A spritz for every occasion
Light, bubbly, and bursting with flavour
Why the "Aperitif" occasion and spritzer drinks are on trend
The term “spritzer” originates from the German word “spritzen,” which means “to spray” or “splash.” This reflects the practice of adding soda or sparkling water to wine to create a light, bubbly beverage. In the 19th century, bottled carbonated water became more widely available, making it easier for people to add fizz to their wine.
The spritzer gained popularity in the Viennese wine taverns, called “ Heurigen”, where locals would gather to enjoy new, often slightly acidic wines. The addition of sparkling water softened the taste of these young wines, making them more palatable for extended drinking.
Over time, the spritzer evolved, leading to the creation of modern spritz cocktails. One of the most famous is the Aperol Spritz, which originated in Northern Italy’s Veneto region in the early 20th century. Italians modified the Austrian spritzer by adding Aperol or other bitter liqueurs to sparkling wine, resulting in a slightly bitter yet refreshing drink.
As alcohol moderation becomes increasingly relevant low ABV spritz cocktails are a great match. Spritzers are a lower-alcohol alternative to many other mixed drinks like cocktails and long drinks. Traditional spritzers and modern spritz cocktails typically combine a base of wine, often prosecco or white wine, with soda water or sparkling water. This dilution reduces the overall alcohol content compared to drinks made purely from spirits. For example, an Aperol Spritz—one of the most popular spritz variations—uses Aperol, a low-ABV bitter liqueur (around 11% ABV), mixed with prosecco and soda water, further lowering the alcohol content per glass.
Today, the spritzer continues to symbolize casual elegance and summer refreshment, inspiring cocktails that blend wine, sparkling water, and various flavors.
Their light, bubbly profile also makes spritzers ideal for alternative consumption occasions like daytime or extended social gatherings, where people may prefer a slower pace of drinking with lower alcohol levels. Or the classic Italian “Aperitivo” where social gatherings take place after work and light snacks and spritzers are enjoyed, sometimes as an appetizer before dinner.
The flavoured alcoholic beverage market
As per Nielsen The spritz cocktail audience is an increasingly lucrative segment whose market potential has enlarged significantly following the reopening of the hospitality sector. Some spritz drinkers (36%) are drinking more cocktails when out-of-home (10% more) and drinking a wider range of drinks too compared to the total of cocktail drinkers.
25 % of all average consumers across the globe drink cocktails in the On Premise
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36% of Italian drinkers, say that they opt for mixed drinks in On-trade channels
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of spritz cocktail drinkers are willing to pay more for a premium drink
72% of consumers in Great Britain say that they would choose to drink a spritz serve when out
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Mintel I Paris 2024 a platform to boost French spirits and wines.
NIQ I The great summer spritz opportunity
Popular spritz cockatils
A selection of spritz cocktails
Examples aromatic flavours used in spritzers
