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PhrasesAt the BarUno Spritz, per favore.
A1

Uno Spritz, per favore.

A Spritz, please.

Pronunciation

SPRITZ — one syllable. The 'tz' is like 'ts'. Stress on the entire word equally.

When to use it

The most popular aperitivo order in northern Italy — Prosecco or white wine, Aperol or Campari, and a splash of sparkling water, served over ice with an orange slice.

What it means

The Spritz originated in the Veneto region when Austrian soldiers added water ('spritzen' in German) to local wine. Today it is the national aperitivo drink. Aperol Spritz is orange and lighter; Campari Spritz is red and more bitter.

Variations

Uno Spritz con Aperol.

A Spritz with Aperol.

The sweeter, lighter version — the most popular nationally

Uno Spritz con Campari.

A Spritz with Campari.

More bitter and aromatic — preferred by purists and northerners

Uno Spritz con Cynar.

A Spritz with Cynar.

Artichoke-based bitter — less common but gaining popularity among cocktail enthusiasts

Mini Dialogue

— Uno Spritz, per favore. — Aperol o Campari? — Campari — preferisco quello amaro. — Buona scelta! Lo vuole con o senza olive?

— A Spritz, please. — Aperol or Campari? — Campari — I prefer the bitter one. — Good choice! Would you like it with or without olives?

Cultural Note

The Spritz was officially named the world's most ordered cocktail in 2020. It originated in Padua and Venice in the 19th century. The definitive Venetian Spritz uses white wine rather than Prosecco — a detail locals are passionate about. Aperol Spritz is sometimes dismissively called 'tourist Spritz' by Venetian purists.