{"id":7407,"date":"2020-06-20T00:56:11","date_gmt":"2020-06-19T22:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/romagastronomica.com\/?p=7407"},"modified":"2020-06-20T11:14:56","modified_gmt":"2020-06-20T09:14:56","slug":"spritz-the-king-of-the-italian-aperitivo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/romagastronomica.com\/en\/spritz-the-king-of-the-italian-aperitivo\/","title":{"rendered":"Spritz: the king of the Italian aperitivo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s summertime in Italy and that calls for fresh cocktails with a view. During this time of the year, whether you\u2019re on a rooftop terrace or outside a bar, wherever you turn around you\u2019ll find someone sipping on a very particular drink: the<\/strong> spritz<\/strong>. A bright orange cold drink that\u2019s the main character of the aperitivo<\/em>, one of the most Italian rituals.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is an aperitivo<\/em>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The aperitivo is a pre-meal drink that takes place after a workday and before dinner. Like its name says, it is meant \u201cto open\u201d the stomach before dining, clinking glasses with friends or colleagues over some appetizers in a chill, relaxed and very social atmosphere. This is a tradition that showcases true italianity<\/strong> at its best, as you can have aperitivo in every city of the peninsula. If you\u2019re a visitor, this means aperitivo is a great way to deep dive into the local culture, enjoy some people-watching and to feel like a local<\/a> <\/strong>after a long day of sightseeing and walking around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Punctuality is important for an aperitivo. It is generally done between 6 and 8pm and it consists of having a drink that is carbonated, bitter, and low-in-alcohol, matched with some salty food like olives, peanuts and crackers. Just remember that an aperitivo shouldn\u2019t replace your dinner, you have the apericena<\/em> for that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With all these characteristics, the king of the aperitivo is the spritz.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The spritz<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Born in Veneto in the 1800, the spritz is one of the most famous and beloved Italian cocktails. Its name comes from the German word \u201cspritzen\u201d, since during this time, the Austro-Hungarian soldiers would ask the bartenders to \u201cspray\u201d some water in their wines because the local wine was too strong for their customs. The spritz we drink nowadays is much more sophisticated and has a very simple, but perfectly balanced composition, that makes for the perfect summer drink that will light up the room with its vibrant orange hue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel like having an aperitivo at home, here\u2019s the traditional recipe for a perfect spritz, done in less than 5 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Get a big glass and fill it with ice cubes<\/li>
  2. Combine prosecco or sparkling wine and Aperol or Campari in equal parts<\/li>
  3. Add a dash of soda<\/li>
  4. Garnish with an orange slice<\/li>
  5. Feast on your quintessential aperitivo<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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