Spritz Veneziano
Spritz Veneziano, also known simply as Spritz, is a popular Italian wine-based cocktail that originated in the Veneto region of Italy. This refreshing aperitif has gained international fame for its light, bittersweet taste and is commonly enjoyed during the early evening hours in many parts of the world. The traditional Spritz Veneziano is a blend of prosecco, a dash of a bitter liqueur such as Aperol, Campari, or Select, and a splash of soda water, garnished with a slice of orange and an olive.
History[edit | edit source]
The origins of Spritz Veneziano can be traced back to the 19th century in the Veneto region, during the period of the Austrian Empire's influence in Italy. Austrian soldiers, finding the local wines too strong, would dilute them with water (spritzen in German, meaning "to spray" or "splash"). This practice evolved over time, with the addition of various bitter liqueurs and soda water to create the Spritz as it is known today.
Ingredients and Preparation[edit | edit source]
A classic Spritz Veneziano is made with the following ingredients:
- 60 ml Prosecco
- 40 ml Aperol or alternative bitter liqueur
- A splash of soda water
- Ice cubes
- A slice of orange
- An olive (optional)
To prepare, ice cubes are placed in a large wine glass, followed by Prosecco, the bitter liqueur of choice, and a splash of soda water. The cocktail is gently stirred, garnished with a slice of orange (and optionally, an olive), and served immediately.
Variations[edit | edit source]
While Aperol is the most popular choice for a Spritz Veneziano, variations include using Campari, Select, or Cynar, which offer different levels of bitterness and sweetness. Additionally, the ratio of prosecco to liqueur can be adjusted according to personal taste.
Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]
Spritz Veneziano has become synonymous with the Italian "aperitivo" culture, a social occasion that takes place before dinner, where people gather to relax and enjoy light refreshments. Its popularity has spread beyond Italy, becoming a staple cocktail in bars and restaurants around the world.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD