At any cafe across the globe, there’s a good chance you’ll spot someone sipping an Aperol Spritz. However, despite the cocktail’s universal appeal, you’re likely to do a double-take if you pass a church offering a free spritz to woo visitors to attend mass.
Such was the case in Urbino, Italy (in the Marche region) when a Franciscan Friar (now nicknamed Don Perignon) advertised a “2 for 1” Sunday evening offer of “Messa & Apericena” to attract more young churchgoers.
After evoking considerable controversy, Brother Antonio Ricatti and his bishop apologized, explaining that the poster wasn’t intended to offend. It was an effort to draw more young people to Italy’s increasingly empty churches. The ploy worked because the size of the congregation doubled.
That’s the power of a Spritz!
A Very Short History of the Spritz
In the 19th century, Austrian soldiers stationed in Italy found local wines less palatable than their beloved Rieslings. To enhance the flavor, they began adding a “spritz” (German for “spray”) of water to the Italian wines.
Over time, the recipe evolved, incorporating soda water and bitters. The resulting drink gained popularity in Italy and across cities worldwide. One key factor contributing to its widespread appeal was its relatively low alcohol content, making it an easy-to-drink cocktail.
According to a study reported by Forbes, the Aperol Spritz has emerged as a top choice among cocktail enthusiasts in the United States, claiming the number one position in 22 states.
Interestingly, the cocktail is more popular in states with warmer climates, like California, Florida, and Arizona. Additionally, states with significant Italian American populations, such as New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, have embraced the Aperol Spritz as a favorite.
Furthermore, the Aperol Spritz ranks as the eighth most popular cocktail globally. Sales of Aperol have skyrocketed from 9,000 to 390,010 bottles between 2010 and 2022, reflecting its growing popularity.
Everyone Remembers Their Virginal Aperol Spritz
I sipped my first spritz at a bar near Piazza Santo Stefano in Bologna, Italy. This beautiful “square” (of irregular shape) is surrounded by seven churches, many of which are interconnected.
Light, bubbly, and a bit bitter, the bright orange drink was as pleasant and as easy to imbibe as a soft drink.
With my husband and friends, we lingered at our outdoor table and enjoyed lively banter before dinner, munching on olives, chips, and mini-paninis.
Many Italians, especially in northern Italy, congregate at bars and cafes in the evening (typically after 7 PM) to meet for an aperitivo.
The same term, aperitivo, refers both to the drinks consumed AND the social ritual of leisurely meeting for a drink, nibbles, and conversation.
An apericena refers to the same social ritual but with more abundant food offerings.
An Italian friend told me that Italians rarely have work-related meetings over meals, so aperitivo is a perfect time to meet colleagues in a convivial, unpressured setting. An Italian aperitivo (often wine, vermouth, Campari and soda, an Americano, or a spritz cocktail) stimulates the appetite and “opens up” the stomach before dinner.
Recipe for A Basic Spritz
According to Spritz, Italy’s Most Iconic Aperitivo Cocktail, with Recipes (Ten Speed Press), a “bible of spritz,” the basic recipe for the cocktail today is as follows:
- Three parts Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine)
- Two parts bitter liqueur (like Aperol or Campari)
- With an orange or lemon slice or olive for garnish.
The approximate calorie count is 168 calories (according to MyFitnessPal.com)
About the Spritz Book
This breezy little book, filled with rich historical and cultural information about the spritz, is a delightful read before or after a trip to Italy.
Perhaps late in life, when reading it, I learned that the term “cocktail” refers to any alcoholic drink with three or more ingredients.
The book includes beautiful art deco illustrations and graphics and recipes for 50 classic and modern spritz cocktails from top mixologists so readers can make this delightful tradition one of their own.
Spritz lovers will want to keep the book close at hand. The cocktails are perfect for holidays, special occasions, and spending time with friends.
Other Spritz Books
The Irreverent Spritz Poster on X
Father Andrea Ricatti, from Urbino in Italy, offered mass with two spritz drinks for the price of one, to attract more young people – and his congregation doubled https://t.co/e09eo3TvGP
— Religion Media Centre (@RelMedCentre) August 23, 2024
Urbino, uno spritz dopo la messa: l’iniziativa di frate Andrea divide i fedeli. E scomoda pure il vescovo https://t.co/sm3HOTH3Ti
— Corriere della Sera (@Corriere) August 21, 2024
Disclosure: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small amount of affiliate earnings from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
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