Spritz—The Perfect Sunshine Cocktail!
Picture this: a long day is drawing to a close, the sky passes from bright blue to hues of pink and orange, the hustle and bustle of the day will soon be a distant memory… It’s completely natural for your mind to drift to thoughts of relaxing and enjoying the last rays of daylight. It’s time for the aperitivo, and there’s no better tipple on a summer’s evening than a cool spritz.
The sunset-coloured spritz is the drink in almost everyone’s hand at an Italian evening get-together. No wonder it’s taken the international scene by storm! From buzzing Italian piazze to patios, balconies, and back yards across Quebec, the spritz has become the go-to summer drink for many. So, let’s cast the spotlight on this iconic dolce vita cocktail.
A Star Is Born
The spritz’s origins and name can be traced back to a cultural crossover dating back to the 19th century. At the time, Venice was occupied by the Austrians, and its streets, canals, and taverns were filled with Germanic traders, officers and diplomats who were much more used to drinking beer than wine. In fact, they found the local wines to be too strong to their liking. In an attempt to lighten the effects, they would ask if bartenders could spritzen a little (add a splash of) water into their wine. The fizz came next, with the introduction of the famous seltzer water, a naturally sparkling German mineral water. At around the same time, bittersweet liqueurs made from macerated citrus fruits, plants, barks and spices were invented: it was the birth of the famous Amaro. Before long, people were mixing everything to create a refreshing, light and fragrant cocktail—and they knew they were on to something good! The cocktail was quickly picked up around the country with regions putting their own spin on it. Yet the Venetian sprissesto from 1920, with a Campari or Aperol base, remains the firm favourite.
The Spritz Spectrum
From Trieste to Montreal, there seem to be endless variations of the classic cocktail emerging. Using the basic recipe (three parts wine to two parts Amaro, to one part sparkling water, poured over ice), you can create a whole rainbow of spritz varieties. When it comes to concocting your own spritz, some people prefer dry white wine (hello, biciletta spritz), others prosecco; some like to add an orange slice, and some like a big fat green olive in there; some prefer an Amaro on the sweeter side, others on the more bitter side—the good news is, the market is well stocked with a range of imported and local bittersweet liqueurs for all tastes! Spritz fans even go as far as to create festive versions of the classic cocktail, like our Aperol and cranberry spritz, or veer away from the classic orange flavour and use blackberries, cucumber or even shiso. Put simply, there’s no limit to how creative you can get with your spritz!
More Than Just a Cocktail
From its flamboyant look and flavour alone, the spritz has always been destined for big things. But it must be said, the fact that it pairs so well with the joys of the aperitivo makes it a true Italian star. The aperitivo is a pillar of Italy’s culinary culture … of its culture as a whole, even. Yes, the aperitivo is time to enjoy a tasty bite to eat (think spuntini, tramezzini, stuzzichini) and a colourful cocktail, but more importantly it’s time to check in with your friends and family, and get the latest gossip and news. It’s a specific moment to enjoy la dolce vita. The aperitivo is so much more than pre-dinner drinks, it’s a wholesome break, a set time to chat and relax, to draw a line under your day and move into the evening. Each sip of spritz enjoyed in good company is a way of thumbing your nose at your overscheduled agenda, at the (too many) hours you spend in front of a screen, at the pressures always nudging you to do more, to speed up… Say what you will, but you have to admit that Italian traditions lay the groundwork for simple moments that make you want to take stock and enjoy the right now.
On Your Marks, Set, Spritz!
Talking of uncomplicated get-togethers, we’re always trying to make things easier for you. With the warmer weather on our doorsteps, we decided to raise a glass to our favourite cocktail and create a premium, ready-to-serve version for your happy hours this summer. Our new Spritz Aperitivo Stefano is a shortcut to the simple and sophisticated Italian dolce vita. Made with our Catarratto white wine, sparkling water, and an herbal infusion and bitter orange zest, it’s a practical, authentic, and delicious ready-to-drink beverage: just add ice, a slice of orange, or a nice juicy green olive and you’re good to go! From drinks on your back patio to picnics at the cottage and camping out this summer, our ready-to-drink spritz is the one beverage you’ll want on hand. Salute!
