Nothing says summer quite like a perfectly chilled Spritz—bubbly, refreshing, and effortlessly stylish. From the classic Aperol Spritz that was born in Veneto’s piazzas to local twists in South Tyrol, the Amalfi Coast, and beyond, each version captures distinct regional flavors. Whether you’re lounging seaside or wandering historic streets, this guide fills you in on the origin stories and lays out where to sip Europe’s favorite summer cocktail.
Aperol Spritz in Veneto
Light, bright, and unmistakably Italian, the Aperol Spritz traces its roots to the Veneto region. The original “Spritz” was born during the Habsburg Empire, where Austrian soldiers diluted local wine with a splash of water to suit their tastes. In 1919, Aperol was created in Padua as a lighter aperitivo, designed to be a low-ABV (low alcohol by volume) way to wind down the day. The current version of the Aperol Spritz was crafted in 1920 in Venice by combining it with prosecco and a splash of soda. While it’s become a global cocktail icon, there’s nothing quite like sipping one along the canals of Venice or on a sunny piazza in Verona—it just hits differently.
Where to stay
Cape of Senses (Torri del Benaco): This adults-only wellness retreat on Lake Garda is all about the panoramic views, minimalist elegance, and an alpine-meets-Mediterranean calm. Expect floor-to-ceiling glass, a serene spa, and slow living just outside the bustling town.
- Fora’s withIN by SLH partner perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais, Verona (Sega di Cavaion): A restored 18th-century villa surrounded by vineyards. This Relais & Châteaux property is refined, romantic, and rooted in wine country charm, with rooms that blend antique details with modern comfort.
- Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Due Torri Hotel (Verona): This landmark hotel in Verona’s old town is grand and historic. Rich interiors, Murano chandeliers, and a rooftop terrace with storybook views of the city are all just steps from the Arena and Juliet’s balcony.
- Fora Reserve perks include a $100 spa entrance voucher, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, and an upgrade whenever possible.
Select Spritz in Venice
Often overshadowed by the Aperol Spritz, the Select Spritz—often called the Venetian Spritz—is the city’s original aperitivo. Select was created in 1920 by the Pilla brothers during the post-war boom, crafting a bold, herbaceous flavor with notes of juniper and rhubarb that give it more depth than its brighter Aperol cousin. Typically served with a green olive instead of an orange slice, the Select Spritz is the go-to Spritz across Venetian wine bars, especially in neighborhoods like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro. Bittersweet, elegant, and distinctly Venetian, this version is a nod to tradition with a little more edge.
Where to stay
The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice: Opulent and storied, The Gritti Palace pairs Grand Canal views with 15th-century glamour. Its museum-worthy interiors make it a classic Venetian stay that’s lavish, intimate, and dripping in old-world charm.
- Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice: Tucked away on Giudecca Island, Cipriani is a serene escape with legendary service, manicured gardens, and the city’s most iconic pool. It’s timeless, cinematic, and beloved by travelers who want some space and style.
- Fora’s Belmond Bellini Club partner perks include a $90 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, and an upgrade whenever possible.
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione: Steps from the Piazza San Marco, this sleek, boutique-style hotel balances polished comfort with a quiet, canal-side location. Modern rooms, a rooftop terrace, and easy access to the city make it a standout choice.
- Fora’s Preferred Platinum partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and priority check-in/out whenever possible.
Spritz Bianco in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Tucked into Italy’s northeastern corner, Friuli-Venezia Giulia borders Austria, Slovenia, the Adriatic Sea, and the Veneto region. Here, the Spritz Bianco is the local choice: a drier, more restrained Spritz made with still white wine instead of bubbly Prosecco and often mixed with a splash of soda and a bitter like Cynar, Select, or even white vermouth. You’ll spot it in the cafés and osterie of Udine and Trieste, where it’s less about show and more about tradition. Understated, refreshing, and deeply regional, it’s the kind of drink that feels like a local secret—easy to sip and impossible to forget.
Where to stay
Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta (Trieste): Set on Piazza Unità d’Italia, this stately boutique hotel blends Habsburg-era elegance with contemporary edge. Plush interiors, refined dining, and a front-row seat to Trieste’s seaside energy make it a great base to explore the area from.
- Fora’s Relais & Châteaux partner perks include daily breakfast and VIP welcome.
Le Fucine Hotel (Buttrio): Sleek and serene, Le Fucine pairs minimalist design with vineyard views in the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s wine country. It’s an ultra-modern escape mixing Scandinavian simplicity and alpine chalet-inspired elements with floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Fora Perks include a €25 hotel credit, welcome amenity, an upgrade whenever possible, and guaranteed 1pm late check-out.
Limoncello Spritz on the Amalfi Coast
On the Amalfi Coast, lemons grow wild on cliffside terraces, and aperitivo is a daily ritual. This is where the Limoncello Spritz reigns supreme. Also known as the Amalfi Spritz, this coastal twist swaps Aperol for sweet, zesty Limoncello served over ice with Prosecco and a splash of soda. It’s bright and unmistakably local, capturing the laid-back luxury of a late afternoon in the Amalfi Coast. Sip it seaside in Positano, or enjoy it at a cliffside bar in Ravello with panoramic views. The Limoncello Spritz always tastes better with a breeze and a view of the Mediterranean.
Where to stay
Palazzo Avino (Ravello): High above the Amalfi Coast, this 12th-century pink palazzo blends old-world glamour with polished service and panoramic terraces. It’s romantic, refined, and made for travelers who want to soak up Ravello’s stylish, quiet charm.
- Fora Perks include a $100 spa service credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Le Sirenuse (Positano): Effortlessly chic, Le Sirenuse is all about white linens, hand-painted tiles, and sweeping coastline views. It’s the place for an iconic pool swim, aperitivo at golden hour, and a favorite for honeymooners and design lovers alike.
- Fora Perks include a $100 spa credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Casa Angelina (Praiano): This crisp contrast to its cliffside village setting is minimalist and modern. With floor-to-ceiling sea views and curated art throughout, it’s perfect for any traveler craving peace, privacy, and polished design.
- Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, farewell gift, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hugo Spritz in South Tyrol
Born in the alpine villages of South Tyrol, the Hugo Spritz swaps bitter for floral. Trading Aperol for elderflower liqueur (typically St-Germain), the Hugo Spritz is paired with Prosecco, soda water, and fresh mint. Created in the early 2000s by a bartender in Naturno as a lighter alternative to the classic Spritz, it quickly became a regional favorite. Crisp, fragrant, and refreshingly low alcohol, it’s best enjoyed on a terrace surrounded by Dolomite peaks or in a garden café where German and Italian cultures blend beautifully.
Where to stay
Forestis Dolomites (Brixen): Sleek and soulful, Forestis blends minimalist design with soaring mountain views, surrounded by forest. It’s a high-altitude retreat for wellness seekers, offering silence, spa rituals, and scenery in equal measure.
- Fora’s withIN by SLH partner perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
COMO Alpina Dolomites (Alpe Di Siusi): Contemporary lines meet alpine charm at this COMO escape, set on Europe’s highest alpine meadow. Expect clean design, holistic wellness, and direct ski-in/ski-out access in winter months.
- Fora Perks include a $100 spa credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti (Pinzolo): This eco-luxury resort is all about wellness with dramatic flair. Sprawling spa circuits, mountain views from every room, and energy-efficient design throughout mean deep rest without skipping any of the scenery.
- Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, one complimentary lunch or dinner, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Teranino Spritz in Croatia
The Teranino Spritz brings a bold, spiced twist to the Adriatic coast,swapping out Aperol for Teranino. It’s a deep red liqueur made from Istria’s native Teran grape and infused with botanicals like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. It’s rich, aromatic, and just sweet enough, especially when topped with sparkling wine and a slice of orange. You’ll find it on summer menus from Rovinj’s cliffside bars to Pula’s waterfront cafés. It’s perfect for sipping as the sun sets over the stone alleys and olive groves of Croatia’s wine country or over the Adriatic Sea and Istria’s rugged coastline or charming seaside villages.
Where to stay
Grand Park Hotel Rovinj (Rovinj): Overlooking the old town and marina, this sleek, design-forward hotel feels both cosmopolitan and coastal. A world-class spa, rooftop pools, and floor-to-ceiling Adriatic views showcases modern Istria at its most polished.
- Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery (Bale): Set among vineyards and olive groves, this Relais & Châteaux estate pairs rustic stone charm with refined luxury. Come for the private villas and elegant rooms, stay for the wine, farm-to-table cuisine, and timeless countryside calm.
- Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Email: italia.dutton@fora.travel
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