to really pop all the flavors." Scroll on for his distinct recipe, craft up a spritz, and feel like you are in an Italian piazza. Salute!
Cap N' Soda
Ingredients:
- 3 oz Cappelletti
- .25 oz Lemon Juice
- 3 Strawberries, Muddled
- 6 oz Prosecco
Recipe:
- Add Cappelletti, lemon, and strawberries into a shaker and gentle muddle until soft.
- Add in 2 ice cubes and shake for 5 seconds.
- Double strain into a wine glass with ice.
- Top with prosecco and garnish with a strawberry and lemon peel.