The cocktail with a thousand variations: here 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 Spritz , the undisputed king 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 Lombard-Veneto Kingdom. 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 that's not all: let's also discover how it's possible to make the preparation of this cocktail more fun and enjoyable with an all-Italian innovation.
Veneto or Austrian? The origins of the most popular aperitif drink
To retrace the long history of Spritz we must go back to the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, that is, to the period of Austrian domination in Lombardy-Veneto. The soldiers of the Austrian army found the Venetian wines too strong for their taste, so, to "soften" the flavor and the alcohol content, they decided to add sparkling water , thus giving life 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 to have the Spritz cocktail in the modern style you have to wait until the 20s, with the addition of a touch of bitter with a bitter taste, perfect to complete the mix. This passage marked the birth of two prevailing "schools of thought":
- The Padovana , which requires the use of Aperol , and which with its bright orange colour and slightly bittersweet flavour, 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 doesn’t stop just at the different bitters, but also includes 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, have 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 Spritz continues to be written
Despite the numerous varieties, 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 Spritz in the Prosecco-based variant, and reports 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 Spritz in the history of international cocktails , which from the squares becomes an official drink on a global level.
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 make a good Spritz at home just like at the bar.
Sprizzer, the innovation for your moments of conviviality
The history of Spritz is truly a journey through centuries of traditions that are renewed and continue to delight and surprise the entire 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 Sprizzer is fun and accessible to everyone: you can mix the ingredients needed in just a few seconds for a perfect drink with uniform ingredients, every time. From the Treviso Spritz to the Venetian one, 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 .
