When the sun shines and it is cocktail time, more and more people reach for a colourful glass of spritz. The refreshing cocktail with its distinctive bittersweet taste and effervescence has become the aperitif of recent years.
But what exactly are spritz drinks, and why are they so popular? And which spritz variant is the absolute hype this summer ?
Time to raise a glass and dive into the world of spritz.
What is a spritz?
A spritz is basically a cocktail consisting of three components:
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A bittersweet liqueur (such as Aperol or Campari)
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Sparkling wine (usually prosecco, but any kind of bubbly works perfectly in a spritz)
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A splash of sparkling water
The result is a slightly alcoholic, sparkling and thirst-quenching drink that is perfect for any aperitif moment.
A classic: the Aperol Spritz
The most famous among spritz drinks is undoubtedly the Aperol Spritz. With its striking orange colour and soft bitters, this cocktail is almost impossible to imagine the terraces without. The classic recipe?
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3 parts prosecco (90ml)
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2 parts Aperol (60ml)
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1 part sparkling water (30ml)
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Served with ice and a slice of orange
This combination creates a nice balance between sweet, bitter and fresh, without being overpowering. Ideal for those who want to keep the aperitif light.
The hype of 2025: the Yuzu Spritz
For those who like to drink off the beaten track, there is good news: the spritz category continues to innovate. One notable newcomer is Kiyoko Yuzu Infused - a contemporary drink based on Japanese yuzu, a citrus fruit that sits somewhere between lemon, tangerine and grapefruit.
Made in the Kansai region, on the island of Honsh, for more than 100 years, Kiyoko is a true yuzu-infused aperitif. It originates in the mountainous south of Japan, along the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The pronounced temperature differences and abundance of sunlight promote the ideal cultivation of Yuzu, Japan's rarest fruit.
In keeping with an age-old tradition, each Yuzu is hand-picked and immediately pressed to maintain optimum freshness. Kiyoko's Yuzu juice is pure, never concentrated and without any additives or artificial flavours. Finally, Kiyoko's toji (master brewer) balances the pure Yuzu juice perfectly with Junmai sake. The highly prized Gohyakumangoku rice, combined with Miyamizu water from Mount Rokk, creates the distinctive fresh and vibrant aroma of Junmai.
Kiyoko has a sophisticated citrus character, without excessive sweetness, and lends itself perfectly as a base for an exciting spritz. The scent is fresh and aromatic, the taste elegant and lively. Think sunshine, flowers and Japanese finesse in your glass. At 8% alcohol, perfectly designed for lovers of sophisticated flavours, Kiyoko Yuzu comes into its own when served well-chilled, pure or as a subtle touch in a Spritz. This aperitif is much more than a drink: it is a true moment of enjoyment in everyday life.
The Yuzu Spritz combines the Japanese yuzu character with the Italian spritz style. Refreshing, surprising and ideal for those who like something special.
You make it according to the same basic recipe, finishing in this case with a slice of lime and/or a sprig of mint.
Other spritz variants
Although Aperol largely carries the spritz image, spritz has long since become a category in its own right.
Other popular variants you can prepare using the basic recipe above are:
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Campari Spritz - Slightly more bitter and spicy than Aperol, with a deep red colour. For those who like a more powerful aperitif.
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Hugo Spritz - A fresh mix of prosecco, elderflower syrup, sparkling water, lime and mint. Originated in South Tyrol, but now loved everywhere.
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Limoncello Spritz - Lemon-fresh and summery, starring Italian limoncello.
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Cynar Spritz - A more adventurous variant, made with Cynar, a liqueur based on artichoke and other herbs.
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Ruby Spritz - You can also make a delicious spritz with a good red port. You drink the ruby sparkler in any season, and the Graham's Blend is a perfect base porto for this sorot of cocktails
Alcohol-free or low alcohol? No problem
Spritz drinks fit perfectly into the trend of alcohol-free or low alcohol aperitifs. Nowadays, you can find more and more alcohol-free alternatives to Aperol or Campari, giving you the same style and taste experience, without the alcohol. Think of brands like Lyre's, Fluère or Crodino. Even a combination of sparkling water, citrus juice and a spicy syrup (such as elderflower or gentian) can already provide that typical spritz feeling.
Why is spritz so popular?
The power of spritz is in its simplicity as well as its versatility. You don't have to be a bartender to make one, and you can vary endlessly. Moreover, it is a drink that feels light, fresh and festive - exactly what you are looking for on a summer afternoon or at a cosy aperitif moment. They are much more than a temporary hype: they combine Italian elegance with refreshing simplicity and offer plenty of room for creativity - with and without alcohol. Whether you like sweet, bitter, citrus or spicy, there is always a spritz to suit you.
Marketing • IT • Klantenservice
I've known Broekmans since I graduated in 2006 and thanks to Jan I've come to know the passion for spirits. I dedicate myself every day to the webshop, customer service and all the IT involved. In my spare time, besides whiskey, I can also really enjoy rum, but just as much as a gin tonic or a simple bellini. In the words of Martien Meiland, if there's no alcohol in it, don't call me!
