Learn how to make a classic Select Spritz, a Venetian aperitivo made with just three ingredients: Select Aperitivo, Prosecco and soda water. Lightly bitter, effervescent and refreshing, it’s traditionally served with a green olive and small Italian bites to stimulate the appetite before dinner.
If you know the Aperol Spritz or the Campari Spritz, consider trying the Select Spritz. Select is a bitter liqueur from the 1920s, created by the Pilla brothers. It blends about 30 botanicals—rhubarb root and juniper among them—giving a balanced profile of sweetness, citrus and floral bitterness.
Like other aperitivos, the bitterness in the Select Spritz helps awaken the palate and prepare you for the meal to come. It’s customarily enjoyed in the early evening with light snacks such as crostini, taralli or olives.
If you won’t be in Venice soon, it’s worth tracking down a bottle of Select to recreate this simple, elegant cocktail at home.
See the recipe below for ingredient notes, serving suggestions and tips. For the printable recipe, scroll to the bottom of the page.
Ingredients
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Select Aperitivo – This is the signature ingredient. You can usually order it online or find it in specialty liquor and Italian food shops.
- Prosecco – Use Prosecco for the authentic taste and bubbly texture; don’t substitute with another sparkling wine if you want the classic profile.
- Soda water – Use plain sparkling water. Avoid club soda or sweetened mixers to keep the balance of flavours.
What to serve with a Select Spritz
Serve the Select Spritz with green olives, crostini or small antipasti. These light nibbles complement the drink’s bitterness and freshness. Ideas include:
- Artichoke bruschetta
- Gnocco fritto (Italian fried dough)
- Pane, burro e alice (bread, butter and anchovy)
- Taralli pugliesi
- Smoked salmon crostini
- Rosemary focaccia
Recipe tips and FAQs
- Adjust the ratios to taste – Once you try the classic version, feel free to add more or less Select, Prosecco or soda to suit your preference.
- Ice is essential – Use plenty of ice to keep the drink cold and crisp, since the liqueur itself is not chilled.
- Stir gently – After adding the ingredients, stir to combine without losing too much carbonation.
Aperol tends to be sweeter and more overtly citrusy, with a strong orange note. Select is warmer and more floral, with a subtler sweetness and a more complex bitter finish.
Not exactly. Both are bitter and similar in colour, but Campari (25% ABV) is generally more bitter and intense, while Select (17.5% ABV) is milder and more aromatic.
More Italian cocktails to try
Drinks
Aperol Spritz Cocktail
Drinks
Giostra d’Alcol (Italian Red Wine Spritz)
Drinks
Classic Campari Cocktail – Spritz
Drinks
Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail
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Step By Step Photos Above
Most recipes include step-by-step photos and helpful tips to get it right the first time.
Select Spritz
By Emily
Equipment
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Toothpick for olive garnish (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 parts Select
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 1 part soda water
- Ice
- Green olive for garnish
Instructions
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Fill a large wine glass with ice. Pour in the Select, then add the Prosecco.
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Add a splash of soda water and stir gently to combine.
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Garnish with a green olive and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the ratios to taste – After trying the classic mix, you can tweak the amounts of Select, Prosecco and soda to suit your preference.
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I typically use extra virgin olive oil in recipes unless noted otherwise.
- For canned or jarred tomatoes I recommend Cirio or Mutti for consistent flavour.
- Vegetable sizes are medium unless specified.
- Recipes are developed using a fan (convection) oven unless stated.
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.