The Aperol Spritz has taken over the world. It seems every bar is filled with people sipping on the bright orange bitter cocktail. But, while the Spritz was invented in Venice, locals choose a different Spritz.
Download the Venice, Italy Food & Travel Guide
Spritz origin story
In the 1800’s when the Habsburg Empire ruled Venice, Germanic soldiers occupied the region. Unaccustomed to strong northern Italian wines, the soldiers asked for a “spritzen” of water to be added to dilute the wine.
Over time, the modern Spritz was codified into what we know today, a bitter liqueur, prosecco, a splash of sparkling water, and a citrus slice garnish (or, sometimes, an olive).
Select Spritz
In nearby Padua, where Aperol was invented in 1919, Aperol Spritz is common. But, in Venice, where Select (another bitter liqueur) was invented in 1920, the Select Spritz is preferred. I, for one, have to agree with the Venetians. I find Aperol to be too medicinal and syrupy, while Select has a nice bitter flavor without that medicinal aftertaste. You’ll see plenty of tourists ordering Aperol Spritz in Venice, but ask for a Select Spritz to blend in with the locals.
There must be hundreds of places where you can get a Spritz in Venice. I even made a whole video about it. But, my fave spot is Arcicchetti Bakaro, a tiny bar right on a piazza next to the canal. There’s no place to sit inside. Instead, order your Spritz and enjoy it canalside while you watch the world go by.
In addition to the Aperol and Select (and Campari) Spritzes, there’s others for you to try. Read my Venice Food & Travel Guide for the list of the best Spritzes and where to get them.
How to get to Venice
Venice’s Marco Polo Airport has direct flights to most of Europe with a few (mostly seasonal) flights to North America. Trains and buses connect Venice to the rest of Italy.
It is easy to take the bus from the airport to the main station in Venice. Or, you can take a boat to the city. Private boats are luxurious and expensive. But, there are also public ferries from the airport that can take you to Venice. While the ferries are slower and make lots of stops, they’re also quite scenic. If I have time, I’ll take the ferry and think of my time on the boat as a less expensive sight seeing tour. Follow the blue signs in the airport to the ferry terminal. Note that lines can be quite long, especially during high season. You can save a little time by purchasing tickets in advance.
Read the entire Venice Food & Travel Guide
About the Author
Brent Petersen is the Editor-in-Chief of Destination Eat Drink. He currently resides in Setubal, Portugal. Brent has written the novel “Truffle Hunt” (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection “That Bird.” He’s also written dozens of foodie travel guides on Destination Eat Drink, including several in Italy. Brent’s podcast, also called Destination Eat Drink, is available on all major podcasting platforms and is distributed by the Radio Misfits Podcast Network.