Spritz Select

The Spritz Select is a Venetian aperitivo cocktail, distinguished by its use of Select Aperitivo as the bitter liqueur component. Originating in Venice in the 1920s, the drink is a variation of the classic Spritz, which itself evolved from the Austrian-Hungarian practice of adding a splash of water (spritzen) to wine. The Spritz Select typically consists of three parts Prosecco, two parts Select, and one part soda water, served over ice in a large wine glass and garnished with a green olive and a slice of orange.

What distinguishes a great Spritz Select is the balance between the wine's dryness, the soda's effervescence, and the unique bitterness of Select. Unlike the more common Aperol Spritz, Select offers a more complex, herbaceous, and slightly less sweet profile, with notes of rhubarb and botanicals. A well-made version is crisp, refreshing, and not overly diluted, with the garnish providing a savory counterpoint.

While the Spritz Select is enjoyed throughout the Veneto region, its spiritual home is Venice. At **Bacareto da Lele**, a beloved local bacaro, creator *sandrino* is known for serving a particularly authentic version, capturing the drink's role as a quintessential pre-dinner ritual. Regional variations may include a splash of seltzer or a different ratio of Prosecco to Select, but the core identity remains tied to Venetian tradition.