Sarti Spritz Fruity Italian Aperitif Cocktail

A Sarti Spritz is a bright, fruity Italian cocktail made with Sarti Rosa, Prosecco and soda water. Refreshing, lightly sparkling and beautifully pink, it is a lovely summer aperitivo to enjoy with olives, crostini, breadsticks and a few simple antipasti.

A Sarti Spritz in a wine glass with ice and a slice of lime sitting on a blue ceramic serving board with olive at the side.

If you love a classic Italian spritz but want something a little softer, fruitier and less bitter, this Sarti Spritz may be the drink to try next. It has all the easy charm of a traditional spritz: plenty of ice, a generous pour of Prosecco, a splash of soda water and a colourful aperitivo liqueur. The difference is in the flavour. Instead of the herbal bitterness you get from Aperol or Campari, Sarti Rosa brings a tropical, juicy taste that feels especially suited to warm weather.

Sarti Rosa, pronounced “sar-tee ro-sa”, is an Italian aperitivo liqueur from Bologna with a history dating back to 1885. It is not as widely known as Aperol or Campari, but it has a distinctive personality of its own. The first thing you notice is its striking pink colour, which makes the cocktail look instantly summery and inviting. It is made with Sicilian blood orange, mango and passion fruit, giving it a bright and fruity profile.

The passion fruit flavour comes through most strongly, with a sweetness and aroma that may remind some people of Passoa liqueur. Because it is not bitter, it is a good option for anyone who finds an Aperol Spritz or Campari cocktail too sharp. It still feels like an aperitivo, but the overall taste is softer, rounder and more fruit-forward.

This Sarti Spritz recipe keeps the method simple and follows the classic spritz ratio: three parts Prosecco, two parts Sarti and one part soda water. Everything is built directly in the glass, so there is no need for a cocktail shaker or special equipment. Serve it well chilled over ice and garnish with a wedge of lime, blood orange or grapefruit for a fresh citrus finish.

Like most Italian aperitivo drinks, a Sarti Spritz is best enjoyed slowly with something savoury on the side. A bowl of marinated olives, crisp grissini, fried dough or small crostini balances the sweetness of the cocktail and turns it into an effortless pre-dinner drink. You will find the full recipe below, along with a few simple serving ideas to make it feel like a proper Italian aperitivo at home.

A bottle of Sarti liqueur on a neutral background.

What to Serve with a Sarti Spritz

A spritz always tastes better with a few salty, savoury snacks. In true Italian aperitivo style, serve this fruity Sarti Spritz with simple bites that are easy to share. Choose one or two small dishes for a relaxed drink before dinner, or put together a larger antipasti board if you are serving friends.

  • Grissini – Italian Breadsticks
  • Easy Marinated Olives – Ready in 5 Minutes
  • Italian Tuna Stuffed Cherry Peppers
  • Burrata and Parmigiano Crostini with Crispy Prosciutto
  • Gnocco Fritto (Italian Fried Dough)
  • Rustici Leccesi (Tomato and Mozzarella Pastries)
What does Sarti mean?

Sarti is an Italian surname meaning tailors. The liqueur was named after one of the founders, Luigi Sarti.

A close up of a sarti spritz with a wedge of lime on a blue patterned ceramic board with olives at the side.

More Italian Cocktails to Try

Drinks

Venetian Select Spritz

Drinks

Giostra d’Alcol (Italian Red Wine Spritz)

Drinks

Negroni Sbagliato

Drinks

Strawberry Sgroppino

If you try this Sarti Spritz, leave a rating and share how it turned out in the comments. It is a simple cocktail, but small details such as plenty of ice, chilled Prosecco and a fresh citrus garnish make it feel extra special.

Step-by-Step Photos Above

Use the photos and tips above as a guide to make this fruity Italian spritz perfectly the first time.

Sarti Spritz

By Emily

Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 spritz
A close up cropped image of a sarti spritz garnished with lime.
A fruity and refreshing Italian spritz made with Sarti Rosa, Prosecco and soda water, served over ice and garnished with lime.

Ingredients

  • 3 parts Prosecco, (90ml)
  • 2 parts Sarti Rosa, (60ml)
  • 1 part soda water, (30ml)
  • Wedge of lime for garnish, (optional)
  • Ice

Instructions

  • Fill a large wine glass generously with ice.
  • Pour in the Prosecco, then add the Sarti Rosa and soda water.
  • Stir gently, garnish with a wedge of lime and serve immediately.

Notes

Soda water: If you do not have soda water, you can leave it out for a slightly stronger, fruitier spritz.

Optional garnishes: Blood orange or grapefruit also work well instead of lime.

Serving tip: Make sure the Prosecco is well chilled and use plenty of ice so the drink stays crisp and refreshing.

Helpful Info for All Recipes

  • I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise.
  • When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind, I always use Cirio or Mutti brands for the best results and flavour.
  • All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise.
  • All recipes are tested and developed using a fan, or convection, oven.
  • Find out more about how nutrition is calculated.
  • Check out our must-have Italian Pantry Staples.
  • You can also find all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment below!