Good food and drink are the foundation of Italian culture. Deeply woven into the fabric of daily life, they are central to the Italian identity, whether it’s for simple daily sustenance or elaborate social interactions. In the presence of good company, several-course dining affairs are the norm.
The traditional way to begin a multi-course Italian meal is with a cocktail hour, or aperitivo. A pre-meal ritual meant to stimulate the appetite, aperitivo involves light alcoholic beverages accompanied by savory snacks like cheese, nuts, or olives. A cherished part of the Italian lifestyle, it offers the chance to relax after work or socialize with friends before moving on to the evening meal.
The Italicus Spritz is one of the exciting Italian cocktails served at Partenope Ristorante that can be enjoyed during an aperitivo.
Italicus Spritz: A Royal Aperitivo
A spritz is a light cocktail fortified with prosecco or champagne and served over ice. First developed in the 1800s, it developed as a way to make wine more palatable for Austrian soldiers stationed in Italy by diluting it with water. By the early twentieth century, the spritz evolved to include bitter liqueurs and local white wines.
The Italicus Spritz is made with Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, a bergamot-flavored liqueur distilled in Italy. Rosolio was the main drink enjoyed by the King of Savoia before Vermouth and Amaro became popular in Italy.
Ingredients and Serving Method
Built on a glass of ice, the Italicus Spritz is made by combining one part Italicus liqueur with two parts Prosecco.
Italicus is added to a wine or cocktail glass filled with ice. The glass should be tilted while the Prosecco is steadily poured in, to maintain as much carbonation as possible. Garnish with three skewered olives or a wedge of fresh grapefruit for a whisper of citrus. A splash of fresh grapefruit juice can be added to amplify the citrus and add a refreshing bittersweet note.
Italicus Spritz vs. Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz was developed in the 1950s by brothers who wanted to create their own version of the classic Italian apéritif, Campari. It is a mixture of Aperol liqueur, Prosecco, and seltzer water. The cocktail gets its distinctive orange hue and sweet herbal taste from the Aperol. The seltzer water adds extra fizz.
At Partenope Ristorante, we serve the Italicus Spritz garnished with mint and the Aperol Spritz garnished with a slice of orange.
Enjoy our Italian Cocktail Menu
Aperitivo hour at Partenope Ristorante provides the opportunity to enjoy one of our spritzes, a glass of wine, or an Italian beer.
Our Italian cocktail menu includes:
- House-made Bruschetta with tomato, basil, garlic, and balsamic
- Pane – bread with rosemary, sea salt, and olive oil for dipping
- Prosciutto e Olive – prosciutto di parma and Mediterranean olives
- Cavoletti Fritti – Brussels sprouts topped with Parmesan and balsamic
- Straccetti Di Pizza – fried dough topped with Parmesan and marinara
The cocktail menu is available only at the bar or on the patio.
Visit us at Partenope Ristorante today!
To experience the Italicus Spritz or any of our other delicious cocktails, visit us at Partenope Ristorante. Located at 1903 Main Street in downtown Dallas and 110 S Greenville Avenue in Richardson, Texas, we are the premier destination for true Neapolitan pizza and cuisine.
Hours are 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM, Friday and Saturday, at the Dallas restaurant. The Richardson restaurant is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday.
Aperitivo hour happens Monday through Friday at both locations from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Featured Image Credit: Goskova Tatiana/Shutterstock