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How to make an iconic Select Spritz cocktail. This aperitivo cocktail originates from the beautiful city of Venice and is made with just 3 ingredients; Select Aperitivo, Prosecco and Soda water. Deliciously refreshing, bubbly and slightly bitter, serve with a green olive and Italian snacks.
I 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 delicious 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.
Ingredients
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Pin ItIngredient 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 just use sparkling water.
What to serve with a Select Spritz
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.
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).
- Make sure to stir – after adding all ingredients make sure to stir them all together to blend all three of the ingredients.
It’s hard to describe the flavour of both liquors especially since they are both made with many different herbs and spices but to me, Aperol is much sweeter and citrusy with an apparent taste of oranges whereas Select has a warmth to it and tastes more floral.
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
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Select Spritz
Equipment
- Toothpicks for olive garnish (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 parts Select
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 1 part soda water
- Ice
- Green olive for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass with ice then pour in the Select followed by the Prosecco.
- Add a splash of soda water and stir.
- Serve garnished with a green olive.
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.
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 (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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
