Celebrate National Spritz Day with the Perfect Summer Spritz

National Spritz Day is your sign to slow down, sip something sparkly, and celebrate summer in style. Every August 1st, this day honours the iconic Aperol Spritz, a bold, bubbly cocktail that’s gained the rep of being the ultimate summer vibe. Think low-ABV bliss, clinking glasses, and a sunny summer spritz party with friends. *Bliss* 

In this guide, we’re diving into where the spritz came from, why it’s stealing the spotlight, and how to stir up your own versions at home. From iconic cocktails to creative twists and hosting inspo, get ready to raise a glass and keep the spritz love sparkling all season long. 

What is National Spritz Day?

Every August 1st, the world toasts to spritz culture with summer spritz cocktails that channel pure Italian sunshine. Born in 19th-century Veneto, this ritual was started by Austrian soldiers who ‘spritzed’ (spritz means ‘splash’) local wine with club soda. Over time, it evolved into iconic sips like the Aperol Spritz.  

Today, it’s all about gathering with friends, sharing delicious eats, and sipping on delightful spritzes. From classic pours to creative summer spritz recipes, National Spritz Day is your excuse to celebrate life, sip slow, and keep the aperitivo vibe going strong. 

Why the Aperol Spritz belongs at every summer gathering

Aperol Spritz cocktails, when garnished with fresh orange slices and served alongside a cheese board, are the ultimate aperitivo pairing. Whether it’s a patio brunch or golden-hour shindig, the Aperol Spritz summer ritual turns every moment into an effortless celebration.

Read next: 20 Aperol Cocktail Recipes to Try Today  

How to throw an unforgettable summer spritz party

Level up your hosting game with a spread of summer spritzer drinks, citrusy colour palettes, Aperol-hued décor, and playlists packed with feel-good beats. For food, serve light bites like bruschetta, olives, and charcuterie boards that pair perfectly with your spritz lineup.  

Want next-level summer spritz ideas? Set up a DIY spritz station with Prosecco, soda water, Aperol, and fresh garnishes so guests can mix their own creations. Add twinkling lights, pretty glasses, and sunset views, and everything will be **chef’s kiss**.  

Best summer spritz cocktails for every gathering

1. Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz drink of the summer is more than a cocktail; it’s a sip of Italy’s la dolce vita (‘the sweet life’). Made with Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water, this bright, orange-tinged beauty brings a perfectly bittersweet vibe to sunny afternoons.  

2. Campari Spritz

The Campari Spritz is a sophisticated summer spritz recipe that’s become a European staple. Made with just three simple ingredients (Campari, Prosecco, and soda water), its bold, bittersweet flavour profile has captured the hearts and taste buds of foodies worldwide.   

Also see: 15 Delicious Spritz Cocktails to Sip on This Summer 

3. Cynar Spritz

If you’re a fan of artichokes, you’ll know that any food or drink you consume after eating them tastes sweeter. And that’s exactly what happens when you drink Cynar artichoke liqueur! Now add bubbly and soda water to make a Cynar Spritz and find your worldview shaken up by this unexpectedly awesome sip. 

All about Cynar: A Beginner’s Guide to Cynar & the Best Cynar Cocktails  

4. Limoncello Spritz

The light, lovely Limoncello Spritz is the flirty Amalfi cousin of the classic Aperol Spritz. We love that adding a few sparkles to this sunny liqueur creates a tall, cool summer spritz cocktail that can be sipped at leisure.  

More lemony goodness: 11 Lively Limoncello Cocktail Recipes for all Lemon Lovers  

5. Hugo Spritz

The Hugo Spritz is a barefoot summer spritzer that packs a flavourful punch at a nice low ABV. This makes it the perfect after-work drink if you’re living the lighter side of life.   

Go floral! 8 Tasty Elderflower Cocktail Recipes You’ll Adore  

Creative ideas for non-alcoholic summer spritzer drinks

6. Crodino

Created in Italy and across the globe, Crodino has been a cornerstone of aperitivo culture since it was first dreamed into being in 1965. Today, the recipe remains the same. Enjoy the best summer spritz sans ABV by pouring it over ice and garnishing with a slice of fresh orange.  

7. Non-Alcoholic Spritzer

To make our go-to Non-alcoholic Summer Spritz, pour grapefruit juice and lime juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add agave syrup and a pinch of salt and shake until chilled. Strain into an ice-filled glass, top with soda water, and cin cin!  

8. Raspberry Mocktail Spritz

Bright, beautiful, and bursting with berry flavour, this summer berry spritz is the perfect alcohol-free sip for any celebration. Muddle 4–6 mint leaves and 5–6 fresh raspberries in a glass, then add a few ice cubes to your preference. Add 120 ml sparkling water, 30 ml lime juice, and 30 ml raspberry syrup. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top, give it a gentle stir, and garnish with fresh mint leaves and raspberries.  

9. Aperol Spritz Mocktail

To make this Aperol-inspired summer spritz mocktail, add a small piece of lemon peel, a sage leaf, and a sprig of thyme to a glass with a splash of lemon juice, and muddle gently. Transfer to a cocktail shaker with 30 ml orange juice, 30 ml grapefruit juice, 30 ml pomegranate juice, 30 ml white grape juice, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Shake and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top off with zero-sugar tonic water or soda water, garnish with a fresh orange slice, and enjoy! 

Easy & fun summer spritz recipes to celebrate National Spritz Day

10. Grand Marnier Spritz

If a kiss of cognac-laced citrus in your drink sounds like your perfect spritz, you’ve got to try the Grand Marnier Spritz. Pour 45 ml Grand Marnier into an ice-filled glass, add a splash of lemonade, and top it off with Prosecco. Garnish with a fresh slice of orange. 

11. Citrus Spritz

The dapper Citrus Spritz mixes Courvoisier cognac with orange juice and soda water for a bubbly, fruit-forward sip. Light and lovely, it’s a perfect summer clinker.  

12. White Wine Spritz

The easy-peasy summer Wine Spritzer is light, delicious, and simple to pour. Just add ice to a wine glass and pour in equal parts white wine and sparkling water. You can adapt the ratio to suit your preference. We suggest using a dry white wine like Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc. 

13. Shiso Yuzu Spritz

This summer breeze spritzer comes to the party with all sorts of fresh flavours in the mix. To make a Shiso Yuzu Spritz, muddle a few slices of cucumber and green shiso leaves with 15 ml of sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add 30 ml yuzu juice, 60 ml Bulldog Gin, 60 ml green tea (steeped and cooled), and shake to combine. Strain into a glass and garnish with a fresh shiso leaf to serve.   

Also see: 7 Yuzu Cocktails (Bright & Citrusy Drinks to Try at Home)  

We hope these National Spritz Day recipes and party ideas will inspire your own sparkling celebration, besties. Post photos, recipes, and stories using #NationalSpritzDay on social media. Join the community and spread the spritz love! Visit the Aperol and Campari websites to stock up on spritzing essentials. In the meantime, remember to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix.