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Spritz

A spritz is a wine-based cocktail, usually made with sparkling wine, a bitter aperitif, and soda water or seltzer.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A spritz is a wine-based cocktail, usually made with sparkling wine, a bitter aperitif, and soda water or seltzer. It originated in northern Italy, where it became a popular apéritif and later evolved into drinks such as the Aperol Spritz. The drink is traditionally associated with northern Italy, especially Veneto and Venice.

Definition

A spritz is generally defined as a cocktail made with sparkling wine, a bitter liqueur or aperitif, and soda water or seltzer. The term is also used more broadly for similar bubbly, low-ABV drinks.

History and origin

The spritz developed in northern Italy during the 19th century, when Austrian influence in Veneto helped popularize the practice of lightening local wine with water. The name is commonly traced to the German verb "spritzen."

Common ingredients and variants

Modern spritz drinks usually use Prosecco or another dry sparkling wine, a bitter aperitif such as Aperol, Campari, or Select, and soda water. Recipes vary by region and brand.

Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is the most widely known version of the spritz. A common recipe uses Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water served over ice, often garnished with an orange slice.

Key facts

  • A spritz is a sparkling, wine-based cocktail served as an apéritif.
  • The drink is traditionally associated with northern Italy, especially Veneto and Venice.
  • Its name is linked to the German word "spritzen," meaning to splash or spray.
  • Early spritzes began as wine diluted with water before becoming a mixed cocktail with bitters and sparkling wine.
  • Aperol Spritz is the best-known modern variant.
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Canadian context

Spritz cocktails are widely available in Canadian bars and restaurants, especially as a summer apéritif, and the Aperol Spritz is a common menu item in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is a spritz cocktail?
A spritz cocktail is a sparkling, wine-based apéritif made with Prosecco or another dry sparkling wine, a bitter aperitif or liqueur, and soda water or seltzer.
What is the Aperol Spritz recipe?
A common Aperol Spritz recipe uses 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water, served over ice and usually garnished with an orange slice.
What is the difference between Aperol and Campari?
Aperol and Campari are both Italian bitter aperitifs, but Aperol is generally lighter, sweeter, and lower in alcohol, while Campari is darker, more bitter, and stronger.
How many calories in a spritz?
Calories vary by recipe and serving size, but a typical Aperol Spritz is often estimated at about 120 to 170 calories per serving.
What wine is used in a spritz?
Spritz cocktails most commonly use Prosecco, though some versions use other dry sparkling wines or, in older forms, white wine with soda water.
What is the origin of the spritz?
The spritz originated in Veneto in northern Italy in the 19th century, influenced by Austrian customs of diluting stronger local wines with water.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spritz_(cocktail)
    Supports: General definition, Venetian origin, and history of the spritz cocktail.
  2. La Cucina Italiana — https://www.lacucinaitaliana.com/glossary/spritz
    Supports: Definition, Austrian origins, and etymology of the word spritz.
  3. Jigger & Joy — https://jiggerandjoy.com/reference/term/spritz
    Supports: Spritz as a cocktail category, common ingredients, and origin in northeastern Italy.
  4. BBC Good Food — https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-to-make-the-ultimate-spritz
    Supports: Traditional spritz composition and the Aperol Spritz as the best-known example.
  5. Difford's Guide — https://www.diffordsguide.com/g/1255/spritz/history
    Supports: History of the spritz in Venice and Veneto and the use of local white wines such as Prosecco.