A spritz has a reputation for being an easy drink to love. It’s sparkling, refreshing and usually arrives looking like the sort of thing that makes an ordinary afternoon feel a little more like a holiday.

But there’s more to the spritz than Prosecco, soda and a slice of orange.

Add gin and elderflower, introduce strawberry-infused Campari, or swap the usual citrus notes for lavender and peach, and the familiar cocktail starts to take on a completely different personality.

That’s part of the appeal of modern spritz cocktails. They borrow from Italian aperitivo culture while leaving plenty of room for experimentation.

If you’re exploring spritz in Surry Hills, planning after-work drinks in Sydney or simply looking for your next favourite cocktail, here’s a guide to the drinks, flavours and traditions worth knowing about.

First, What Exactly Is a Spritz?

A spritz is a style of cocktail commonly associated with Italian aperitivo. Many classic versions combine a bitter or flavoured aperitif with sparkling wine and soda water, creating a drink that’s bubbly, aromatic and refreshing.

The best-known example is the Aperol Spritz, traditionally made with Aperol, Prosecco and soda water. Its bittersweet orange flavour and vibrant colour have made it a familiar fixture on cocktail menus around the world.

However, the word spritz now covers a much broader range of drinks. Bartenders experiment with gin, vodka, herbal liqueurs, fruit infusions, bitters and different sparkling mixers to create new combinations.

Some lean towards citrus and bitterness. Others are floral, fruity or herbaceous. The common thread is a refreshing, often sparkling character that suits relaxed social occasions.

And no, you don’t need to know your aperitifs from your amari to enjoy one. Understanding a few flavour profiles is enough to help you find a drink you’ll love.

From Aperol to Something Unexpected: 8 Spritz Cocktails to Know

The classic Aperol Spritz might have introduced you to the category, but it doesn’t have to be where your cocktail exploration ends.

These eight variations show how different spirits, fruit, herbs and bitters can change the experience of a spritz.

1. Florence Spritz: The Classic, With Good Reason

What’s in it: Aperol, Prosecco and Fever-Tree soda.

Sometimes, a classic combination doesn’t need much improvement. Aperol brings bittersweet orange notes, Prosecco contributes sparkling wine character, and soda adds lightness.

The result is a lively cocktail that balances citrus, gentle bitterness and bubbles. It’s a natural starting point for anyone who wants to explore spritz drinks without venturing too far from the familiar.

The Florence Spritz is also a useful reminder hthat simplicity can be a strength. When the ingredients complement each other, there’s no need to complicate the glass.

Best for: Those who enjoy refreshing citrus flavours with a bittersweet finish.

2. The Gin Sling Spritz: A Garden-Inspired Twist

What’s in it: Gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, cucumber, mint, lime and tonic.

This combination moves away from the orange-forward character of a traditional Aperol Spritz.

Gin provides the botanical foundation, while elderflower liqueur adds floral sweetness. Cucumber and mint bring a fresh, garden-inspired quality, and lime introduces a sharper citrus note. Tonic water completes the combination with its characteristic bitterness and bubbles.

The result is a different kind of refreshment: less about bittersweet orange and more about botanicals, herbs and floral aromas.

It’s also a good example of how a spritz-inspired cocktail can take its own direction without losing the easy-drinking appeal associated with the style.

Best for: People who enjoy gin, herbal flavours and floral cocktails.

3. Fly Me to the Moon: Citrus Meets Italian Gin

What’s in it: Aperol, Malfy Italian gin, Rosso vermouth, fresh grapefruit and soda.

Here’s a combination with a little more complexity.

Aperol introduces bittersweet orange character, while Malfy Italian gin brings its own botanical profile. Rosso vermouth adds depth and herbal sweetness, and fresh grapefruit contributes a sharper citrus edge. Soda helps keep the drink lively.

Rather than relying on sweetness alone, this combination brings together bitterness, citrus and herbal notes.

Grapefruit is particularly interesting here because it can make a cocktail feel brighter and more pronounced without turning it into a simple fruit drink.

If you usually order an Aperol Spritz, this is an intriguing flavour direction to explore: familiar aperitivo ingredients with a more layered citrus profile.

Best for: Drinkers who enjoy bittersweet cocktails and citrus with a little complexity.

4. The Pimmspirational Spritz: Fruit, Mint and a Ginger Kick

What’s in it: Pimm’s, vodka, raspberry compote, lemon, dry ginger ale and mint.

This one takes a fruitier route.

Pimm’s brings its characteristic spiced, fruit-led profile, while vodka adds a neutral spirit base. Raspberry compote contributes berry sweetness, lemon provides acidity, and dry ginger ale introduces fizz with a gentle ginger bite. Mint adds a fresh aromatic finish.

The interesting part is the contrast between raspberry and ginger. The berry notes can make the drink feel rounder and fruitier, while lemon and ginger help prevent the combination from becoming one-dimensional.

It’s a reminder that sparkling cocktails don’t have to be built around Italian bitters or sparkling wine to offer a refreshing, spritz-inspired experience.

Best for: People who enjoy fruit-forward cocktails with citrus and a hint of spice.

5. The Disco Delta Spritz: Lavender, Peach and Bubbles

What’s in it: Vodka, Prosecco, lime juice, lemonade, lavender syrup and peach bitters.

Not every cocktail needs to be bitter or intensely citrusy. The Disco Delta Spritz explores a softer, more aromatic combination.

Vodka provides a relatively neutral base, while Prosecco adds sparkling wine character. Lime juice brings acidity, lemonade contributes sweetness and fizz, lavender syrup introduces floral notes, and peach bitters add another layer of fruit-inspired aroma.

Lavender is what makes this combination particularly interesting. Used thoughtfully, it can add a fragrant, almost perfumed quality to a drink. Paired with peach bitters, it creates a different experience from the familiar orange-and-Prosecco formula.

The balance matters, though. Floral flavours can easily become overpowering, so acidity and the dry character of sparkling wine help provide contrast.

Best for: Those who enjoy aromatic cocktails and are curious about floral flavours.

6. Bloody Negroni Spritz: Bitterness With a Fruity Edge

What’s in it: Malfy Italian gin, strawberry-infused Campari, Rosso vermouth and blood orange soda.

The Negroni is famous for its assertive bitter-sweet character. This variation introduces strawberry-infused Campari and blood orange soda, creating an interesting meeting of classic aperitivo flavours and fruit.

Gin provides botanical depth, Campari contributes bitterness, and Rosso vermouth adds herbal sweetness. Strawberry brings a fruitier dimension, while blood orange soda introduces citrus and carbonation.

The combination is worth exploring if you enjoy cocktails that aren’t simply sweet and easy-going. The bitterness gives the drink structure, while the fruit adds contrast.

Despite the word spritz in its name, this recipe also differs from the most familiar sparkling-wine-based versions. Its character comes from the interplay between bitter aperitifs, vermouth, gin and blood orange soda.

Best for: Negroni fans and anyone who prefers a more pronounced bitter finish.

7. Limoncello Spritz: Lemon With Extra Layers

What’s in it: Gin, limoncello, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, Angostura bitters and Prosecco.

Limoncello is a lemon liqueur traditionally associated with southern Italy. Its bright citrus character makes it a natural ingredient for sparkling cocktails.

In this combination, limoncello brings lemon flavour and sweetness, while fresh lemon juice adds acidity. Grapefruit contributes another citrus dimension, gin provides botanical character, and Angostura bitters introduce aromatic depth. Prosecco ties the ingredients together with bubbles.

The grapefruit is a particularly useful addition because it gives the lemon a little company. Rather than producing a straightforward lemon-flavoured drink, the combination can offer a more layered citrus profile.

It’s an appealing variation for people who enjoy lively, citrus-forward cocktails but want something more complex than a simple lemon-and-soda combination.

Best for: Lovers of lemon, citrus cocktails and sparkling drinks.

8. Hugo Spritz: A Floral Favourite

The Hugo Spritz is another familiar name in the wider world of spritz cocktails. Traditionally, it combines Prosecco, elderflower, soda water, mint and lime.

Its appeal comes from a different balance of flavours than an Aperol Spritz. Instead of relying on pronounced bittersweet orange, the Hugo typically offers floral elderflower, fresh mint and citrus.

The result is often lighter and more aromatic, making it a useful comparison if you’re trying to work out whether you prefer bitter, citrus-led drinks or floral, fragrant ones.

Recipes vary between bars, so it’s worth checking the ingredients used in a particular venue’s version.

Best for: Those who enjoy floral flavours, mint and a lighter-tasting cocktail.

How to Choose the Right Spritz for Your Taste

With so many combinations available, choosing a cocktail can feel less straightforward than simply ordering an Aperol Spritz.

A useful starting point is to think about the flavours you already enjoy.

These are flavour guides, not strict rules. Your preference may depend on how sweet, bitter, strong or sparkling you like a drink to be.

And if you’re unsure, ask the bartender about the ingredients and flavour profile. A quick conversation can help you discover something new without ordering blindly.

Spritz, Aperitivo and the Art of After-Work Drinks

The popularity of spritz cocktails is closely connected to the idea of aperitivo: enjoying a drink and perhaps a few small bites before dinner.

It’s a simple ritual, but it changes the pace of an evening.

Instead of heading straight from work to dinner, you make a little space in between. Meet a colleague, catch up with a friend, order something refreshing and let the conversation unfold.

This is also why spritz cocktails work well for social occasions. Their sparkling character and wide range of flavours make them easy to explore with friends, particularly when everyone has a different preference.

In Surry Hills, that experience can be part of a broader evening of dining, drinks and neighbourhood exploration.

What Food Goes Well With a Spritz?

The right pairing depends on the cocktail, but savoury Italian food often makes a natural companion.

• Olives and savoury appetisers: Their salty flavours can contrast with citrus and sweetness.
• Arancini: Crisp coatings and rich fillings provide a satisfying contrast to sparkling drinks.
• Tomato-based pasta: Bright tomato flavours can work well alongside citrus-led cocktails.
• Shared Italian dishes: A selection of food encourages a relaxed, social experience rather than turning drinks into a formal tasting exercise.

You don’t need to match every ingredient precisely. Think about balance: a rich dish alongside a refreshing drink, or a savoury bite alongside a fruitier cocktail.

The best pairing is one you genuinely enjoy.

Where to Enjoy Spritz in Surry Hills

If you’re searching for spritz in Surry Hills, consider what kind of experience you’re looking for. Are you meeting friends after work, exploring new cocktails, starting an evening out or planning to stay for dinner?

Surry Hills offers a variety of options for food and drinks, and the right venue depends on your mood, budget and the company you’re keeping.

Mark & Vinny’s is one option for people looking to combine modern Italian dining with cocktails. Located at G07, 38–52 Waterloo Street, the restaurant offers weekday happy hour from Monday to Friday, 4 pm to 6 pm, according to its published information.

Its cocktail list includes a range of distinctive spritz variations, from the classic-style Florence Spritz to the fruit-forward Pimmspirational Spritz and the more bitter Bloody Negroni Spritz.

That variety makes it an interesting place to explore different flavour profiles rather than ordering the same cocktail every time.

You can check the Mark & Vinny’s cocktail list and happy hour details before visiting.

The Best Spritz Is the One You’ll Want to Try Again

The classic Aperol Spritz may have made spritz cocktails famous, but the category has plenty of room for experimentation.

Gin, elderflower, grapefruit, strawberry, lavender, limoncello and bitters all bring different qualities to the glass. Some cocktails lean towards citrus and refreshment; others explore floral aromas, fruit or a more pronounced bitter finish.

That variety is part of what makes spritz cocktails interesting. There’s no need to settle on one favourite before you’ve explored the alternatives.

So, next time you’re looking for a spritz in Surry Hills, try something a little different. Explore the ingredients, ask about the flavours and find the combination that suits your taste.

Because sometimes, the best way to discover your next favourite drink is simply to order something you’ve never tried before.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a spritz cocktail?

A spritz is a refreshing cocktail style commonly made with an aperitif or flavoured liqueur, sparkling wine and soda water. While the Aperol Spritz is the best-known example, modern variations use ingredients such as gin, elderflower, limoncello, fruit and herbs.

How do you make a classic Aperol Spritz?

A widely used recipe follows the 3–2–1 ratio: three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part soda water. Fill a wine glass with ice, add the Prosecco and Aperol, top with soda water, stir gently and garnish with an orange slice. Adjust the proportions to suit your taste.

How do you make an easy spritz at home?

For a simple starting point, fill a large wine glass with ice, add your chosen aperitif, top with sparkling wine and finish with a splash of soda water. Garnish with citrus or fresh herbs. You can experiment with different aperitifs and garnishes to create your own variation.

What is a Hugo Spritz?

A Hugo Spritz is a floral, refreshing cocktail traditionally made with Prosecco, elderflower syrup or liqueur, soda water, mint and lime. Compared with an Aperol Spritz, it typically has a lighter floral character rather than a pronounced bittersweet orange flavour.

What is the difference between an Aperol Spritz and a Hugo Spritz?

The main difference is the flavour profile. An Aperol Spritz is bittersweet and orange-led, while a Hugo Spritz is usually floral, minty and citrusy. Both are sparkling cocktails, but they offer different drinking experiences.

Can you make a spritz without Aperol?

Yes. A spritz doesn’t have to contain Aperol. Depending on the recipe, you can use other aperitifs, elderflower liqueur, limoncello or different flavour combinations. The result will vary in sweetness, bitterness and aroma.

What food goes well with spritz cocktails?

Spritz cocktails pair well with savoury appetisers, olives, arancini and Italian dishes. The best match depends on the drink: citrus-forward cocktails can complement bright flavours, while richer dishes can balance a refreshing, sparkling drink.

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