The truth will set you free,
but first, it'll piss you off!
- Gloria Steinem
If you haven’t noticed, this newsletter really loves to burst bubbles.
So let’s keep the trend going by bursting a big one - that the Aperol spritz is not a universally Italian drink.
Do you think a country with a thousand different types of pasta has one unifying drink? Highly unlikely.
What did you say? Something that contradicts all those Tiktoks and reels flooding your feeds? The ones of your co-workers Jennifer or Paul who jetted off to the Amalfi Coast and made you jealous with their daily afternoon orange aperitivos?
Yes, you heard right. The reality is the spritz - particularly the Aperol Spritz - is more of a marketing invention than it is ‘Italian’ though today it has been adopted as such.
Wait - the Aperol spritz isn’t entirely Italian?
This statement is loaded, I know. Of course, the best things are culturally layered. However, the spritz concept began with the Austrians, back when they occupied Veneto. Then later - after the Italian unification - Aperol itself was invented in Padua, a city just outside Venice. Meanwhile, the rest of the country - particularly from Rome down - did not know this drink even existed until 20 years ago at most.
Fun fact: It is the 20-year anniversary of the Campari Group buying Aperol - which happened in 2003!
Culturally, the Aperol spritz and aperitivo hour are Northern customs, especially in the Veneto and Lombardy regions. After living in Verona, I can say that the Veneto is surely the home of the spritz. They’re inescapable. I mean, Aperol was invented in the Veneto. And, spritz here are very bank account-friendly. We’re talking 3-5 euros for a spritz. Dangerous.
Also, it’s completely normal to drink a spritz at 10 or 11 in the morning. It’s quite iconic.
To understand the full Aperol spritz history, I wrote a piece in VinePair a few months back documenting the Aperol spritz’s fascinating evolution, and how its image as the symbol of aperitivo culture is way more of a tourist dream than an Italian reality.
The Spritzs to know
My VinePair article may have squashed your Aperol spritz dreams. So, let’s cheer them up with… more spritz! And not just one, but FOUR types you need to know if you’d like to be that spritz expert.
Bianco
This is the original spritz so to speak. It’s simply sparkling wine or white wine with a spritzen of club soda or water. The spritz Bianco is the closest relative to the very first spritz (aka the Austrians adding water to wine because they couldn’t handle the intensity).
Aperol
She's an icon, she's a legend, and she is the moment
Oh, the Aperol Spritz. This popular orange lady is simply 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda (or basically a spritzen or spruzzata of soda). And, ice of course.
Campari
The bitter underdog, in my opinion. Its recipe is identical to the Aperol Spritz, except you swap Aperol with Campari. I prefer it over Aperol, as it is a little more bitter than sweet, which is necessary given that the Prosecco used is often fruity enough.
Select (or Spritz Veneziano)
The spritz Select is the Aperol spritz of Venice. It’s a nice middle ground between Aperol and Campari - Select is not as bitter as Campari and not as sweet as Aperol. It also has this fabulous red color that really does look elegant in a glass. Don’t forget to add a green olive, Venetian style.
Plot twist: lots of apertifs or bitters can make a spritz!
Technically, you can use all sorts of apertifs to make a spritz. Look - the original spritz is diluted white wine or sparkling water. That said, there are plenty of producers concocting delicious, unique aperitifs and bitters that make an excellent addition to a spritz. A perk is that these apertifs or bitters are often made with higher-quality ingredients by smaller producers - a win-win for your health and the health of local economies.
I love what Gajardo is doing if you need a little help escaping the ‘mainstream’ spritz.
By the way, you are ordering a spritz wrong
A little tip to sound like a spritz-sipping local in the Veneto.
In English, we say ‘Aperol Spritz’. Campari’s marketing says it too. But, in Veneto and Northern Italy mostly, it’s a ‘spritz Aperol’. Yes, the type goes after the word ‘spritz.’ Why? Because that’s how the Italian language works and - as you’ve seen - there are quite a few spritz.
If you’re in southern Italy, often you can skip the term ‘spritz’ altogether. Un Aperol or un Campari alludes to a spritz drink since these aperitifs were introduced in the south through Campari’s sexy spritz marketing campaigns.
(For more info on Aperol spritz marketing in southern Italy, check out ‘How Do Italians Feel About the Aperol Spritz’s International Stardom?’, my article I mentioned above!)
My 4 places to sip a spritz in Verona
Because spritz is a way of life in this city. It’s the post-work solution, the ‘happy hour’ signature of the city. Whoops - I mean aperitivo hour…which is essentially the same thing in Verona (because Italians do work, people!!!)
Osteria del Caval Matto: A cozy local spot right off Verona’s main drag where you can grab a spritz at a local’s price, meet new friends, and hang for a bit… or all night!
Amaro: This bar has it all. It’s my second home really. I love its roomy patio overlooking the gorgeous façade of the San Fermo church. The staff is full of cool locals who just want you to have a good time. Plus, they have great bar snacks beyond the endless taralli at aperitivo.
Alma: This is a new spot that just opened up on the other side of the Adige, in Piazza Isolo. Don’t be fooled by its trendy appearance - it’s a gem with an excellent spritz and also a cute and spacious patio.
Osterla La Mandorla: What a blessing it is to have a kick-ass no-frills osteria/wine bar a stone’s throw from Verona’s Arena. Mandorla is a great place to hang outside, sitting or standing with a spritz in mano. It also has a great by-the-glass wine list for those - like me - who aren’t always in the mood to spritz the night way.
That creepy photo-bomb is my favorite pic of you ever. I'm tempted to make it the wallpaper on my phone.
Love all wine with sparkling alternatives over ice and bar snacks!!