The Spritz is more than just a drink: it’s a social ritual, a symbol of the Italian aperitivo, embodying tradition, cultural fusion, and conviviality. With its vibrant color and perfectly balanced sweet-bitter taste, this cocktail has won over palates worldwide, becoming the emblem of gatherings with friends. But where exactly was the Spritz born? And why does it still bring everyone together for a toast?
When Was the Aperol Spritz Created?
The origins of the Spritz date back to the early 19th century, in Veneto, during the Austrian occupation. Soldiers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, unaccustomed to the alcohol content of Veneto wines, would “dilute” white wine with a splash of sparkling water to make it lighter and more drinkable. This simple yet effective habit was called “spritzen“, the German word for “to spray”.
From this custom, the first version of the Spritz was born: a mix of white wine and sparkling water, without the bitter component we know today. Only in the 20th century did the recipe begin to evolve, enriched with new ingredients and giving rise to the most famous variations, including the Aperol Spritz.
Aperol, created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, brought its bright orange color and slightly bitter yet sweet and fresh taste to the scene. In the following decades, the perfect combination of prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda would become the signature cocktail of the Italian aperitivo.
Who Invented the Aperol Spritz?
The Aperol Spritz, as we know it today, doesn’t have a single, definitive inventor. Rather, it is the result of a slow evolution and a clever marketing strategy.
Aperol was born in Padua in 1919, when brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri introduced this herbal and root-infused aperitif with its characteristic orange color. However, the real boom of the Aperol Spritz came only decades later, between the 1950s and 1970s, when the habit of “spritzing” wine merged with the trend of bitter-based aperitifs.
The company behind Aperol, aware of its product’s potential, actively promoted the combination of Aperol, prosecco, and soda, helping to codify the cocktail recipe we now consider “official.” Thanks to this promotional push and the growing aperitivo culture, the Aperol Spritz established itself as a pop icon of Italian mixology.
Where Was the Campari Spritz Born?
Alongside the rise of the Aperol Spritz, another variation won over enthusiasts: the Campari Spritz. More intense and bitter than the Aperol version, this cocktail stands out for its ruby-red color and bold flavor.
The Campari Spritz also originated in Veneto, following the same basic formula: prosecco, bitter, and soda. The key difference lies in the choice of bitter, which in this case is the renowned Campari, created by Gaspare Campari in Milan in 1860.
Although Campari is a Milanese product, the Campari Spritz developed mainly in Northeastern Italy, especially between Venice and Padua, as an alternative for those who preferred a stronger, less sweet taste compared to Aperol. Today, it’s common to find both versions on bar menus, letting customers choose between Aperol’s sweetness and Campari’s intensity.
Where Was the Aperol Spritz Born?
While the concept of the Spritz was born in Austrian-ruled Veneto in the 19th century, the Aperol Spritz has a very specific birthplace: Padua. It was here that the Barbieri brothers developed Aperol and promoted its use as the base for the now-famous cocktail.
Over the years, the bond between Padua and the Aperol Spritz has grown so strong that the city is often considered the “official” home of this drink. However, its popularity quickly spread throughout Northeastern Italy, with hotspots in Venice, Treviso, and Vicenza, becoming an integral part of Italian drinking culture.
Today, even though the Aperol Spritz has become a global phenomenon, its heart remains deeply rooted in Padua and Veneto traditions—a symbol of a simple, sociable, and welcoming way of life.
Spritz: History and Curiosities
The history of the Spritz is filled with anecdotes and fun facts that add to its charm. Did you know, for example, that there are countless regional Spritz variations? Beyond Aperol and Campari, some areas use local bitters, such as Select in Venice, giving the cocktail a more herbal and spicy flavor.
Another curiosity concerns the ideal glass for serving a Spritz: while today it’s common to use a large wine glass, it was often served in low tumbler glasses in the past, better suited to enhancing its sparkling component.
The Spritz is not just a drink but a true social ritual. In Veneto, there’s even the concept of the “Spritz hour,” typically between 6 and 8 p.m., when friends and colleagues gather to chat and unwind after work.
In recent years, the Spritz has enjoyed a renaissance thanks to social media and international brand campaigns, turning it into a lifestyle symbol, perfect for photographing and sharing.
Where to Enjoy an Aperitivo in Naples with a Spritz
And what if you want to enjoy a perfect Spritz outside its natural habitat? Even Naples, with its rich tradition of conviviality and culinary excellence, has embraced this ritual, reinterpreting it with Neapolitan warmth and flair.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a perfectly crafted Spritz, paired with refined finger foods and in a relaxed atmosphere, KarmaCore cocktail bar in Naples is your ideal destination. Located in the heart of Naples’ historic center, just steps from Via Toledo, KarmaCore is a bistrot and cocktail bar where every aperitivo becomes a special moment.
Here, you can choose from the classic Spritz versions — Aperol and Campari — as well as discover creative variations made with artisanal bitters and local ingredients, striking a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. All in a carefully curated, welcoming environment with a strong focus on high-quality ingredients.
Join us for a toast to taste, history, and conviviality with one of Italy’s most beloved cocktails. Make your aperitivo in Naples special: experience the charm of a perfectly made Spritz!
Want to know more about our aperitivo offerings? Contact KarmaCore for information, pairing suggestions, and insights about our menu.
