If there’s one thing I will never say no to on a hot summer day, it’s a spritz. 

There’s just something about those fizzy, citrusy Italian cocktails that get me going. 

I’m already a huge fan of prosecco, so when I see a bubbly-based drink on the menu, you bet I’m checking them out.

It doesn’t hurt that most of my girlfriends are huge fans of spritzes as well.

Right now, we’re all on a huge Hugo spritz kick.

Whether I’m hanging out at home cooking dinner or rounding up a bunch of friends, Italian cocktails with prosecco are always the move.

They’re light. They’re refreshing. They’re low-effort and low alcoholic content, so you can sip without feeling too icky the next day. 

And the best part? You don’t have to be in Venice or Rome to enjoy them

Though let’s be honest, that would help. 

All you need is a bottle of prosecco, a few simple ingredients, and this handy guide.

So, What Exactly Is a Spritz?

A spritz cocktail is one of Italy’s most iconic drinks, right up there with pasta and dramatic hand gestures. The traditional formula goes something like this:

• 3 parts prosecco
• 2 parts bitter liqueur
• 1 part soda water or club soda

That’s the foundation. From there, you can riff depending on your mood, pantry, or which part of northern Italy you wish you were in.

Spritzes first became popular in the 1800s, when Austrian soldiers in Italy started diluting their Italian white wine with water because they weren’t used to the alcohol content. 

Eventually, Italians took that concept and made it better, replacing still wine with Italian sparkling wine and adding bitters and citrus.

Why Prosecco Is the Best Base

Prosecco isn’t just any bubbly. Unlike French champagne, which is often drier and pricier, prosecco is fruit-forward, light, and usually a little more budget-friendly. It comes from the Veneto region of Italy and is made with Glera grapes.

When choosing prosecco for your spritz, look for “Brut” or “Extra Dry” on the label. These styles are crisp and clean, balancing out the sweetness of liqueurs like Aperol or limoncello. 

I’ve tried using white wine before in a pinch, but trust me, prosecco brings the zing that makes a spritz a spritz.

My Favorite Italian Prosecco-Based Cocktails

I’ve tested a lot of spritz recipes (for research, of course), and these are my personal favorites. Each one brings its own vibe and refreshing cocktail energy.

1. Classic Aperol Spritz

You knew this one was coming. This is the favourite prosecco cocktail of American tourists for a reason. It’s slightly bitter, citrusy, and so easy to make. 

I fill a wine glass with ice cubes, pour in 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part splash of club soda, and garnish with an orange slice. That’s it. 

2. Negroni Sbagliato

A happy accident (hence “sbagliato,” meaning “mistaken” in Italian), this spritzy twist on the classic Negroni skips the gin and uses prosecco instead.

Combine equal parts Aperol, sweet vermouth, and prosecco in a glass with ice. Finish with an orange twist. It’s a great cocktail to serve when you want something a little more bold but still patio-friendly.

3. Limoncello Spritz

This is like sunshine in a glass. Combine limoncello, prosecco, and a splash of lemon juice or soda water. 

Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or even a little lemon sorbet for a prosecco float vibe. It’s the ultimate sipper for the end of a long, sunny afternoon.

4. Hugo Spritz

If you’re over Aperol (it happens), the Hugo spritz is your next obsession. 

Mix elderflower liqueur (like St. Germain), dry prosecco, and soda water. Add mint, lime, and boom, you have your new favorite Italian cocktail.

5. Sgroppino al Limone

Okay, this one’s technically more dessert than drink, but I’m including it because it’s that good. 

Blend lemon sorbet, a splash of vodka, and bubbly prosecco in a chilled glass or cocktail shaker. It’s zesty, fizzy, and the perfect cocktail to serve after dinner as a palate cleanser.

Hosting a Spritz Party (Because Why Not?)

If you’re someone who loves a theme and doesn’t want to spend the entire evening shaking martinis, this is your moment. 

Hosting a spritz bar is the best way to impress your guests while keeping things low-lift.

Here’s what I set out:

• A couple bottles of dry prosecco (think La Marca Prosecco or anything from a solid liquor store)
• Bitters like Aperol, Campari, sweet vermouth
• Liqueurs: limoncello, St. Germain, elderflower syrup
• Fresh citrus: orange slices, lemon juice, orange juice, twist of orange
• Garnishes: mint, thin strips of peel, maybe a bowl of lemon sorbet for fun
• Chilled wine glasses and a ton of clear ice

Let guests build their own drink, mix and match, and discover their new favourite prosecco cocktail. 

Pair it with light bites like bruschetta, marinated olives, or grilled veggies, and you’ve recreated a true Italian happy hour in your backyard.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Spritzes

Here are a few things I’ve learned after making these drinks more times than I can count:

• Keep everything cold. Chill your glasses, your prosecco, even your garnishes.
• Add prosecco last. Always pour it in at the end to preserve those precious bubbles.
• Don’t skip the garnish. A simple orange slice or sprig of mint adds a ton of visual appeal.
• Use good ice. If you want to get fancy, a clear ice maker makes a significant difference

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Your Spritz Questions Answered

Q: Can I make a spritz without alcohol?

A: Yes! Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or even soda water in place of prosecco. Mix with citrus juice, simple syrup, or herbs for a tasty mocktail version.

Q: What’s the difference between Campari and Aperol?

A: Campari is more bitter and has a deeper red color; Aperol is slightly sweeter and more citrusy. Both work in spritzes, but the Campari spritz is for those who like a bit more bite.

Q: Can I use flavored prosecco?

A: You can, but I usually recommend sticking with dry, classic prosecco. It lets the liqueurs and citrus shine. Save the blends for dessert.

Q: How do I store leftover prosecco?

A: Use a champagne stopper to preserve the bubbles in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 2–3 days, though I can’t say I’ve ever had leftover prosecco long enough to test that.

Classic Italian cocktails with prosecco are one my favorite pleasures. They’re versatile, easy cocktails to make, and they instantly elevate any gathering. Or a Tuesday night, if I’m being honest.

Whether you’re leaning into the classic Aperol Spritz, testing out a Sgroppino al Limone, or just enjoying your first time sipping a Hugo spritz on the porch, one thing’s for sure: you’re going to want to stock up on prosecco.

Cin cin!