Looking for an easy, low-alcohol way to enjoy an Italian spritz at home? Almare Spritz might just be your new warm-weather staple. These ready-to-drink cocktails are made in Italy with Glera grapes, the same variety used in Prosecco, and offer a nice balance of refreshment, flavor, and fizz at just 8% ABV.

In Italy, the aperitivo is a social ritual, an early evening pause for light drinks like white wine or spritzes, paired with snacks like cheese, olives, salumi, and bruschetta. The word comes from the Latin aperire, meaning “to open,” a nod to its role in getting your stomach ready—opening it—for dinner.

Whenever I’m in Italy (and now at home too) my own little aperitivo hour has become part of my daily routine. I always look forward to that energizing break between day and night!

A Little Spritzy History

The Spritz originated in Italy’s Veneto region in the late 1800s, when Austro-Hungarian soldiers began adding a spritz (German for splash) of water to local wines to make them lighter and more palatable. Over time, sparkling wines, like Prosecco, replaced still wines and herbal concoctions were added to the mix. The modern Spritz, as we know it today, rose to widespread popularity in the mid-20th century.

With their sunset colors and refreshing flavors, spritz cocktails are a classic part of aperitivo hour, and Almare Spritz nails that vibe. Unlike many other pre-mixed cocktails, these are dry and crisp, just like the Italian spritzes you’ll find in Italy.

The story behind Almare is as charming as the drink itself. After 70 years of making Prosecco in Veneto, the Maschio family, also longtime producers of botanical liqueurs, launched Almare in 2020 as a tribute to their seaside summers spent sipping spritz with family and friends.

Three Options to Explore

Each type of Almare spritz is made with naturally fermented wine and infused with flavors and botanicals sourced locally in Italy. There’s no added sugar, and everything’s made and bottled in-house to keep things fresh and of the highest quality.

Classico – This one is my favorite. It’s a spot-on riff on the traditional spritz, with a bright, bitter-orange citrus profile and a touch of herbal complexity. No additions are necessary—it’s perfect straight from the bottle over ice with a slice of lemon or orange.

Pompelmo Rosa – A close second for me, and winner of “Best Wine-Based Pre-Mix Cocktail” at the 2024 World Drink Awards. With its pale pink hue and juicy grapefruit notes, it’s a bit softer and fruitier. If you like a little more bite, try adding a splash of your favorite bitter—I added St. Agrestis Inferno and loved it.

Hugo – Light, floral, and bursting with elderflower and mint, this is the most aromatic of the bunch. If you like more fruit and less bitter notes, this one’s for you. It was recently named “Best Spritz” by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and it’s perfect for brunch or a refreshing midday sip.

Whether you’re throwing together a quick aperitivo hour or heading to a picnic, Almare Spritz makes it effortless to channel those seaside Italian vibes. Just twist off the cap, pour over ice, and pretend you're in Positano.