Reveling in the sunshine while sitting in a busy piazza after a long day of sightseeing, my tour guide exclaimed “It’s time for a spritz’. When the eye-catching cocktails were delivered to our table, I looked around the piazza to everyone around us sipping the same gorgeous and delicious cocktail. This was years before the spritz in North America ever became trendy.
The origins of a ‘Spritz” can be traced as far back as the ancient Romans and Greeks where wine was cut with sea water, herbs and/or botanicals to lower the alcohol content and improve the taste. Over time, still water changed to sparkling soda, which changed to Prosecco. Today, a Spritz recipe consists of an Italian bitter, a splash of soda, Prosecco and a garnish served over ice in a wine glass. These cocktails were and are made to look like a piece of art. They have tantalizing aromas and the sparkling bitter taste is adored by many.
The Backstory
Founded in Milan in 1909 futurism is a social, artistic and avant-garde movement that integrated itself into the culinary and cocktail scene. Originally starting in the art and fashion world, the movement to mixology created a new-age drinks movement with bartenders and cocktail lovers alike. The use of fragrant and powerful aroma additions like Italian amaro and bitter liquors aided in creating elevated taste profiles and an increased depth of flavour through complex and creative blending. The use of sparkling wine in any cocktail was also seen as inventive, creative and exciting. The cocktail scene was changing and the spritz was part of the evolution.
By the 1980’s the spritz had reached North America and slowly started to develop a loyal following. With growing and evolving cocktail trends, an increase in consumer demand for new and exciting cocktails, and innovative recipe creations by artistic mixologists, the futurist cocktail movement across North America thrived. To this day the Spritz continues to be a staple on cocktail menus around the world even as recipes continue to evolve.
The Spritz
The spritz is typically served during “The Golden Hour” or the transition from day to evening when the sun’s light appears warmer and softer. The colorful and sparkling appearance of the cocktail emulates a picturesque Italian sunset and draws you in with its aromas and gorgeous colors. Sipping a Spritz brings a bit of “La Dolce Vita” to the drinker, and it’s hard not to love and appreciate its effervescent, refreshing taste.
Whether you’re looking to join the futurist cocktail movement, indulge in Italian culture, or looking to create a fabulous experience, a select Spritz is the ideal way to educate, enlighten and entertain. With an incredible story surrounding every sip a Select Spritz will surprise and delight the palates of any wine, cocktail and food enthusiast.
Select Aperitivo
A leader in the Spritz category, Select Aperitivo was created in Venice in 1920. The name ‘Select Aperitivo’ was intentional by the Pilla Brothers as a way to help people embrace what is and was called ‘La Bella Vita’ known as ‘The Good Life’. The Select Spritz cocktail helped to rebirth the city during the post-war period and is now known and recognized as a classic Venetian Aperitif and has become a true star of the global cocktail scene
Created at the Pilla Distillery, in the historical heart of Venice, this recipe was created to have a refined, unique and complex taste. The blend of Select Aperitivo is made by carefully blending 30 botanicals including juniper berries and rhubarb roots. A careful and complicated production process, the juniper berries and rhubarb roots work to enhance the structure and aroma of the final flavor profile. The original color of Select Aperitivo is an intense bright ruby red with orange hues. On the aroma and taste you’ll find notes of floral and citrus with a hint of spice – a surprising symphony for any palate. Sophisticated, elegant, playful and charismatic, Select Aperitivo is a classy, authentic way to capture the Italian lifestyle in a glass.
The Spritz is an easy and fascinating drink to serve at home. Pair with typical italian aperitivo pairings like cicchetti – which is the italian word for small snacks, similar to tapas, cicchetti is typically served in Venice Italy alongside the spritz cocktail. Common cicchetti includes tiny sandwiches, plates of olives, and small servings of seafood, meat and vegetables.
Select Spritz Recipe
- 3 parts prosecco
- 2 parts Select Aperitivo
- 1 splash of soda
Fill the glass with ice, add in ingredients, Stir gently and garnish with a green olive.
Select Aperitivo can be found across Canada including the LCBO and BC liquor stores as well as at other fine retailers.
