Venice Spritz Time

Venice Spritz Time Spritz is the classic Venetian aperitif, and is a mix of white wine and typically Aperol and seltzer or sparkling mineral water. This sunset-colored cocktail is one of the most famous in Venice. Its origin is unknown, but it may date back to when Venice was under the Austrian Empire. The Austrians were used to beer with a lower alcohol content, so to dilute the Venetian wines they put seltzer or sparkling water in their glasses. The word likely came from the German verb spritzen, which means "to spray." Spritz is the Venetian most iconic cocktail, and meeting friends for a spritz is one of the most famous Venetian habits. It is the perfect break between work and dinner, to catch up without having to commit to a full evening together. Enjoy this unusual Venetian habit in a "bacaro," the so-called Venetian pub. Ask for a Spritz with Aperol (the sweetest), Spritz with Select (bitter), with Campari (even more bitter), or with Cynar (strong taste that only the older generation of Venetians could tolerate). Start your evening like a true Venetian with this cultural experience.