If you thought Buck’s Fizz was the coolest of all fizzy orange tipples, think again. Swing down any street, slide down any slope, canter up any close in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region and you’ll be greeted by the sight of locals staunchly brandishing, nursing, emptying, but never concealing their trademark glass of Spritz. It’s the hallmark of savoir faire, the badge of honour, the mark of distinction of old and young alike.
The word Spritz has German origins, apparently meaning ‘watered down’. Don’t speak any German so I’ll take their word for it. The perfect aperitif, the perfect sundowner, no self-respecting bar is without its favourite variation – and all historic bars claim that theirs is the best!

Definitely try this at home:

• one third dry white wine like Friulano (also known as Tocai) non purists use Prosecco o sparkling dry wine
• one third Aperol (there is also a Campari variation on the theme)
• top up with a third of soda water
• a slice of orange …. and voilà.

Soon you’ll be concocting your own – a twist of this, a green olive – anything goes… within reason.  Bottoms up!