Spritz recipes and what makes them so special:

Spritz drinks have become one of the most popular aperitifs in recent years. They represent joie de vivre, conviviality, and enjoyment. Originally from Italy, spritz drinks have now gained a large following worldwide. Their versatility, refreshing ingredients, and light, sparkling character make them a perfect drink for any occasion. In this article, we'll share the history, the most popular variations, and some exciting recipes for spritz. We'll also explore CALOW Spritz as a healthier alternative to traditional spritz drinks.

What is a Spritz?

A spritz is a refreshing mixed drink, usually consisting of an alcoholic aperitif, sparkling wine or Prosecco, and soda water. The spritz has its roots in northern Italy, where it was originally consumed as a light aperitif before a meal. The classic recipe combines a tart, slightly bitter component (such as Aperol or Campari) with sparkling sparkling wine and a splash of soda water. However, there are now countless variations of this popular drink, differing in both the basic ingredients and flavors.

The history of the Spritz

The Spritz dates back to the time of the Habsburg Monarchy, when Austrian soldiers and diplomats were stationed in Veneto. Because they found the Italian wine too strong, they "diluted" it with a splash of water. The name "Spritz" is derived from the German word "Spritzen," which indicates that water was splashed into the wine. Only later were sparkling wine and aperitifs such as Aperol or Campari added to the Spritz, creating the modern Spritz we know today.

The most popular Spritz variants

There are many different Spritz drinks, each with its own flavor and ingredients. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

1. Aperol Spritz : Probably the most well-known version of the Spritz. Aperol, an Italian bitter liqueur, is mixed with Prosecco and a dash of soda water, garnished with an orange slice.
2. Campari Spritz : A slightly more bitter alternative to the Aperol Spritz. Campari, known for its intense and bitter flavor, is also mixed with Prosecco and soda water.
3. Hugo Spritz : This fresh, floral drink consists of elderflower syrup, prosecco, soda water, and mint leaves. It has enjoyed great popularity, especially in recent years.
4. Limoncello Spritz : For fans of lemon flavor, the Limoncello Spritz is a great choice. Limoncello, a sweet lemon liqueur from southern Italy, is combined with sparkling wine and a splash of soda.
5. CALOW Spritz : As an alternative to traditional aperitivos, CALOW offers a lighter and healthier option. With less sugar, fewer calories, and a low alcohol content (4-6%), CALOW is ideal for those looking to enjoy a conscious drink. CALOW is available in a variety of fruity flavors, including grapefruit-lime and raspberry-elderberry.

Five refreshing spritz recipes

1. Classic Aperol Spritz

Ingredients :

• 60 ml Aperol
• 90 ml Prosecco
• 30 ml soda water
• ice cubes
• Orange slice for garnishing

Preparation :

1. Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour Aperol, Prosecco and soda water into the glass.
3. Stir lightly and garnish with an orange slice.

Tip : For a lighter version, try CALOW Spritz with grapefruit and lime!

2. Campari Spritz

Ingredients :

• 60 ml Campari
• 90 ml Prosecco
• 30 ml soda water
• ice cubes
• Lemon slice for garnishing

Preparation :

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Campari, Prosecco and soda water.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon slice.

3. Hugo Spritz

Ingredients :

• 40 ml elderflower syrup
• 90 ml Prosecco
• 30 ml soda water
• Fresh mint leaves
• lime slice
• ice cubes

Preparation :

1. Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour elderflower syrup, prosecco and soda water into the glass.
3. Garnish with mint leaves and a lime slice.

4. Limoncello Spritz

Ingredients :

• 50 ml Limoncello
• 100 ml Prosecco
• 30 ml soda water
• ice cubes
• Lemon slice for garnishing

Preparation :

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add limoncello, prosecco and soda water.
3. Garnish with a slice of lemon and enjoy.

5. CALOW Peach-Mint Spritz

For a lighter and healthier version of a spritz, you can use CALOW Spritz in the peach-mint flavor.

Ingredients :

• 250 ml CALOW Peach-Mint
• ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves
• Peach slices for garnishing

Preparation :

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour CALOW Peach Mint into the glass.
3. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and peach slices. Done!

Why Spritz drinks are so popular

Spritz drinks have won over consumers not only for their refreshing taste, but also for their ease of preparation and versatility. They're the perfect choice for social evenings, parties, or relaxing summer afternoons. They also offer a wide range of flavors—from sweet to tart—and can be easily customized to personal preferences.

CALOW – The healthier alternative

In times when many people are looking for low-calorie and low-sugar alternatives, CALOW Spritz has found the perfect solution. These ready-to-drink options offer all the benefits of a classic spritz, but with significantly less sugar and calories. CALOW is vegan, gluten-free, and available in convenient bottle sizes – ideal for spontaneous occasions. CALOW is the perfect choice, especially for health-conscious consumers who love aperitivos but don't want to compromise on calorie intake.

Conclusion: The Spritz trend continues

Whether you prefer the classic Aperol Spritz or an innovative version like the CALOW Spritz, the Spritz remains an essential part of any drinks menu. Its lightness, versatility, and refreshing taste make it a favorite for every season and every occasion. Try one of the recipes above and enjoy your own Spritz!