Amaro Nonino Spritz

The Amaro Nonino Spritz is an elegant and nuanced variation on the classic Italian aperitivo. It swaps the usual bright liqueurs for the complex, amber-hued Amaro Nonino Quintessentia. This substitution creates a drink with delightful notes of bitter orange, caramel, vanilla, and gentle spice, all lifted by the vibrant effervescence of prosecco. It strikes a perfect balance between bitter, sweet, and bubbly, offering a more refined experience than its more common cousins.
Amaro Nonino Spritz

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

As a member of the spritz family, the Amaro Nonino Spritz is classified as a modern aperitif cocktail. It is designed to be enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite, fitting perfectly into the Italian tradition of pre-dinner drinks. Its modern classification comes from its recent rise in popularity as a sophisticated alternative to more established spritzes.

Serving

Served cold over plenty of ice in a large wine glass, this is a refreshing, moderately alcoholic drink perfect for sipping. The large glass helps to trap the aromas of the drink.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Large wine glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While the Aperol Spritz has long dominated the global scene, bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts began seeking more complex variations. The rising popularity of high-quality amaros like Nonino Quintessentia naturally led to its use in the simple and refreshing spritz format. It is less a drink with a single origin story and more a product of the modern craft cocktail movement's appreciation for artisanal Italian bitter liqueurs.
Origin
Italy, emerging in the 2010s as part of the global craft cocktail and spritz renaissance. It's a modern creation based on a traditional Northern Italian drink structure, popularized by bars and consumers looking for a step up in complexity.

Amaro Nonino Spritz

The cocktail is most commonly referred to as the Amaro Nonino Spritz, clearly identifying its main ingredient and style. It is also frequently shortened to the more casual Nonino Spritz. Both names refer to the same elegant and refreshing drink.
Original name
Amaro Nonino Spritz
Alternative name
Nonino Spritz

Characteristics overview

The Amaro Nonino Spritz presents a beautiful amber hue with a crisp, bubbly texture. It offers a sophisticated bittersweet flavor profile with pronounced notes of orange and herbs, leading to a clean, refreshing finish.
Flavor
Bittersweet, Orange peel, Caramel, Herbal, Lightly spiced, Vanilla
Aroma
Citrusy, Herbal, Vinous, Lightly floral
Taste balance
Bittersweet, Slightly sweet, Touch of sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Pleasantly bitter, Lingering orange notes, Warming
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent, Crisp
Color appearance
Amber, Golden orange, Clear, Luminous
Texture
Light, Crisp, Bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-year aperitif

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink is defined by a pleasant bitterness from the amaro and fruity orange notes, balanced by moderate sweetness and a light alcohol presence, all lifted by strong carbonation. It is not creamy, salty, or spicy.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple yet elegant spritz requires just three liquid ingredients: Amaro Nonino, dry Prosecco, and soda water. A fresh orange slice is essential for the garnish.
  • Amaro Nonino Quintessentia60 ml / 2 oz
    A grappa-based amaro known for its distinct orange, caramel, and gentle spice notes.
  • Prosecco90 ml / 3 oz
    Use a dry (Brut) prosecco for the best balance against the amaro's sweetness.
  • Soda Water30 ml / 1 oz
    A splash of chilled soda water or sparkling mineral water to lighten the drink.
  • Orange1 slice or twist
    A fresh orange slice or an expressed orange peel for garnish.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed for this cocktail as it is built directly in the glass. A bar spoon is helpful for a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
  • Bar spoon

Instructions

This is a classic "build-in-glass" cocktail, making it exceptionally easy to prepare. Simply fill a glass with ice, add the liquids in order, give a quick, gentle stir, and add the garnish.
1. Take a large wine glass and fill it generously with cubed ice.
2. Pour the 60 ml (2 oz) of Amaro Nonino over the ice.
3. Gently pour in the 90 ml (3 oz) of chilled Prosecco, tilting the glass slightly to preserve carbonation.
4. Top with a splash of soda water (approximately 30 ml or 1 oz).
5. Give a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing effervescence.
6. Garnish by placing a fresh orange slice into the glass.

Garnishing

A simple but essential garnish of a fresh orange slice is used to complement the citrus notes in the amaro and add visual appeal.
  • Orange slice, placed into the glass among the ice.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is typically vegan and gluten-free, though it is always wise to verify the specific brands of prosecco used for fining agents.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively light cocktail in terms of calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, with most of its content coming from the amaro and the prosecco.
Calories
Approximately 160-190 kcal / 670-795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-18 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 14-17 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an ideal pre-dinner drink (aperitivo) for stimulating the palate. It's perfectly suited for warm weather, outdoor gatherings, and brunches. It is a versatile choice for any social occasion that calls for a light, effervescent, and sophisticated cocktail.
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Summer party
  • Brunch
  • Social gathering
  • Alfresco dining

Pairing suggestions

The bittersweet profile of the Amaro Nonino Spritz pairs wonderfully with classic Italian aperitivo snacks. Salty and savory items like olives, cured meats, and hard cheeses provide a perfect contrast to the drink's character. It also works well with light bruschetta or other simple appetizers.
  • Salty snacks
  • Olives
  • Cured meats (prosciutto, salami)
  • Hard cheeses (Parmigiano-Reggiano)
  • Light appetizers and canapés

The Amaro Nonino Spritz: An Elegant and Complex Aperitivo

The Amaro Nonino Spritz is a refined and delicious alternative to more common spritz cocktails, offering a more complex and satisfying experience. Its signature ingredient, Amaro Nonino, provides a sophisticated, bittersweet flavor profile with notes of orange, caramel, and herbs that is both refreshing and memorable. The drink is incredibly easy to make, requiring no special equipment, and is perfect for a sunny afternoon or as a pre-dinner drink. This bubbly, amber-hued cocktail is sure to impress anyone looking for a more nuanced aperitivo.

Similar cocktails

Aperol Spritz

Uses Aperol instead of Amaro Nonino for a brighter orange flavor, lighter body, and more pronounced bitterness.

Campari Spritz

Uses Campari for a deeper red color and a more intensely bitter, complex flavor profile.

Hugo Spritz

Uses elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) and fresh mint for a distinctly floral and fresh character.

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