How to Make an ITALIAN “SPRITZ” Drink

If you are dreaming of Italy but won’t be getting there
anytime soon, try one of their signature beverages this summer.  When my husband and I were vacationing there
last week, this bright orange drink seemed to be
enjoyed by locals and tourists at every cafe, bar and restaurant we passed. On our second day in Venice, we pointed it out to our waitress and she promptly called it a “Spritz”.  And you know the
cliché “When in Rome…” (or Venice, right!?) so we ordered two and gave it a
whirl.  

We were soon hooked on this delicious and refreshing
beverage.  I’d never tasted anything like
it in Canada before, so while in Siena, we commissioned our bartender to show us
how to make it and what ingredients we would need.  Needless to say we did fill one suitcase full
of wine, lemoncello and Aperol for the journey home.  The good news for you is that all these
ingredients can be purchased in North America too! 

Spritz Recipe:

Prosecco –A dry sparkling white wine from Italy, made from
Glera grapes. 

Aperol – An Italian Aperitif that was a sweet tangerine
taste with hints of bitter spices.

Soda Water – good ol’ carbonated water. 

Fill your white wine glass half-full with ice.  Add 3 ounces of Prosecco, then 2 ounces of
Aperol.  Top with 1 ounce of soda
water.  Garnish with an orange slice and
green olive! The ratio is always 3:2:1 so you can use that to make a smaller or larger drink!

Salute!

Kiki

Watch for upcoming blog posts on “How to do 10 days in Italy” and “Cinque Terre: The Italian Riviera” !