It’s National Spritz Day: Here’s a history of the drink and how to celebrate

The Spritz is a popular summer cocktail, and National Spritz Day falls in warmer months. This holiday is a good time to explore the drink's history and variations. The Spritz originated in the mid-19th century in Veneto, Italy, where Austrian soldiers diluted strong Italian wines with water. Over time, this evolved to include sparkling wine and bitter liqueurs. A classic Spritz recipe uses three parts sparkling wine, two parts bitter liqueur, and one part soda water. Aperol, created in 1919, helped popularize the cocktail internationally in the 1950s. Variations include the Hugo Spritz, using elderflower liqueur, and those featuring Campari or Limoncello. Non-alcoholic versions are also available for those who prefer them. Celebrations often involve enjoying Spritzes outdoors, perhaps at a rooftop bar. Various venues offer deals and discounts for National Spritz Day, with specific promotions mentioned for New York City and West Coast locations. Carrabba’s Italian Grill offers a year-round Spritz option on their Happy Hour menu.