Aperitivi
Spritz al Bianco
Spritz bianco
The short answer
The Spritz al Bianco is a simple, traditional Venetian refresher made with still white wine and soda water. It is the light, un-bittered ancestor of today's more common, colorful spritzes, prized for its simplicity.
- Style
- Wine and soda, 6% ABV
- Glass
- Tumbler or Wine glass
- Strength
- Approximately 5% to 7% ABV
Where it comes from
The practice of adding soda water to wine is widely associated with the 19th-century presence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Northern Italy. This simple combination of local still white wine and soda was the original spritz.
What you need
- 90 ml (3 oz) Dry white wine
- 60 ml (2 oz) Soda water
- Lemon peel
How Larry builds it
- 01
Ice. Fill a small tumbler or wine glass with ice cubes.
- 02
Pour. Add the dry white wine and top with a generous amount of soda water.
- 03
Mix. Give the drink a quick, gentle stir to combine.
- 04
Garnish. Express a lemon peel over the top and drop it into the glass for a bright citrus aroma.
Larry’s rule: The spritz before Aperol showed up. Still what Venetian grandparents order.
Variations worth making
Bicicletta
A popular variation that adds 1 part Campari to the white wine and soda base.
Spritz Rosso
Use a light, still red wine like Bardolino instead of white for a different fruit profile.
Questions people ask
Is this the same as a White Wine Spritzer?
Yes, it is essentially the traditional Italian version of the classic white wine spritzer.
Can I use sparkling wine?
Traditionally, this drink uses still white wine. Using Prosecco would make it a 'Bianco' spritz, a more modern take.
How light is this drink?
By diluting wine with soda water, this becomes one of the lowest-alcohol aperitivo options available.
Which wine is best?
A crisp, dry, local Italian white wine is traditional. Pinot Grigio, Soave, or a simple house white works perfectly.
What to eat with it
Mix it like Larry
The shakers, jiggers and glasses behind this drink.
Mixology 15-Piece Bartender Kit with StandView on Amazon →
BARE BARREL 14-Piece Cocktail Shaker SetView on Amazon →
KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set with StandView on Amazon →
Japanese-Style Double Jiggers, 2-PackView on Amazon →
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Order Spritz al Bianco with sausage and peppers at the spots on Larry’s lists:
More from Aperitivi
← All 159 Italian drinksQuoting or citing this drink? Credit “Uncle Larry Adventures” and link to https://unclelarryadventures.com/beverages/spritz-al-bianco.