Difference between Pirlo and Spritz: history, curiosities, and ingredients of two Made in Italy drinks
Who doesn't love sipping a good cocktail with friends, perhaps after a long day at work? In Italy, and now all over the world, aperitivo is a true ritual, a moment of relaxation and socialising that unites everyone, from north to south.
And among the undisputed protagonists of this tradition are two iconic drinks: Pirlo, a typical cocktail from the city of Brescia, and Spritz, a Venetian pride known worldwide. For those not from these regions, it's easy to get confused, but in reality, there's a clear difference between Pirlo and Spritz.
Let's discover together, then, the history, ingredients, and peculiarities that distinguish these two cornerstones of the Italian aperitivo!
Pull the lever and make the perfect Spritz in seconds!
With Sprizzer, everything is ready: nothing to prepare, no wrong dosages. Friends can help themselves, and you can enjoy the evening. The secret to truly successful aperitivos.
What is the difference between Pirlo and Spritz?
Pirlo and Spritz are two cocktails that only appear almost identical. In reality, you shouldn't confuse them, especially for residents of their respective regions. Among the main differences are their origins:
- Pirlo is the quintessential aperitivo of Brescia, and its name comes from the Brescian dialect "pirlare," meaning "to fall," referring to how the bitter descends into the wine, creating a unique chromatic effect.
- Spritz, on the other hand, has its historical roots in 19th-century Veneto, under Austrian rule: Austrian soldiers found local wines too strong and diluted them with sparkling water, thus creating a primitive version of the Spritz. Over time, the recipe evolved with the addition of bitters like Aperol (or Campari) and the use of prosecco, becoming one of the most popular cocktails in the world.
Another major difference concerns their composition:
- Pirlo ingredients: still white wine, sparkling water, Campari (more rarely Aperol), ice, and an orange or lemon slice for garnish.
- Spritz ingredients: prosecco, seltzer (or soda or tonic water), Aperol (or Campari or Select), ice, and an orange slice for garnish.
The preparation, however, is the same: in a glass with ice, pour the wine or prosecco, add the bitter, top with a splash of seltzer or sparkling water, and garnish with an orange or lemon slice.
Pirlo vs Spritz: two stories, two flavors
As we've seen, Spritz and Pirlo are two drinks that differ in several aspects. Origins aside, the two cocktails essentially differ in:
- Type of wine: Pirlo uses still white wine, while Spritz calls for prosecco or sparkling wine.
- Bitter: Pirlo traditionally uses Campari, giving it a bolder, more bitter taste; classic Spritz prefers Aperol for a sweeter, more citrusy flavor.
- Effervescence: Spritz is naturally fizzier due to the use of prosecco, while Pirlo gets its slight effervescence from the addition of sparkling water.
Sprizzer: the aperitivo revolution at your fingertips
Now that you know the difference between Pirlo and Spritz, why not try preparing them yourself at home? With Sprizzer, the machine for making Spritz on tap, you can serve a perfect aperitivo in minutes, ideal for parties and evenings with many friends.
After filling the 3 tanks with the various ingredients (prosecco, Aperol, and soda), by pulling a lever you'll get up to 20 perfectly balanced, fresh, fizzy, and delicious Spritzes! With a simple and elegant design, Sprizzer is easy to clean and store, can be continuously refilled or partially loaded, and you can take it anywhere you want, because it works without electricity or batteries.
Don't miss the chance to become the king or queen of aperitivos with Sprizzer and turn every happy hour into a celebration of taste and joy.
Discover what others think of Sprizzer who have already used it or buy Sprizzer now for yourself or as a unique and original gift!
