Basically a Spritzer with a generous splash of bitter liqueur (usually Campari), it’s dry and very refreshing. Popular in northern Italy, especially in Venice and the Veneto region where it is pronounced 'Spriss'. (From the German verb Spritzen, meaning spray or splash). This aperitif cocktails origins date back to the end of the 19th century when Venice was still part of the Austrian Empire. During this period German soldiers drunk the local wines of Veneto in taverns where they were billeted but they often diluted these with water to achieve a similar alcohol content to the beer they were more accustomed to drinking. Hence, the Spritzer, a combination of equal parts white wine and soda water.

In Veneto, the Spritz Al Bitter is made with the traditional white wines of the Veneto region, Pinot Grigio, Soave or Prosecco. The bitter liqueur used varies according to personal taste with Campari perhaps the driest.

Other popular bitter liqueurs used include Aperol, Gran Classico, Luxardo or Cynar. It is usually garnished with a slice of orange but sometimes an olive depending on the liqueur used. According to Gruppo Campari, In Veneto, around 300,000 Spritzes are consumed every day, that's more that's 200 Spritzes a minute. (Spirits/Cocktails)