The true story of the Spritz, the king of the aperitif and parties

The cocktail with a thousand variations: here's the true history of the Spritz.

There's the Aperol-based version, the Campari-based variant, but every region and city has its own version: we're talking about the Spritz , the undisputed king of the aperitif, an Italian icon loved the world over. But where does this famous drink come from?

The history of the Spritz has distant origins, dating back to the period of Habsburg rule in the Kingdom of Lombardy-Veneto. Through a journey through time, we see how this drink has evolved over the centuries, becoming a cornerstone of Italian tradition.

But that's not all: let's also discover how you can make preparing this cocktail more fun and enjoyable with an all-Italian innovation.

Venetian or Austrian? The origins of the most popular aperitif drink

To retrace the long history of the Spritz, we must go back to the late 1700s and early 1800s, the period of Austrian rule 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 sparkling water , thus giving birth to the first Spritz , from the German " spritzen " which means "to spray."

Another significant step in the evolution of this drink came in the early 1900s, with the introduction of seltzer siphons, which allowed for the addition of bubbles in a more convenient and uniform way .

But the modern-style Spritz cocktail didn't arrive until the 1920s, with the addition of a touch of bitter, a perfect complement to the mix. This shift marked the birth of two prevailing schools of thought:

• The Padovana , which calls for the use of Aperol , and which, with its bright orange color and slightly bittersweet flavor, was able to conquer first Northern Italy and then the entire world, so much so that the Aperol Spritz is now considered an icon of evenings spent with friends.
• The Venetian , which instead uses Select , a bitter characterised by a more complex and aromatic flavour and appreciated, especially by purists and connoisseurs, for its perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness.

The story behind the Venetian Spritz isn't just about the different bitters, but also involves a substitute for Prosecco, which, in some cases, is replaced by a still white wine that gives the cocktail greater structure and a fuller flavor.

Venice, like other cities in the Tri-Veneto region, has developed small variations over time on the wine/prosecco to use:

• Padua , with the sparkling white wine that adds a note of liveliness to the cocktail.
• Treviso , the city famous for Prosecco and which therefore could not help but use its bubbles for a slightly sweet variant.
• Udine , with Tocaj Friulano, a dry and aromatic white wine , ideal for those seeking a more decisive and intense tasting experience.

A global icon: the history of the Spritz continues to be written

Despite the numerous varieties, the Spritz remains one of the most popular long drinks, so much so that the International Bartenders Association , the most important organization in the bartending sector, has officially recognized the Prosecco-based version of the Spritz, and notes the possibility of making it with Campari, Cynar or Select, as well as with Aperol.

By including it in its lists, the IBA has confirmed the importance of the Spritz in the history of international cocktails , which from the squares becomes an official drink worldwide.

With its fresh, sparkling taste and low alcohol content, it's the perfect aperitif to drink and enjoy with friends. A shared ritual that invites us to slow down, unwind, and indulge in moments of relaxation, whether with friends or family, not just in the square but also during celebrations. So much so that it's now easy for everyone to make a delicious 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 continue to delight and surprise the entire world.

Whether you're organizing a picnic, an aperitif, or a garden barbecue, add a touch of innovation and ease to the preparation of this drink with Sprizzer : an innovative machine invented in Treviso, 100% made in Italy, which upholds the Italian tradition of the Spritz with the addition of a "splash" of all-Italian ingenuity.

Making cocktails with the Sprizzer is fun and accessible to everyone: you can mix the ingredients needed in just seconds for a perfect, consistent drink every time. From the Treviso Spritz 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 single gesture .

Buy Sprizzer!