A spritz is a delightful Italian wine-based cocktail that combines Prosecco, digestive bitters, and soda water, traditionally served as an apéritif. National Spritz Day celebrates this refreshing beverage that has become a global summer favorite.
Quick Facts
When is it?: August 1st annually
Tagged as: Beverage Holiday
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalSpritzDay
When was it founded?: 2023
Who founded it?: Petite Wine Traveler
History of Title
The spritz originated in the 1800s during the Habsburg domination in Veneto, Italy. Austrian soldiers, unfamiliar with the strong local wines, would request a splash (“spritzen” in German) of water to dilute their drinks. The modern spritz evolved in the 1920s and 1930s when local bitters like Aperol and Select were added to the mixture. By the 1970s, Prosecco became a standard ingredient, creating the cocktail we know today.
Timeline
- 1800s: Austrian soldiers create the original spritz by diluting wine with water
- 1919: Aperol is created in Padua, Italy
- 1920: Select is created in Venice
- 1950s: Aperol Spritz becomes popular in Venice
- 2011: Spritz becomes an IBA official cocktail
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August | 1 | Friday |
| 2026 | August | 1 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August | 1 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August | 1 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | August | 1 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | August | 1 | Thursday |
Observed
The day is celebrated by enjoying spritz cocktails with friends, often during aperitivo hour. Many bars and restaurants offer special spritz promotions, and people gather to enjoy this refreshing drink poolside or at outdoor venues.
Fun Facts About
- The classic spritz ratio is 3-2-1 (Prosecco-bitter-soda)
- Aperol Spritz was ranked the world’s ninth bestselling cocktail in 2019
- The original Venetian spritz includes an olive garnish
- The drink can be made with various bitters, including Campari, Cynar, or Select
Quiz
- What does “spritz” mean in German?
- In what year was Aperol created?
- What is the traditional garnish for a Venetian spritz?
-(Answers: 1. Splash 2. 1919 3. Green olive)
FAQs
- Is a spritz alcoholic? Yes, but relatively low in alcohol content
- What’s the basic recipe? 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts bitter, 1 part soda water
- Can I make a non-alcoholic version? Yes, using non-alcoholic alternatives
- What glass should I use? A wine glass or rocks glass
Related
- International Beer Day
- National Amaretto Day
- International Pisco Sour Day
- National Rosa Tequila Day
- International Happy Gose Day