Aperol too bitter? I ranked every regional spritz I tried in Italy, from Sardinia’s mirto to Sarti, so you know what to order instead.
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Italy had been my dream trip for years, and I’d pictured all of it, the pizza, the pasta, golden hour with a drink in hand before dinner.
In my head that drink was almost definitely an Aperol Spritz, because that’s the one everyone associates with Italy.
Then I actually got there, ordered one, and thought, wait, this is the drink everyone’s obsessed with?
One disappointing spritz turned into a mission: over three weeks in Italy, track down every Aperol spritz alternative I could find and see what actually deserved the hype instead.
The Quick Ranking
- Limoncello Spritz, the superior spritz
- Mirto Spritz, a close second
- Sarti Spritz and Hugo Spritz, tied for third, different but equally good
- Aperol Spritz, one and done for me, but still the most popular spritz in Italy
Limoncello Spritz, the superior spritz
My first limoncello spritz was in La Maddalena, Sardinia, the final stop of an island-hopping day.
I sat down with this spritz and a five euro margherita pizza and genuinely everything was right with the world.
Did a little shopping after, grabbed a gelato, then hopped back on the boat still thinking about that drink.
It was my first limoncello spritz, but not my last.
I had it again in Capri, where they actually called it an Amalfi Spritz. Same drink, different name depending on where you are.
I also tried it in Venice, and every single time it hit exactly the same way. (maybe even better each time?)
Bright, citrusy, actually refreshing, and genuinely sweeter and softer than Aperol.
But the biggest difference between a limoncello spritz and an Aperol spritz, isn’t just the flavor.
Is limoncello spritz strong? YES. I only ever needed one at a time.
Aperol sits at ~11% ABV, while limoncello runs anywhere from ~25% to 32% depending on the brand, more than double, sometimes nearly triple.
Limoncello spritz is the one that ruined every other spritz for me. The clear winner.
Mirto Spritz, a close second
Had this one at Pema in Santa Teresa, Sardinia, and it might be the most interesting find of the whole trip.
Mirto is a myrtle berry liqueur that, as far as I can tell, you cannot get outside Sardinia.
Kind of grape flavored, less strong and less sweet than the limoncello spritz, but still miles better than Aperol.
A mirto spritz is worth seeking out on its own, but the fact that Pema’s food is also incredible is a bonus on top.
Sarti Spritz, tied for third
I went looking for this one for most of the trip.
Not in Sardinia, not in Milan, not in Rome, every time I tried to order it, I got offered an Aperol instead…
But maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough?
Then in Taormina, Sicily, walking through a pedestrian-only street, I saw a huge sign in a shop window that just said Sarti Spritz.
It was ten in the morning, but that felt beside the point.
It’s a bright pink drink, fruity and tropical, blood orange, mango, and passion fruit, with just a light herbal edge underneath instead of real bitterness.
It’s actually from Bologna, not Sicily, but Sicily is where I finally tracked it down.
If you’ve searched what the trending spritz in Italy is right now, Sarti is it.
It just wasn’t my limoncello.
Worth the hunt regardless, and I spent the rest of that day exploring Isola Bella, which felt like the right way to follow it up.
Hugo Spritz, tied for third
My first Hugo spritz was in Rome and I wasn’t that into it.
Then I had another in Venice, and that’s when it clicked that everyone makes their own version of this drink (probably all of the spritzes).
The Venice Hugo Spritz won me over completely, enough that I’d put it right up there with Sarti Spritz instead of below it like I originally thought.
It’s built on elderflower. That’s the main flavor here, (sometimes it’s the St. Germain elderflower liqeur, but more traditionally it’s an elderflower syrup), alongside prosecco and fresh mint, not a bitter liqueur at all, which is exactly why Hugo spritz has become the drink people point to when they ask what’s replacing Aperol these days.
Aperol Spritz, one and done
I know it’s the famous one, and it’s still statistically the most popular spritz and the number one cocktail order in Italy.
It’s meant to be bittersweet and balanced. There’s real sweetness under the bitter orange peel and rhubarb (so I’ve been told)
It just wasn’t balanced enough for me, even after giving it a real shot in Castelsardo, Sardinia.
If you already love it, ignore me completely.
For me it was one and done. Maybe on my next trip to Italy I’ll give it one more chance.
But the Aperol spritz was the most bitter drink I have ever tasted. I guess that’s the point, though? I’m sure it stimulated my appetite.
Bonus: Select Spritz and Campari Spritz
Two more still on my list.
Select is Venice’s own aperitivo liqueur, dating back to 1920, distinct from Campari and Aperol despite the family resemblance, with notes of vanilla, cardamom, and ginger root for anyone who wants something bolder than Aperol.
Campari Spritz gets described the same way, a deeper, moodier version of the classic.
I’ll get to both eventually, right after I get my limoncello spritz, of course.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a Spritz in Italy
Most of what I paid landed between 3 and 6 euros. I did see one listed at nearly 20 euros in Capri, so it can vary a lot depending on the spot.
If you want to keep the cost down, takeaway or drinking standing at the bar is usually cheaper than sitting down at a table.
By the time I left Italy, I’d tracked down five different spritzes chasing the one that actually deserved the hype, and I found it.
Aperol isn’t your only option, there are plenty of other spritzes in the sea.
Try a few, find your favorite. I think you’ll love the limoncello, though.
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