A classic Italian Spritz is light, bubbly, and refreshing with prosecco, Aperol or Campari, a splash of soda, and fresh orange. It’s the perfect aperitivo cocktail to sip before dinner or enjoy on a warm afternoon.
If you’ve ever been in Italy in the early evening, you’ve probably seen people gathered at little tables outside, sipping something orange and bubbly. That’s aperitivo, and a classic Italian Spritz is one of the drinks you’ll see most often. It’s what people order when they want to slow down, catch up with friends, and enjoy a few salty snacks like olives or chips before dinner.
The whole point is to keep it light and refreshing, with just enough bitterness to wake up your appetite without feeling heavy. The prosecco brings the bubbles, Aperol or Campari adds that bittersweet kick, and a splash of soda keeps it easy to drink. Add ice and a slice of orange, and you have a simple Italian cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass.
Why I Love This Classic Italian Spritz Cocktail
- One sip and you’ll be transported to Italy. It has that sidewalk cafe feeling in a glass, the kind of drink that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.
- The ratio is simple and easy to remember. Use three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol or Campari, and a splash of soda. Living in Italy, I’ve had my fair share, and this is the way I like to make it at home.
- No fancy bar tools required. If you can pour and stir, you can make one.
Ingredient Notes
- Prosecco: Use chilled prosecco for the best spritz. I like a dry or extra dry prosecco so the drink stays crisp and not overly sweet.
- Aperol or Campari: Aperol gives the spritz its classic orange color with a lighter, slightly sweeter flavor. Campari makes a bolder, more bitter spritz with a deeper red color. Both are traditional choices, so it really depends on the flavor you prefer.
- Soda water: You only need a splash to lighten the drink and add a little extra fizz. Too much can water down the flavor, so add it gently.
- Ice: A few ice cubes keep the spritz cold without filling the whole glass. This drink is best served icy and freshly made.
- Orange slices: Fresh orange is the classic garnish and adds a little citrus aroma as you sip. Add one or two slices right before serving.
Aperol vs Campari: Which One Should You Use?
Aperol is the most popular choice for an Aperol Spritz. It is lighter, sweeter, and more orange-forward, with that classic bright orange color.
Campari makes a bolder spritz with a deeper red color and a stronger bitter finish. If you like less sweetness and more of that Italian aperitivo bite, Campari is a great choice.
For a first spritz, I would start with Aperol. If you already enjoy bitter aperitivo drinks, try Campari.
How to Make a Classic Italian Spritz
Start with a large glass and add the ice first so everything stays cold from the beginning. Pour in the prosecco, then add the Aperol or Campari and finish with a splash of soda water. I like adding the prosecco first because it helps the drink mix naturally without needing much stirring.
Give it just one or two gentle stirs, enough to bring everything together without flattening the bubbles. Add one or two orange slices, then serve right away while the spritz is still cold, bubbly, and fresh.
recipe tips
- Use the 3-2-1 ratio as a guide. Three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol or Campari, and one part soda water is a helpful starting point. It works with either aperitivo liqueur and keeps the spritz balanced instead of too sweet or too strong.
- Chill everything first. Cold prosecco and cold soda water are the secret to a crisp spritz. If they go in warm, the ice melts too quickly and the drink can taste watered down.
- Reach for a big wine glass. Spritzes need room to breathe. A large wine glass gives the ice, bubbles, and orange slices space, while a small cocktail glass can feel cramped.
- Stir once or twice, no more. A quick, gentle stir is all you need to combine everything. Stir too much and you’ll knock the bubbles right out of the prosecco.
- Pour the prosecco first and soda last. Adding the prosecco first helps the drink mix naturally, while finishing with soda keeps the fizz lively all the way to the first sip.
- Pair it with something salty. Olives, chips, salted nuts, or a few slices of prosciutto are the classic pairings. The salt plays nicely against the bitterness of the Aperol or Campari.
Variations
There are many modern spritz variations made with different Italian aperitivo liqueurs, but for a classic Italian Spritz, I stick with Aperol or Campari.
- Make it an Aperol Spritz: Use Aperol for the most popular version. It will be lighter, sweeter, and bright orange.
- Make it a Campari Spritz: Use Campari for a bolder, more bitter spritz with a deeper red color.
- Try your own favorite. If you have another Italian aperitivo you love in a spritz, you can use the same method and adjust the soda to taste. Just know that Aperol and Campari are the two I use most for this classic version.
Whether you prefer an Aperol Spritz or a Campari Spritz, both are refreshing Italian cocktails perfect for warm afternoons, aperitivo hour, or easy entertaining. Light, bubbly, and simple to make, these classic spritz cocktails bring a taste of Italy to every sip.
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 2 ounces Aperol or Campari
- 1 slash soda water
- 3-4 ice cubes
- 1-2 slices orange
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In the glass add the ice cubes, add the prosecco, the Aperol or Campari then the soda, stir gently to combine (1-2 stirs) add 1-2 slices of orange. Enjoy!
There are no storage instructions for a Spritz, just make and serve!
Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.4mg | Phosphorus: 15mg
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