Food & Traditions
The Venetian Spritz
For much of the world it is a cocktail. For Venetians, it is simply aperitivo.
In Venice, a Spritz is not something reserved for special occasions. It is the aperitivo drink: the one that accompanies a chat, a stop at a bàcaro and, almost inevitably, a few cicchetti.
Spritz and aperitivo are not the same thing
The Spritz is the drink. Aperitivo is the moment: a pause before dinner, a conversation, a few cicchetti and perhaps a second stop somewhere else. That social ritual, more than the cocktail itself, is what makes it part of everyday Venetian life.
Where it comes from
The name is generally linked to the German verb spritzen, “to spray”, and to the period of Austrian presence in Veneto, when local wine was lightened with water. Over time that habit evolved into the modern Spritz.
Aperol, Select, Campari or Cynar?
There is no single Venetian version: Aperol is softer and more citrusy, Select is strongly connected with local tradition, Campari is more assertive and Cynar more herbal. In Venice, being asked “what would you like it with?” is part of the ritual.
Spritz and cicchetti
A Spritz naturally goes with cicchetti: small counter bites chosen according to what the bàcaro has prepared. One drink, one or two cicchetti and then you continue your walk.
Where to try it
Choose a neighbourhood bàcaro or a better-known venue such as Terrazza Aperol in Campo Santo Stefano. Our Where to eat page collects a selection of places in Marghera and Venice.
Marghera Venice Apartments tip
If outside Venice someone charges you the price of dinner for a badly made Spritz, know that a Venetian somewhere is suffering with you. 😄
Official information
Dates, programmes, fares and conditions may change. For variable information, always check the official source before your visit.
Terrazza Aperol Venice ↗A convenient base for Venice
Visiting Venice for this event?
Stay in Marghera with free private parking and convenient day-and-night connections to Venice.