The cocktail with a thousand variations: this is the true story of the Spritz
There is the one based on Aperol, the variant based on Campari, but each region and city has its own version: we are talking about the Spritz , the undisputed ruler of the aperitif, an Italian icon loved all over the world. But where does this famous drink come from?
The history of Spritz has distant origins, dating back to the period of Habsburg domination in the Kingdom of Lombardy-Veneto. Through a journey through time, we see how this drink has evolved over the centuries, becoming a pillar of the traditions of the Bel Paese.
But not only that: let's also discover how it is possible to make the preparation of this cocktail more fun and enjoyable with an all-Italian innovation.
Venetian or Austrian? The origins of the most loved drink in aperitifs
To retrace the long history of Spritz we must go back to the end of the 1700s and the beginning of the 1800s, i.e. the period of Austrian domination in Lombardy-Veneto. The soldiers of the Austrian army found Venetian wines too strong for their tastes, so, to "soften" the flavor and alcohol content, they decided to add carbonated water , thus giving life to the first Spritz , from the German " spritzen " which means "spray".
Another significant step in the evolution of this drink took place in the early 1900s, with the introduction of siphons for Seltz water, which allowed bubbles to be added in a more practical and uniform way .
But to have the Spritz cocktail in the modern style you had to wait until the 1920s, with the addition of a touch of bitter-tasting bitters, perfect to complete the mixture. This passage marked the birth of two prevalent "schools of thought":
- The Paduan one , which involves the use of Aperol , and which with its bright orange color and slightly bitter-sweet flavour, was able to conquer first Northern Italy and then the whole world, so much so that Aperol Spritz is now considered an icon of group evenings.
- The Venetian , which instead uses Select , a bitter characterized by a more complex and aromatic taste and appreciated, especially by purists and connoisseurs, for its perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness.
The story behind the Venetian Spritz does not just stop at the different bitter, but also includes a substitute for Prosecco, to which, in some cases, a still white wine is preferred which gives the cocktail greater structure and a fuller flavour.
Venice, as well as other cities in the Triveneto, have developed small variations over time on the wine/prosecco to be used:
- Padova , with the sparkling white wine that adds a note of liveliness to the cocktail.
- Treviso , the city famous for Prosecco and which therefore could only use its bubbles for a variant with a slightly sweet taste.
- Udine , with Tocaj Friulano, a dry and aromatic white wine , ideal for those looking for a more decisive and intense tasting experience.
A global icon: the history of the Spritz continues to be written
Despite the numerous varieties, Spritz always remains one of the most drunk long drinks, so much so that the International Bartenders Association , the most important organization in the bartending sector, has officially recognized Spritz in the Prosecco-based variant, and reports the possibility of do it also with Campari, Cynar or Select, as well as with Aperol.
By including it in its lists, the IBA confirmed the importance of the Spritz in the history of international cocktails , which from the squares became an official drink worldwide.
With its fresh and sparkling taste, and low alcohol content, it is the perfect aperitif to drink and enjoy in company. A sharing ritual that invites us to slow down, unplug and indulge in moments of relaxation, both with friends and family, not only in the square but also on festive occasions, so much so that it is now easy for everyone to have a good Spritz at home just like at the bar.
Sprizzer, the innovation for your moments of conviviality
The history of the Spritz is truly a journey through centuries of traditions that are renewed and continue to delight and surprise the whole world.
Whether you are organizing a picnic, an aperitif or a barbecue in the garden, add a touch of innovation and ease in the preparation of this drink with Sprizzer : an innovative machine invented in Treviso, 100% made in Italy, which supports the Italian tradition of Spritz with the addition of a "splash" of all-Italian genius.
Preparing cocktails with the Sprizzer is fun and accessible to everyone: you can mix the necessary ingredients in just a few seconds for a perfect drink with uniform ingredients, every time. From the Treviso to the Venetian Spritz, you can transform your event into a memorable experience for your guests and offer the authentic taste of the cocktail with the simplicity of a gesture .
