When National Spritz Day rolls around, it’s the perfect excuse to break out the bubbly and indulge in a cooling, flavorful cocktail. The Aperol Spritz may have been the go-to summer drink for years, but if your taste buds are craving something new — or a bit more bold — you’re in for a treat.
Whether you’re looking to turn up the booze or add complexity without losing that refreshing spark, there are plenty of creative ways to remix this classic. Let’s explore a few next-level spritz recipes, bartender tips, and pro ideas that will make your National Spritz Day one to remember.
What Is a Classic Spritz, and Why Upgrade It?
The traditional spritz follows a 3-2-1 formula:
- 3 parts prosecco
- 2 parts amaro (like Aperol)
- 1 part soda water
It’s light, bubbly, and refreshing — ideal for summer afternoons. But for some drinkers, it’s either too sweet, too light on alcohol, or just… bland. If that’s you, don’t worry — a few simple tweaks can completely elevate your spritz experience.
1. Try an Amaro Highball for a Lighter, Boozier Alternative
Amaro highballs are basically spritz cocktails minus the prosecco — a simplified yet bold take that’s easy to whip up.
“I love a Cynar and soda with a twist or a Campari soda with a lime,” says Caer Maiko Ferguson, GM at Father’s Office in LA. “And a Fernet and Coke will mess you up.”
These drinks still deliver that refreshing, aperitivo-style experience but offer a sharper, more grown-up flavor profile.
Try it:
- Cynar + soda
- Campari + soda + lime
- Fernet + Coke (Warning: this one packs a punch)
2. Upgrade with a “Rome With a View”
For a layered, citrus-forward cocktail that still feels like a spritz, Ferguson recommends the Rome with a View — a bartender favorite created by Michael McIlroy of NYC’s Milk & Honey.
Rome With a View Recipe
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- 1 oz lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- Soda water, to top
Directions: Shake all ingredients (except soda) with ice. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with soda and garnish with a citrus wheel.
“It’s the Aperol spritz’s mature cousin,” says Ferguson. “A Collins meets a Negroni.”
3. Explore the Classic Americano Cocktail
If you’re chasing effervescence with more depth, the Americano is a go-to. Think of it as a Negroni without the gin — equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, topped with soda water.
Ally Brennan, Bar Lead at Murray’s Tavern, says it’s a “slightly boozier and still enjoyable spritz.”
Mix it up:
- Use Cynar instead of Campari for earthy richness
- Play with different sweet vermouths for unique variations
“Cynar adds vegetal depth and brightness,” says Brennan. “It has a backbone like Campari but offers something different.”
4. Go Bold With the Palazzo Paloma
For fans of mezcal and grapefruit, this is a must-try hybrid. The Palazzo Paloma blends smokiness, bitterness, and citrus for a complex but refreshing cocktail.
Palazzo Paloma Recipe
- 1 oz Select Aperitivo
- 1 oz mezcal
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 4 oz grapefruit soda (like Thomas Henry or Fever Tree)
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions: Fill a wine glass with ice. Add all ingredients, stir gently, and garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Ferguson describes Select Aperitivo as “a step bolder than Aperol but more spritz-friendly than Campari.”
5. Make It Seasonal With Fruit Shrubs
Want something super refreshing with a farmers market twist? Try mixing fruit shrubs with amaro and soda for a lightly tangy cocktail.
“I’ve always been a vinegar lover,” says private chef Maddy DeVita. “Shrubs let you use whatever fruit is in season.”
Amaro and Shrub and Soda
- 2 oz Amaro Montenegro
- ½ oz strawberry-rhubarb shrub
- Soda water
- Fresh strawberry, halved (for garnish)
Directions: Add ice, pour in amaro and shrub, top with soda water, stir, and garnish.
This cocktail is bright, tangy, and not overly sweet, ideal for warm days and experimenting with flavors.
Tips for Making the Perfect Spritz at Home
Here’s how to nail the perfect home spritz every time:
- Start with good ice: Large cubes melt slower and keep your drink cold longer.
- Use chilled prosecco: Warm bubbly kills the vibe.
- Try different amari: Don’t just stick to Aperol. Explore Cynar, Select Aperitivo, Amaro Montenegro, or Fernet.
- Balance matters: Adjust sweetness, bitterness, and citrus based on your taste.
- Don’t skip the garnish: A citrus twist or berry adds aroma and visual appeal.
Final Sip: Rediscover Your Spritz
Spritz cocktails don’t have to be boring. Whether you’re looking for something stronger, more complex, or just a fun twist on a classic, these creative takes open the door to a world of flavor.
On National Spritz Day, take your glass beyond Aperol. Play with bold amari, seasonal fruit, smoky spirits, or herbaceous shrubs. You don’t need to be a mixologist — just willing to experiment.
Cheers to the spritz that suits you.
