Venice has long been a city of art, beauty, and hospitality, with a cocktail culture that dates back centuries. From the Bellini to the Spritz, these classic drinks have become synonymous with summer. In a new guide, Susan L Schwartz explores the stories behind Venice's most famous cocktails and offers recipes to recreate them at home.
The Spritz: A Venetian Original
The Spritz has taken the world by storm, appearing on menus from neighbourhood bars to luxury hotels. Its origins trace back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when Venice was under Austro-Hungarian rule. Austrian troops found local wine too strong and began adding a splash of water, a practice they called 'spritzen' (to splash). Over time, bitter spirits like Select, Aperol, and Campari were added, and Prosecco replaced still wine in the late 1900s. The classic recipe is simple: a bitter spirit, Prosecco, and soda water. For authenticity, use Select, the original Venetian bitter, and garnish with a green olive instead of an orange slice.
The Bellini: A Taste of Art
The Bellini was created at Harry's Bar in Venice, which opened in 1931 thanks to the generosity of barman Giuseppe Cipriani. After lending money to an American named Harry Pickering, Cipriani was repaid and given the funds to open his dream bar. Years later, inspired by the soft pink hues of Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini, Cipriani combined local white peach purée with Prosecco to create this iconic cocktail. To make it at home, mix 60ml of white peach purée with 120ml of chilled Prosecco DOCG Brut in a flute glass, stirring gently. The foam on top serves as decoration.
The Sgroppino: A Palate Cleanser
The Sgroppino is a lesser-known but equally delightful Venetian cocktail, often served as a dessert or palate cleanser. Its name comes from the Venetian dialect 'sgropin', meaning 'to untie a small knot'. The drink combines vodka, Prosecco, and lemon sorbet. To prepare, chill a coupe glass, combine 30ml vodka and 60ml Prosecco, then add a scoop of lemon sorbet and stir gently. The sorbet melts into the cocktail, creating a refreshing finish.
Where to Enjoy Venice's Cocktails
For an authentic Bellini, visit Harry's Bar or the Cipriani Hotel, both founded by Giuseppe Cipriani. The Londra Palace Hotel also serves an exceptional version. For Spritzes, the St. Regis Venice offers a dedicated menu with Grand Canal views, while the Aman Bar provides a stunning setting with its frescoed ceiling. The Sgroppino is best enjoyed at Osteria Al Bacareto, where it comes with homemade zaetti biscuits.
Whether you're in Venice or at home, these cocktails capture the spirit of La Serenissima. As Schwartz notes, every drink tells a story, and Venice's drinks are no exception. So raise a glass to the city that has perfected the art of summer sipping.
