Why Aperol Spritz Is So Iconically Italian

Aperol Spritz is one of those drinks that just feels like Italy — bright, bubbly, and unapologetically cheerful. But there’s a little story behind it that I love.

The spritz originally comes from the Veneto region in northern Italy, where Venice shines the brightest. The word spritz comes from the German spritzen, meaning “to splash.” Back during the Austrian occupation in the 1800s, Austrian soldiers thought Italian wine was too strong, so they started splashing it with water to tone it down.

Italians, naturally, were horrified at the idea of diluting their precious wine.

Fast forward to 1919, the Barbieri brothers in Padua created Aperol — that beautiful, vibrant orange liqueur — and the Spritz evolved into what we know today.

Instead of watering wine down, they elevated it with prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda. Leave it to Italians to take a “problem” and turn it into something iconic.

Today, you can find Aperol Spritz almost everywhere in Europe, but in Italy it’s especially tied to aperitivo — that magical time before dinner when you relax with a drink, a few salty snacks, good company, and zero hurry.

Basically...Italy’s way of saying, “Slow down. Enjoy this moment.”

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✨ How to Make an Aperol Spritz (The Classic Italian Way)

Ingredients:

• 3 parts prosecco

• 2 parts Aperol

• 1 splash soda water

• Ice

• Fresh orange slice

Instructions:

1. Fill your glass with lots of ice.

2. Add prosecco first.

3. Pour in the Aperol.

4. Top with a splash of soda water.

5. Give it a gentle swirl.

6. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy — preferably outside, preferably in sunshine.

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If you’re dreaming of sipping one of these beautiful Aperol spritz in Venice, Rome, Tuscany, or the Amalfi Coast— come join me on one of my Italy trips.