Celebrate the day with a refreshing aperitif — a bubbly, Italian spritz cocktail.
Here’s a glass especially made to say cin-cin — this classic spritz cocktail is a refreshing aperitif that will take you straight to an Italian piazza at dusk.
I became smitten with the cookbook Polpo: A Venetian Cookbook of Sorts. from the London restaurant of the same name. It has everything I love in a book, cooking related or not, including great stories and photography, a few maps, and a stunning design.
I’m in love with the book’s Japanese-style exposed binding, which looks strangely sexy to me, as if the book has stripped down to nothing but corsets and crinolines….oops, I’m getting a bit off topic.
Flipping through the book will not only make you hungry, but eager to buy a ticket straight to Venice.
The recipe for the Spritz cocktail is the one perfected in the Veneto, made with white wine, bitters and soda water. I made this version with a splash of prosecco for an all-in-one drink that feels especially celebratory.
I also like to use Aperol in place of the usual Campari because it has a tiny bit less bitterness.
Salute!
italian spritz cocktail
Prep
Total
Yield 1 drink
Sip this simple classic Italian cocktail and imagine dusk on a beautiful piazza - the spritz cocktail is the ultimate grown-up refresher.
Ingredients
- Ice
- 2 slices lemon
- 3 ounces Prosecco or sparkling wine
- 2 ounces Aperol or Campari
Instructions
- Fill a small rocks glass with ice. Squeeze the juice from one lemon slice. Pour in the wine, followed by the Aperol or Campari.
- Garnish with additional lemon slice and drink.
Courses cocktail
Cuisine italian
Hi there! I’m Karen, a mother of two and a professionally trained cook certified in holistic nutrition.
As the recipe developer, photographer and publisher of Familystyle Food, I share recipes and tips for making easy seasonal meals that are healthy and flavorful.
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Stacy t says
Oh my. I think I’m in love!!!
Sarah Jane says
Hi!
I live in Veneto- in Treviso, and the Spritz is my favorite cocktail as well. Just FYI- in the Veneto they actually ALWAYS make Spritz with Prosecco, as Prosecco comes from the region, and I have never been in any bar where they make it otherwise so I don’t know why this cookbook would say they make it with white wine.
Great blog!
Karen says
Sarah Jane – Well, there’s just one more reason I need to spend some time in the Veneto – we are simpatico! Thanks for visiting.
Sarah Jane says
Yeah! I love your photos and recipes 🙂 If you ever need tips on where to stay..and especially where to eat when you visit the region, let me know!
SJ
Karen says
Oh, how tempting.I certainly will – grazie!
Nancy says
Aperol spritz (with Prosecco) is one of my favorite cocktails. First had it 2 years ago in Venice.