A Venezia spritz, also known as spritz veneziano, is the original form of the widely popular Italian wine-based cocktail. It is renowned for its crisp, refreshing profile and its historical ties to the city of Venice, where it was first created in 1920. This particular spritz variant distinguishes itself by specifically using Select as its digestive bitters.
Understanding the Venezia Spritz
The Venezia spritz is a classic example of an Italian apéritif, a drink enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It embodies a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and effervescent notes.
Key Components
The fundamental composition of a Venezia spritz involves three primary elements, with a specific type of bitters defining its Venetian identity:
- Prosecco: A sparkling white wine from Italy, providing the effervescence and wine base.
- Select Bitters: This specific type of digestive bitters gives the Venezia spritz its unique flavor profile, characterized by a distinct bitter-sweet complexity.
- Soda Water: A splash of plain soda water is added to dilute and lighten the drink, enhancing its refreshing qualities.
The table below outlines the core ingredients:
| Component | Role | Specific to Venezia Spritz |
|---|---|---|
| Prosecco | Wine base | Essential |
| Bitters | Flavor and digestive aid | Select |
| Soda Water | Dilution and effervescence | Essential |
The Venetian Origin
The "Venezia" in its name directly points to its birthplace. The original spritz veneziano was conceived in Venice in 1920. This historical origin is crucial to its identity, differentiating it from other spritz variations that emerged later or use different types of bitters (such as Aperol or Campari). The use of Select bitters is a hallmark of this authentic Venetian recipe, contributing to its unique heritage and taste.
Role as an Apéritif
Like spritzes across Italy, the Venezia spritz is commonly served as an apéritif. This means it is typically enjoyed in the late afternoon or early evening, prior to dinner. Its light, effervescent, and slightly bitter character makes it an ideal palate cleanser and a social drink, perfect for stimulating conversation and preparing for a meal.
