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The Amaretto Spritz is a light, effervescent Italian-inspired cocktail that translates the beloved Spritz format — spirit or liqueur lengthened with prosecco and soda water — into a uniquely almond-forward experience using Amaretto Di Saronno. With lemon juice, prosecco, and club soda, it is one of the most refreshing, sessionable, and food-friendly expressions of amaretto's character — simultaneously recognizably Italian and perfectly suited to aperitivo hour.

The Spritz Tradition

The Spritz cocktail originated in northeastern Italy (particularly the Veneto region) in the nineteenth century, when Austrian soldiers stationed there began diluting local wine with water — a practice that evolved into the modern sparkling wine-and-spirit format. The most famous modern Spritz is the Aperol Spritz (prosecco, Aperol, club soda), but the template is equally suited to amaretto — indeed, in some parts of northern Italy, Disaronno Spritz is a well-established aperitivo category. The combination of amaretto's sweetness with prosecco's yeasty effervescence and lemon's tartness creates a drink that is refreshing without being simple, and distinctly Italian in character. For more on Italy's cocktail heritage, see the full Amaretto Di Saronno page.

Flavor Profile

The Amaretto Spritz is light, bubbly, slightly sweet, and gently tart — the effervescence from prosecco and soda water amplifies both the lemon's brightness and the amaretto's almond character, producing a cocktail that feels lifted and refreshing rather than sweet and heavy. The lemon juice is key: without it, the drink would be too sweet; with it, the amaretto's sweetness is balanced against bright citrus acidity, creating the classic tension between sweet and tart that makes sour-format drinks so satisfying. The prosecco adds yeasty, slightly toasty complexity that complements the amaretto's nut character. This is an ideal aperitif — it opens the palate without filling it. The full amaretto collection shows this ingredient in every format from sipping to shooting.

How to Make and Serve

Combine amaretto and lemon juice in a wine glass filled with ice. Add prosecco, then top with club soda. Stir gently once to combine without deflating the bubbles. Garnish with a lemon slice or lemon twist. The Amaretto Spritz should be built in the glass rather than shaken — the prosecco and soda would lose their effervescence in a shaker. According to MyBartender's Amaretto Spritz page, the classic ratio is 2 oz amaretto to 0.5 oz lemon juice, topped with roughly equal parts prosecco and soda. Liquor.com's Spritz guide provides context for building Italian-style spritz cocktails. See MixDrinkEnjoy's cocktail techniques guide for tips on building effervescent drinks.

Food Pairings

The Amaretto Spritz is an excellent aperitivo cocktail — serve it before dinner with a classic Italian aperitivo spread: Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto, olives, bruschetta, and grissini. It also suits brunch beautifully, pairing with almond pastries, fruit tarts, and anything with a gentle sweetness. The Amaretto Sour and the Godfather round out an amaretto cocktail menu beautifully alongside the Spritz.