The backbone of any traditional spritz is a dry, crisp Prosecco DOC or DOCG. Look for bottles with bright acidity and fine persistent bubbles — these hold up in the glass without going flat. Prosecco’s light stone fruit and floral notes complement bitter liqueurs without competing with them. It’s the ideal sparkling base precisely because it’s designed to play a supporting role.

Depending on your taste, or making the drink N/A, you can add a premium club soda in place or in addition to the prosecco.

Spritz tip: Chill your Prosecco thoroughly before building the drink. A warm sparkling wine will kill the effervescence before the first sip.

This is where the character of your spritz comes from. Aperitif liqueurs — the category that includes iconic Italian bittersweet spirits — bring the defining bitter-sweet tension that makes the spritz so craveable. Look for products with a balance of citrus peel, gentian root, and herbal botanicals.

For a more complex, spirit-forward spritz, Amaro is your next move. These Italian herbal digestifs and aperitifs range from lightly bitter and citrus-forward to deeply rooted and bittersweet. A split base — part classic aperitif, part Amaro — creates a layered spritz that rewards slow sipping.

Not every moment calls for building from scratch. The ready-to-drink (RTD) spritz category has grown dramatically, and today’s options are far more sophisticated than their predecessors, including N/A and THC options!  Perfect for picnics, travel, concerts, or any occasion where a wine glass isn’t practical, but Aperitivo Hour is in order.