Venetian Select Spritz

How to make an iconic Select Spritz cocktail. This aperitivo cocktail originates from the beautiful city of Venice and is made with 3 ingredients; Select Aperitivo, Prosecco and Soda water. Deliciously refreshing, bubbly and slightly bitter, serve with a green olive and Italian snacks.

We know you've heard of an Aperol Spritz and of course, a Campari Spritz but have you ever heard of a Select Spritz?

Select is a 1920's bitter created by the Pilla brothers. It's made with 30 different botanicals including rhubarb roots and juniper berries and has a good mix of sweet, citrusy, floral and bitterness.

Like other aperitivo cocktails the bitter taste is to stimulate your taste buds and 'open your appetite' ready for the meal ahead.

The cocktail is usually enjoyed early evening before dinner with some light snacks like crostini and olives.

If you aren't visiting Venice anytime soon it's worth hunting down a bottle of Select to make this simple cocktail at home.

See the recipe below including notes on ingredients, what to serve with it and tips. For the full printable recipe scroll to the bottom.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

• Select Aperitivo – You should be able to order this online or find it in specialised liquor or Italian food stores.
• Prosecco – Prosecco is a must don't substitute it for any other sparkling wine.
• Soda Water – don't use club soda which is sweet use sparkling water.

Serve it with

Serve your Select Spritz with some green olives (why not try our easy 5 minute marinated olives) or some antipasti and light bites. See some ideas below.

• Artichoke Bruschetta (Quick, Easy & good)
• Gnocco Fritto (Italian Fried Dough)
• Pane, Burro e Alice (Bread, Butter and Anchovy)
• Taralli Pugliesi (Italian Snack)
• Smoked Salmon Crostini
• Rosemary Focaccia Bread

Recipe tips and FAQs

• Adjust the ratios taste – once you've tasted the original Select Spritz you can opt to add more or less Select Aperitivo Liquor, Prosecco or soda to your own taste.
• Ice is a must – you can't make this cocktail without ice especially since the Select liquor itself is not chilled (the Prosecco and soda are, however).
• stir – after adding all ingredients stir them all together to blend all three of the ingredients.

What's the difference between Aperol Spritz and Select Spritz?

It's hard to describe the flavour of both liquors especially since they are both made with many different herbs and spices but to us, Aperol is much sweeter and citrusy with an apparent taste of oranges whereas Select has a warmth to it and tastes more floral.

Does Select taste like Campari?

No, although both of them are bitters and similar in colour they don't have a similar flavour. Campari 25% ABV is much more bitter in taste than Select which is 17.5% ABV.

More Italian cocktails to try

Drinks

Aperol Spritz Cocktail

Drinks

Giostra d'Alcol (Italian Red Wine Spritz)

Drinks

Classic Campari Cocktail – Spritz

Drinks

Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail

Ingredients

Makes 1 cocktail

• 2 parts Select
• 3 parts Prosecco
• 1 part soda water
• Ice
• Green olive for garnish

Equipment

• Toothpicks for olive garnish (optional)

Method

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice then pour in the Select followed by the Prosecco.

2. Add a splash of soda water and stir.

3. Serve garnished with a green olive.

Kitchen notes

• Adjust the ratios taste once you've tasted the original Select Spritz you can opt to add more or less Select Aperitivo Liquor, Prosecco or soda to your own taste.