Spritz Veneziano (Prosecco and Bitter Orange Aperitivo)
Local name: Spritz veneziano
In short: Prosecco, bitter orange aperitivo and a splash of soda over ice with an orange slice. The classic Venetian aperitivo, made in two minutes. It takes about 3 min in total and makes 1 servings.
- Prep
- 3 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 3 min
- Servings
- 1
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 105 kcal
The spritz is the aperitivo of the Veneto, the drink people order in the late afternoon in Venice, Padua and Treviso, with small snacks on the side. It is light and bittersweet: Prosecco, a bitter orange aperitivo and a splash of soda water over plenty of ice, with an orange slice. The classic ratio is 3 parts Prosecco to 2 parts aperitivo and 1 part soda, and a green olive on the side is a Venetian touch.
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass or tumbler with ice cubes right to the top.
- Pour in the Prosecco first, then the aperitivo.
- Add the soda water and stir once, gently, from the bottom up so the layers blend without losing the bubbles.
- Garnish with the slice of orange tucked against the glass and the green olive, if using. Serve right away.
Tips
- Keep everything cold. Warm Prosecco foams up and dilutes the drink quickly, so chill the bottle for at least 3 hours.
- Choose a dry (brut) Prosecco, because the aperitivo is already sweet. For a lower-alcohol drink, use more soda and less Prosecco.
Questions and answers
What is the right ratio for a spritz?
The classic is 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts bitter aperitivo and 1 part soda. Adjust to taste: more Prosecco makes it lighter and drier, and more aperitivo makes it more bitter.
Can I use another sparkling wine?
Yes. A dry cava or any dry sparkling wine works, though Prosecco gives the lightly fruity taste people expect from a spritz.
Why add soda water to a spritz?
Soda lengthens the drink, softens the sweetness and keeps it refreshing. It also keeps the spritz light enough to sip slowly over an hour.
How long does it take to make Spritz Veneziano (Prosecco and Bitter Orange Aperitivo)?
About 3 min in total: 3 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Spritz Veneziano (Prosecco and Bitter Orange Aperitivo)?
About 105 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 16 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 105 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
