The Essentials of the Spritz Kit – Everything You Need for the Perfect Aperitivo
It’s a beautiful evening, with a clear sky and gentle breeze, surrounded by family and friends, and happy chattering. What else does one need to feel relaxed? Wait… how about a perfect refreshing beverage paired with delicious appetizers? The Italians mastered that art with their spritz, a simple yet elegant cocktail that combines bubbles, bitters, and citrus. Light on alcohol, it’s the perfect companion for salty snacks.
The Spritz is a must-have for any Aperitivo—a traditional Italian pre-dinner gathering filled with drinks and light bites, designed to relax after a long day. You can recreate this Italian tradition in your own home with a spritz kit.
At The Epicurean Trader, we believe in making everyday indulgences exceptional. Our spritz essentials collection has everything you need to craft the ideal spritz—high-quality aperitifs, DOCG Prosecco, elegant barware, and garnish essentials. This guide will walk you through Spritz’s history, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for hosting a memorable aperitivo.
What is a Spritz? A Brief History & Its Italian Roots
Before you start mixing, let’s understand the origin of the spritz and why it holds such a beloved place in Italian culture.
The Origins of a Cultural Classic
Let’s rewind to the 1800s, in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. During the Austrian occupation, soldiers who couldn’t handle the boldness of local Italian wines started diluting them with water. Italian bartenders refined the drink by replacing water with soda and adding bittersweet liqueurs like Aperol and Campari. The result? A sparkling, colorful, bittersweet cocktail that quickly became a pre-dinner staple.
If you’re curious about the rise in popularity, here’s what all the hype is about the Aperol Spritz Kit.
From Venice to the World
By 2010, the Aperol spritz had gone global. Its photogenic orange hue and light, refreshing taste made it a crowd favorite, gracing restaurant menus, and social media feeds from Venice to New York. Variations like the Campari Spritz and Hugo Spritz emerged, each offering a unique twist. Today, the Spritz is a symbol of leisure, elegance, and connection.
Why build your own Spritz Kit?
Hosting unplanned gatherings can be stressful, but with a spritz kit, you’re always ready to impress. With the right ingredients and tools, you can create bar-quality drinks at home and embrace the aperitivo lifestyle. You can even get creative and experiment with seasonal or regional variations.
The Essential Components of a Spritz Kit
A well-stocked spritz kit should have essential components like carefully curated liqueurs, sparkling wine, soda, garnishes, and tools. Here’s what should go in it.
The Bitter Liqueur – The Heart of the Spritz
Your choice of base liqueur will decide the flavor of your spritz. Here are the most popular choices:
- Aperol: This is the go-to choice for newcomers due to its lower alcohol content and subtle bitterness, balanced with sweet orange and rhubarb.
- Campari: A bold, intense flavor with complex notes of herbs, spices, and citrus. Perfect for those who enjoy a deeper, bitter profile.
- Select Aeritivo: A Venetian favorite, Select is made with a blend of 30 botanicals, offering a spiced and robust alternative to Aperol.
Prosecco – The Effervescent Backbone
The bubbles matter just as much as the bitters. A great Prosecco elevates every sip of your spritz.
- Dry or extra-dry Prosecco offers the right balance of freshness without overpowering the liqueur.
- Pick DOCG-certified bottles from top regions like Valdobbiadene and Conegliano.
- Look for labels like Brut or Extra Dry for the optimal balance.
Soda Water – The Finishing Touch
We cannot forget the soda water. A good soda water lifts the drink and brings everything together.
- San Pellegrino is known for its light carbonation and mineral-rich profile.
- Fever-Tree Soda Water offers purity and fine bubbles.
Avoid sugary sodas or tonic water unless you experiment with a specific variation.
Garnishes & Extras
Garnishes aren’t just for looks—they complete the drink with added aroma and aesthetics.
- Orange slices are traditional for Aperol and Select Spritz.
- Green Olives are another popular choice, especially in Venice.
- Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary add an aromatic twist.
Glassware and Ice
Presentation of your spritz matters too! The right glassware and ice can turn a simple drink into something memorable.
Choose large goblets or stemmed wine glasses to help the aromas open up. Use large ice cubes to keep the drink cool without diluting it too quickly.
How to Make the Perfect Spritz (Step-by-Step Guide)
Making a spritz isn’t just easy—it’s a ritual. Here’s how to get it right every single time.
The classic spritz formula: 3:2:1
The classic Spritz recipe follows a simple ratio that ensures balance.
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts bitter liqueur (Aperol, Campari, or Select)
- 1 part soda water
Step-by-step:
- Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Pour 3 oz of chilled Prosecco first.
- Add 2 oz of bitter aperitif.
- Top with 1 oz of soda water.
- Stir gently to combine without losing the bubbles.
- Garnish with an orange slice or green olive.
Pro tips
- Pour the prosecco first to preserve the fizz.
- Use dry prosecco for a less sweet drink.
- Use large ice cubes to reduce dilation.
- Serve immediately for maximum fizz and flavor.
Watch how to make different spritzes at home this spring!
Spritz Variations to Elevate Your Aperitivo Game
Once you know the basics, the fun begins. Experiment with seasonal flavors, regional varieties, and garnishes to make each spritz your own. Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Classic Aperol spritz: The classic crowd-pleaser. Bright, zesty, and easy to drink.
- Campari Spritz: Bold and complex, perfect for those who enjoy a deeper flavor.
- Select Spritz: A Venetian favorite, slightly spicier than Aperol.
- Hugo spritz: Light and floral, made with St-Germain elderflower liqueur.
- Negroni Sbagliato: A sparkling take on the Negroni, using Prosecco instead of gin. Try our Negroni kit.
- Seasonal spritz: For winter, try cranberry juice and cinnamon. For summer, try rosé Prosecco and muddled strawberries.
At Epicurean Trader, we offer a curated selection of cocktail kits to suit every taste and preference—from timeless classics to bold, modern creations—so you’re always ready to raise the bar at home.
Hosting the Ultimate Aperitivo Hour with Your Spritz Kit
Having the kit is only half the story. Knowing how to bring people together with it is where the magic happens.
Set the mood with good food, a great ambiance, and thoughtful details. Here’s how:
Food Pairings That Complement the Spritz
Without a spread of tiny bites to counter the bittersweet taste of Spritz, no Italian aperitivo is complete. Keep it light so guests won’t spoil their dinner:
- Nuts and Olives: Salted pistachios, Marcona almonds, and Castelvetrano olives.
- Cheese & Charcuterie: Spicy salami, burrata, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and prosciutto di Parma.
- Bruschetta & Crostini: Garnished with olive tapenade, whipped ricotta, or fresh tomatoes.
Setting the Ambience
Drinks and snacks alone can’t make an aperitivo. Create an inviting space that reflects Italian elegance:
- Lighting: Use candles or gentle string lights for a soft glow.
- Music: Classic Italian jazz or an acoustic playlist.
- Tableware: Use tasteful glasses, linen napkins, and ceramic dishes for a chic touch.
Hosting Pro-tips
- For larger groups, prepare a pitcher of Spritz in advance.
- Offer a variety of aperitivo options so guests can select their favorite.
- Consider place cards or a mini menu with drink pairings to make the event feel special.
Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, a well-made cocktail party can bring a special kind of joy. Just the right ingredients, tools, and inspiration let anyone become a confident home bartender.
Explore Our Cocktail Kits
A complete spritz kit is your secret weapon to crafting the perfect Italian aperitivo experience right at home. With easy-to-follow recipes and a variety of flavor options, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite in no time, and you’ll be the favorite host. Whether you prefer the bold herbal notes of a classic Campari Spritz or the zesty brightness of Aperol, having premium ingredients on hand opens up endless creative possibilities.
At The Epicurean Trader, we’ve curated everything you need to elevate each pour—from top-shelf liqueurs and crisp Prosecco to artisanal garnishes and elegant barware. Hosting becomes effortless, and every glass feels like a gateway to Northern Italy.
Ready to raise your glass? Shop our Spritz Collection and craft your signature cocktail today.