#NationalSpritzDay
By Jamie Knee
National Spritz Day Is Official
Even in the heart of winter I find myself dreaming of sun on my shoulders, sea breezes and a perfectly chilled spritz in hand. That feeling of effortless summer is exactly why I created National Spritz Day. As the founder of this celebration, I want you to feel like every August brings its own little escape. All year long I will share original spritz recipes and coastal-inspired sips. In this way, you can bring that sparkle of summer to any moment.
When is it
August 1
Why celebrate
National Spritz Day honors the iconic spritz for its refreshing taste, cultural charm and the way it brings people together.
Official hashtag
#NationalSpritzDay
Who founded it
Jamie Knee, also known as Petite Wine Traveler
Why Celebrate National Spritz Day
Falling at the tail end of summer, National Spritz Day is the perfect moment to savor bright, bubbly cocktails. This is especially true while the days are still warm. The combination of sunshine, sparkling wine and a touch of bitterness or citrus turns each glass into a small celebration. Whether you raise an Aperol Spritz, a Champagne cocktail, a French 75 or your own signature spritz, something light, zesty and wonderfully refreshing awaits you. Each sip feels effervescent and joyful, elevating an ordinary day into a sparkling occasion.
The History of National Spritz Day
The story behind National Spritz Day stretches back to the 1800s. Drinkers first began adding sparkling soda water to wine to lighten the alcohol and brighten the flavor. This simple idea took shape during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Austrian soldiers stationed in Northern Italy started “splashing” their wine with water. The German word spritz means splash, and from that tiny gesture a whole category of cocktails was born.
As time passed, the spritz evolved. Bitters, liqueurs and citrus twists joined the mix. Sparkling wine such as Prosecco—or champagne for an elevated touch—became the defining base. Today the Aperol Spritz stands as the most iconic member of the spritz family. Yet, countless regional and global variations shine as well. From classic Italian styles to modern creations flavored with honey, herbs, fruits or botanicals. The world has embraced the spritz as a symbol of refreshment and joy.
Aperol first appeared in the early 1900s. However, the recipe for the modern Aperol Spritz didn’t truly take shape until the 1950s. Even then, the drink remained a local favorite until the early 2000s. A major marketing push introduced the spritz to an international audience. Its bittersweet profile, low alcohol content and sparkling ease made it an instant favorite across the United States.
The Spritz Today
Today, the spritz continues to evolve with endless possibilities. There are kiwi spritz, honey-lemon spritz, Pimm’s spritz, mimosa spritz, and countless other signatures. These are crafted by bartenders and home entertainers alike.
As the founder of National Spritz Day, I created this celebration to honor the spritz’s refreshing charm. I aim to inspire people to enjoy this iconic cocktail in all its delicious forms. National Spritz Day invites you to raise a glass, explore new recipes, and savor the vibrant spirit. This spirit has made the spritz beloved for more than a century.
How to celebrate National Spritz Day
The easiest way to celebrate National Spritz Day is to share a spritz with people you love. Invite a few friends to meet you for an after work cocktail. Together, order your favorite spritz. Or, take the day off, find a sunny spot by the pool or the coast, and linger over a chilled glass while you soak in the last days of summer.
Whether you choose a classic Aperol Spritz, a champagne-based spritz, a French 75, or your own creation, the goal is simple. I want you to feel relaxed, refreshed, and a little bit luminous. However you enjoy it, National Spritz Day is your invitation to pause, celebrate, and let life feel sparkling for a moment.
Try a New Kind of Spritz
Another fun way to celebrate National Spritz Day is to play with fresh, creative spritz recipes. Invite friends over for a low key spritz party, or stay in for an intimate evening. Mix a few new favorites at home. The goal is simple. I want you to feel playful, inspired and excited to taste something different in your glass.
Here are a few spritz ideas to get you started for National Spritz Day:
Spring Fever Spritz
Fresh strawberries, elderflower syrup, lemon juice and rhubarb bitters topped with chilled sparkling rosé and a lemon slice.
Americano Spritz
A classic combination of Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water. It is finished with an orange twist.
Channel Orange Spritz
A bright, citrus driven spritz made with Negroni Aperitivo Sixteen, Amara Sicilian blood orange liqueur, Granada Vallet pomegranate liqueur, prosecco and grapefruit soda.
Hugo Spritz
Muddled mint with St Germain, prosecco and soda water. It is garnished with fresh mint and a lemon wheel.
Whether you choose one signature recipe or create a whole spritz bar for your guests, National Spritz Day provides the perfect excuse to experiment, taste and celebrate.
Make a Simple Aperol Spritz
If you want to honor National Spritz Day with the classic Aperol Spritz, the recipe is delightfully simple. Just remember the 3 2 1 rule. Fill a large stemmed glass with plenty of ice so it feels frosty and refreshing.
Then pour in.
- 3 parts chilled Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part sparkling water
Give it a gentle stir and garnish with an orange wheel for a touch of color and charm. In just a few moments, you have an Aperol Spritz that feels bright, bubbly and effortless. It becomes the perfect signature sip for National Spritz Day.
https://www.aperol.com/en-us/aperol-spritz-cocktail/
Spritz FAQs
What is a spritz
A spritz is a bubbly wine based cocktail. It is typically made with sparkling wine or Prosecco, a bitter or aromatic liqueur and a splash of soda water.
How do you make a white wine spritzer
A simple white wine spritzer comes together with chilled white wine, club soda and a lemon slice or citrus twist for garnish. It is light, refreshing and perfect for warm days.
Where did the spritz originate
The spritz traces its origins back to the 1800s in northeastern Italy. Wine drinkers began “splashing” their glasses with soda water to lighten and brighten the wine.
Does an Aperol Spritz have alcohol
Yes. Aperol contains about 11 percent alcohol. This makes an Aperol Spritz a lower alcohol choice compared to many classic cocktails and a good option for moderate sipping.
Read a Book About Spritzes
If you love National Spritz Day as much as I do, you might also enjoy curling up with a beautiful book about spritz culture. The spritz has charmed so many people around the world that it now has an entire mini library dedicated to it. Reading about its history, recipes and variations can spark new ideas. You can also deepen your appreciation for this iconic drink.
Visit your local bookstore or library and look for titles like these:
Spritz Fever!: Sixty Champagne and Sparkling Wine Cocktails by Elouise Anders (2019)
This playful guide turns you into a true “fizz whiz.” Inside, you will find classic European liqueurs, sparkling wine cocktails and clever garnishes for every glass.
Spritz: Italy’s Most Iconic Aperitivo Cocktail, with Recipes by Talia Baiocchi and Leslie Pariseau (2016)
Dive into the origins of the spritz and its role in Italian aperitivo culture. Learn how to build your own spritz bar at home.
Just a Spritz: 57 Simple Sparkling Sips with Low to No Alcohol by Danielle Centoni (2022)
Perfect for light sipping, this book offers low and no alcohol recipes. You will learn to make the Cappelletti Shandy, Margarita Spritz, Raspberry Beret and many more.
Spritz Cocktails: 40 Thirst Quenching Sodas, Highballs and Sparklers by Ryland Peters & Small (2023)
Discover modern, creative twists on the spritz, including inventive combinations like White Soy and Watermelon.
Exploring these books is a delicious way to keep the spirit of National Spritz Day alive long after the glasses are empty.
#NationalSpritzDay
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/national-spritz-day
