Discover Classic Italian Spritz Cocktails
From sun-soaked afternoons along the Amalfi Coast to lively aperitivo bars in Milan and Venice, the Italian spritz has become one of the world’s most iconic cocktails.
Light, refreshing and effortlessly social, spritz cocktails are designed for relaxed afternoons, pre-dinner drinks and long evenings shared with friends and family.
At San Carlo, aperitivo culture sits at the heart of Italian dining, bringing together vibrant cocktails, exceptional food and memorable moments around the table.
Discover some of the most popular Italian spritz recipes and learn what makes each serve unique.
What Is an Italian Spritz?
An Italian spritz is a sparkling cocktail traditionally made with prosecco, soda water and a bitter or citrus-led aperitif.
Known for its refreshing flavour and light, bubbly finish, the spritz has become a staple of Italian social dining and aperitivo culture.
Classic spritz cocktails are typically:
- Light and refreshing
- Served over ice
- Garnished with fresh citrus or herbs
- Designed for pre-dinner drinks and social occasions
Today, there are many variations of the Italian spritz, from the classic Aperol Spritz to floral Hugo Spritz and citrus-led Limoncello Spritz recipes.
1. Aperol Spritz Recipe
The Aperol Spritz is the most recognised Italian spritz cocktail, loved for its bittersweet orange flavour and vibrant colour.
Ingredients
- 3 parts prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 splash soda water
- Orange garnish
- Ice
How To Make an Aperol Spritz
Fill a large wine glass with ice. Add prosecco followed by Aperol and a splash of soda water. Stir gently and garnish with a fresh orange slice.
Perfect for:
- Summer afternoons
- Aperitivo hour
- Outdoor dining
- Pre-dinner drinks
2. Campari Spritz Recipe
For those who prefer a bolder and more bittersweet flavour profile, the Campari Spritz delivers a richer Italian aperitivo experience.
Ingredients
- 3 parts prosecco
- 2 parts Campari
- 1 splash soda water
- Orange garnish
- Ice
How To Make a Campari Spritz
Build over ice in a wine glass and garnish with orange for a vibrant Italian cocktail with a deeper bittersweet finish.
3. Select Spritz Recipe
Originating in Venice, the Select Spritz combines bittersweet flavours with herbal notes and sparkling prosecco.
Ingredients
- 3 parts prosecco
- 2 parts Select Aperitivo
- 1 splash soda water
- Green olive garnish
- Ice
How To Make a Select Spritz
Serve over plenty of ice and garnish with a green olive for a traditional Venetian-style spritz.
4. Hugo Spritz Recipe
The Hugo Spritz offers a lighter and more floral alternative to classic bittersweet spritz cocktails.
Ingredients
- 3 parts prosecco
- St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- Fresh mint
- Soda water
- Lime garnish
- Ice
How To Make a Hugo Spritz
Add ice, prosecco and elderflower liqueur to a large wine glass. Top with soda water and garnish with mint and lime.
Refreshing, aromatic and perfect for warm-weather dining.
5. Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Bright, citrus-led and refreshing, the Limoncello Spritz brings together the vibrant flavours of southern Italy.
Ingredients
- 3 parts prosecco
- 2 parts limoncello
- Soda water
- Lemon garnish
- Ice
How To Make a Limoncello Spritz
Serve over ice with chilled prosecco and soda water before garnishing with fresh lemon.
Perfect for:
- Summer cocktails
- Italian dining
- Garden parties
- Outdoor aperitivo moments
Italian Aperitivo Culture
In Italy, aperitivo is more than just a pre-dinner drink — it is a social ritual centred around slowing down, gathering together and enjoying good food and conversation.
Spritz cocktails have become one of the defining drinks of Italian aperitivo culture thanks to their refreshing flavour, lower alcohol content and relaxed social atmosphere.
Whether enjoyed overlooking the canals of Venice or alongside Italian small plates with friends, the spritz represents the effortless style of Italian dining culture.
At San Carlo, our cocktail menus celebrate these traditions through signature serves, seasonal spritzes and vibrant aperitivo-inspired drinks menus.
Discover Spritzes at San Carlo
Looking to enjoy Italian spritz cocktails without mixing them yourself?
Discover the Summer Spritz Collection at San Carlo featuring Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, Limoncello Spritz and seasonal Italian cocktails inspired by aperitivo culture.
Whether joining us for cocktails, outdoor dining or relaxed evening drinks, our restaurants provide the perfect setting for spritz season.
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