Spritz Veneziano Recipe

The Spritz Veneziano cocktail, also known as an “Aperol Spritz” is one of the most well-known Italian aperitivo pre-meal drinks. Serve it up with some friends and enjoy.

spritz veneziano - red cocktail

The Spritz Veneziano is the classic Italian Spritz also known as the Aperol Spritz or the original spritz. It’s sweet and a bit bitter, delicious and bright orange!

The Spritz Veneziano cocktail, also known as an “Aperol Spritz” is one of the most well-known Italian aperitivo pre-meal drinks.

It’s bright orange and sparkly cocktail with a very nice balance between sweetness and bitterness, all tied up with some fun bubbles. 

The Spritz Veneziano is most commonly served alongside some nice small foods and nice conversation with friends before the main meal.

(And we go into a more in-depth on how to create the perfect Aperitivo table in our Martini and Tonic recipe.)

Prepare this 3-ingredient cocktail and be ready to be transported to Venice aperitivo time with every sip you take!

spritz veneziano recipes - wine poured in a cocktail

What is a Spritz?

A spritz (from the German word “Spritzen”, meaning sparkling) is a cocktail originally from the Veneto region in the North of Italy.

It is made with Italian aperitivo Amari (bitters) like Aperol or Campari, Prosecco wine, and a splash of soda water.

Sometimes Prosecco can be substituted with white wine, but the classic Spritz Veneziano is made with Prosecco.

There are many variations of the spritz like our Elderflower Spritz cocktail!

italian orange drink

What Type of Liquor is Italian Amari?

There is a difference between Italian Amari Bitters and Italian Aperitivo Bitters.

Italian Amari Bitters are consumed as a digestive liqueur after a meal. Sometimes on its own on the rocks or chilled or sometimes with a mixer, but never as an aperitivo drink.

These Amari are dark and herbal and quite strong. 

On the other hand, Aperitivo Bitters are consumed as a pre-meal drink to prepare the stomach before the main meal.

These Aperitivo bitters are usually orange or red and are served mixed with Prosecco, tonic water, or soda. 

Both are liquor-based and made with different botanicals and spices to create a complex array of flavors.

You can also try this Italian Martini Spritz for another taste of a classic aperitif cocktail.

aperol substitute - a photo of an aperol drink

aperol spritz cocktail - ingredients used to make cocktail

What Ingredients Go Into a Spritz Veneziano?

Aperol —Made with gentian and rhubarb and botanicals and spices. It has a nice and vibrant aroma with more of a sweeter than a bitter taste.

Prosecco wine —Substitute with other sparkling wines like champagne or cava if cannot find any Prosecco or prefer the latter. Just make sure to choose a brut or extra brut one (not sweet) so it can balance nicely the sweetness of Aperol.

Soda water, seltzer or sparkling water — To amp the fizziness of the cocktail.

Orange slices — For garnish.

Ice

what's in an aperol spritz - a cup with ice cubes

Useful Equipment to Make An Aperol Spritz

— Wine goblet

— Bar spoon

— Cocktail straw

There’s no need to use a cocktail jigger to measure the pour of each ingredient.

Depending on the size of your glass and how much ice you use, you might need different amounts of each ingredient.

So the recipe calls for proper ratio versus exact measurements.

Step 1 — Fill a wine goblet up to 3/4 with ice.

Step 2 — Add the Prosecco and Aperol and gently mix.

Step 3 — Top up with a splash of soda water or seltzer. 

Step 4 — Add a slice of orange for garnish.

What are the Best Foods to Pair with Spritz Veneziano?

When it comes to this classic cocktail, there are a few key foods that really help to bring out its best flavors. Here are a few of our favorites:

    — Cured meats like prosciutto or salami

    — Aged cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino

    — Bitter greens like arugula or radicchio

    — Fruit, especially citrus

    — Spicy peppers

Of course, these are just a few suggestions.

Ultimately, the best foods to pair with spritz Veneziano are the ones that you enjoy the most. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect match.

Variations and Adaptations of Spritz Veneziano

There are many variations of Spritz Veneziano, each with its own unique twists and adaptations.

Some of the most popular spritz Veneziano variations include the Aperol spritz (which we are making now), the Campari spritz, and the prosecco spritz.

  — Campari spritz is made with Campari, an aromatic Italian bitter, Prosecco, and soda water.

  — Prosecco spritz is made with Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine, Aperol or Campari, and soda water.

No matter which Spritz Veneziano variation you choose, you’re sure to enjoy its refreshing, bittersweet flavor.

aperol ingredients a serving of aperol drink

For more easy pre-meal cocktails, check out some of our favorites from the archives below —

spritz veneziano - red cocktail

Spritz Veneziano Cocktail Recipe

Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes
Sweet and a bit bitter, delicious and bright orange, the Spritz Veneziano is the classic Italian Spritz also known as the Aperol Spritz.
Prep Time2 minutes
Total Time2 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Cocktails

Equipment

  • Wine goblets
  • Bar spoon
  • Cocktail Straws

Ingredients

  • 3 part Aperol
  • 2 part Prosecco wine
  • 1 part Soda water or Seltzer
  • 1 slice orange for garnish

Nutrition

Calories: 14kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Servings: 1
Calories: 14kcal

Notes

You can use Aperol, Campari, or Cynar, although the most common is made with Aperol.

Instructions

  • Fill a wine goblet up to 3/4 with ice.
  • Add the Prosecco and Aperol and gently mix.
  • Top up with a splash of soda water or seltzer.
  • Add a slice of orange for garnish.
KEYWORD: spritz veneziano

Don’t forget to share your Spritz Veneziano with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? You can find them all right here with a few desserts to go along with them.

Please note that we may earn a commission for some of the above affiliate links. However, products featured are independently selected and personally well-loved by us!

5 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)

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6 Comments

  1. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!5 stars