Sicilian Blood Orange Spritz

The Sicilian Blood Orange Spritz is a radiant, low-ABV aperitivo that channels the Mediterranean coastline in one glittering glass. It merges the bittersweet jewel-tone juice of Sicilian blood oranges with Averna, the island’s famed amaro from Caltanissetta, before a lift of Prosecco and a splash of soda deliver sparkling refreshment. This is a spritz with place and purpose: bright citrus, herbal complexity, and a mellow, sunset-ready temperament that invites lingering conversation and effortless conviviality.

Why this spritz works

• Balance: The natural sweetness and acidity of blood orange temper Averna’s gentle bitterness and caramelized herbal notes. Prosecco provides fruit-forward sparkle, while soda lengthens the drink and keeps the alcohol content relaxed.
• Texture: Building over clear, dense ice gives a chilled, silky sip. Fine-straining the juice yields a pristine, bubbly presentation; leaving some pulp adds rustic charm and a touch more body.
• Aroma: A basil sprig offers soft, peppery perfume that suits citrus; rosemary adds a resinous, piney counterpoint. Both highlight the drink’s Sicilian character.

History and cultural significance

The spritz tradition traces to northern Italy, where Austrian soldiers in the 19th century "spritzed" local wine with water to tame its strength. Over time, effervescence joined the party: first seltzer, then sparkling wine, and eventually a dash of bitter liqueur. Aperitivo culture blossomed around this ritual—an early evening prelude that readies the palate for dinner and brings friends together.

Sicily contributes a distinct voice to the spritz canon. The island’s blood oranges—Tarocco, Moro, and Sanguinello—are prized for their ruby flesh and berry-citrus perfume, a result of cool nights and volcanic soils that encourage anthocyanin development. Averna, created in the 1860s by Salvatore Averna, expresses Sicilian herbs, citrus peel, and caramelized sweetness. Uniting these icons pays homage to Sicily’s agricultural and monastic liqueur traditions while maintaining the easy-going ethos of the spritz.

Technique tips

• Keep it cold: Chill everything—glass, Prosecco, and soda. Cold liquid holds carbonation better and tastes drier, improving balance.
• Pour order: Build with amaro and juice first, then add Prosecco, and finish with soda. Stir only once, gently, to preserve bubbles.
• Ratio guidance: Aim for roughly 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts blood orange + amaro combined, and 1 part soda. Adjust to the sweetness and acidity of your fruit.
• Sweetness control: Add simple syrup only if your oranges are particularly tart or if you prefer a softer profile. A few drops go a long way.

Variations

• Palermo Bold: Swap half the Prosecco for dry sparkling rosé to emphasize red-fruit notes and color.
• Etna Ember: Express a strip of flamed orange peel over the glass for a toasty, caramelized citrus aroma.
• Herbal Twist: Muddle a basil leaf lightly in the glass before adding ice for greener aromatics (avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness).
• Zero-Proof Sunset: Replace Averna with a quality nonalcoholic amaro, use NA sparkling wine, and keep the soda. Increase blood orange to taste.
• Higher Proof: Substitute Campari for Averna for a sharper, more bitter backbone. Add a dash of orange bitters to bridge flavors.

Serving and pairing

This spritz shines as a pre-dinner drink. Pair it with salty, crunchy snacks: Castelvetrano olives, fried capers, grilled artichokes, or citrus-marinated anchovies. The interplay of salt, acid, and bitterness refreshes the palate and invites another bite—and another sip.

Sourcing and seasonality

Peak Sicilian blood oranges appear in winter through early spring. If out of season, substitute high-quality bottled blood orange juice or blend fresh navel orange with a splash of ruby grapefruit to mimic color and bite. Choose a dry Prosecco to counter the juice’s natural sweetness.

Personal notes

What I love about this spritz is how it looks and feels: the sunlit coral hue, the crystalline fizz rising through the glass, the gentle tug of bitters against sweet-tart citrus. It’s casual yet crafted, rooted in place yet flexible enough to adapt to your pantry. With a platter of olives and the evening breeze, it becomes more than a drink—it’s a small ceremony of Sicily, wherever you are.