Select Spritz

The Select Spritz is the quintessential Venetian aperitif, offering a more complex and bitter flavor profile than the more common Aperol Spritz. It features Select Aperitivo, a ruby-red liqueur with notes of rhubarb, juniper, and botanicals, balanced by the sweetness of prosecco and the effervescence of soda water. Served over ice with a large green olive, it's a taste of Venice in a glass, perfect for whetting the appetite before a meal. It's a sophisticated and refreshing choice for any occasion.
Select Spritz

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Select Spritz is classified as a spritz cocktail, a classic type of Italian aperitif. It's enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink designed to stimulate the appetite. Its category is firmly rooted in Venetian and Italian cocktail culture.

Serving

This is a cold, refreshing drink served in a large wine glass with plenty of ice. It has a relatively low alcohol content, making it a perfect sessionable aperitif.
Serving size
Approximately 200-250 ml / 7-8.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 9-11% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Large wine glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Select Aperitivo was created in 1920 in the Castello district of Venice by the Pilla brothers. It quickly became the star ingredient for the local aperitif, the Spritz. This recipe predates the widespread popularity of the Aperol Spritz and is still the go-to version for locals in Venice. The tradition of the "spritz" itself dates back to the 19th century when Austrian soldiers would dilute local wines with a "spritz" of water.
Origin
Venice, Italy, circa 1920.

Select Spritz

The Select Spritz is often called the Venetian Spritz, as it uses Select Aperitivo, which originated in Venice in 1920. It is considered by many Venetians to be the original and authentic version of the spritz. While "Spritz Veneziano" is a general term for a spritz from Venice, specifying "Select" distinguishes it from its more famous Aperol-based cousin.
Original name
Select Spritz
Alternative name
Venetian Spritz

Characteristics overview

The Select Spritz has a complex, bittersweet flavor profile with herbal and citrus notes, complemented by a bright, botanical aroma. Its bubbly texture and refreshing character make it a quintessential summer aperitif.
Flavor
Bittersweet, herbal, citrusy, root notes, juniper
Aroma
Botanical, orange peel, herbal, slightly spicy
Taste balance
Balanced, bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Lingering bitterness, clean, herbal
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Bright ruby red, clear
Texture
Light-bodied, crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round aperitif

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, defined by a distinct herbal bitterness balanced by a subtle sweetness and bright carbonation. The alcohol presence is mild, making it very approachable.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The Select Spritz requires just three main ingredients: the iconic Select Aperitivo, a dry Prosecco, and a splash of soda water for effervescence.
  • Select Aperitivo75 ml / 2.5 oz
    A Venetian aperitivo with a complex, bittersweet flavor.
  • Prosecco75 ml / 2.5 oz
    Use a dry (Brut) Prosecco for the best balance.
  • Soda Water25 ml / 0.8 oz (a splash)
    Adds extra fizz and lightens the drink.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed as the drink is built directly in the serving glass. A bar spoon can be used for a very gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
  • Bar spoon for a gentle stir

Instructions

To make a Select Spritz, simply build the ingredients over ice in a large wine glass, starting with prosecco, then Select, and a splash of soda. Garnish with a green olive.
1. Fill a large wine glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour the chilled Prosecco over the ice.
3. Add the Select Aperitivo, pouring in a circular motion to help it mix.
4. Top with a splash of soda water.
5. Stir gently once to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
6. Garnish with a large green olive on a cocktail pick.

Garnishing

The traditional and essential garnish is a single, large, pitted green olive, which adds a savory, briny counterpoint to the drink's bittersweetness.
  • A large green olive, served on a cocktail pick

Dietary Information

This drink is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is also vegan, vegetarian, and caffeine-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is relatively low in calories, with around 165 kcal per serving. Its carbohydrate and sugar content comes primarily from the aperitivo and prosecco.
Calories
Approximately 150-180 kcal / 627-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10-15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 9-13 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

The Select Spritz is an ideal pre-dinner drink or aperitif, perfect for happy hour gatherings known as 'aperitivo time'. Its refreshing nature makes it an excellent choice for warm summer afternoons and social events.
  • Aperitivo
  • Happy Hour
  • Summer Party
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Social Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Select Spritz pairs wonderfully with classic Italian aperitivo snacks, especially the Venetian tapas known as 'cicchetti'. Think salty foods like olives, potato chips, cured meats, and various cheeses. Its bittersweet character cuts through rich and fatty foods beautifully.
  • Cicchetti (Venetian tapas)
  • Salty snacks (potato chips, nuts)
  • Cured meats (prosciutto, salami)
  • Assorted cheeses
  • Olives and artichoke hearts

Select Spritz: The Authentic Taste of Venice

The Select Spritz is a classic Venetian aperitif that offers a more sophisticated and bitter profile than its famous relatives. Made with Select Aperitivo, Prosecco, and soda, its ruby-red hue and signature green olive garnish are iconic. It's an effortlessly elegant, refreshing, and bubbly cocktail that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Venetian happy hour. This drink is a must-try for lovers of Italian spritzes seeking a more authentic and complex flavor experience.

Similar Cocktails

Aperol Spritz

Uses Aperol instead of Select for a sweeter, less bitter, more orange-forward flavor.

Campari Spritz

Uses Campari for a more intensely bitter and herbal profile with a deeper red color.

Hugo Spritz

A sweeter, more floral spritz made with elderflower liqueur, prosecco, soda, and mint.

Americano

A related classic made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water, but served still (without prosecco).

Limoncello Spritz

Uses Limoncello for a sweet, bright, and intensely lemon-forward spritz.

Variations

Negroni Sbagliato

Swaps the gin in a Negroni for prosecco, resulting in a bubbly, bittersweet cocktail with Campari and sweet vermouth.

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