Bicicletta Spritz
Build ∙ 2 min ∙ 11.4% ABV ∙
The Bicicletta Spritz is a low-proof Italian highball built from equal parts white wine, a red bitter such as Campari, and soda water. Bittersweet and effervescent, with tart white wine easing the red bitter's edge and a soda-water lift that keeps the finish clean and light.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour all ingredients into the ice-filled glass: Soda water 40 mlWhite wine 40 mlRed bitter 40 ml
- Stir gently
- Garnish with an orange wheel
Tips
- Fill the highball with large ice cubes first, then pour equal parts red bitter, white wine, and soda in that order to preserve carbonation.
- Use a dry, crisp white wine rather than one with sweetness, since the equal-parts build lets its acidity balance the bitter fully.
- Add the soda water last and give the drink just one gentle stir, protecting the fizz that a heavier stir would knock out.
- Express the orange wheel's oils over the surface before dropping it in, reinforcing the bitter's citrus notes without added sugar.
History
The Bicicletta is a northern Italian spritz-style drink of Campari, dry white wine, and soda water, most often dated to the 1930s, with some accounts placing its creation as early as the 1920s or more loosely in the early 1900s. Sources generally locate its origin in Lombardy, often naming Milan specifically, home to Campari's own production. Its name, Italian for "bicycle," is popularly explained by the sight of elderly men wobbling home on their bicycles after an afternoon of drinking the aperitivo at the local cafe. The drink belongs to the same family of Campari-based aperitivi as the Americano and the Spritz, distinguished by its use of still white wine rather than Prosecco or sparkling wine.
FAQ
What is a Bicicletta Spritz?
It is a low-proof Italian highball built from equal parts white wine, a red bitter such as Campari, and soda water, served over ice in a highball glass with an orange wheel. At roughly 11.4% ABV, it is lighter than most spritz-style drinks and finishes clean rather than syrupy.
Is a Bicicletta similar to an Aperol Spritz?
It is closely related but not identical. Both are built, low-proof Italian highballs with a red bitter and soda water, but the Aperol Spritz adds prosecco alongside the soda, while the Bicicletta uses only still white wine and no prosecco, making it lighter and less sweet.
Is a Bicicletta Spritz vegan or low-calorie?
Yes, it is vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free, and classed as low-calorie, at around 129 calories per serving. The soda water and still wine keep it lighter than sweeter, prosecco-based spritzes.
What does a Bicicletta Spritz taste like?
It tastes bitter, bubbly, and refreshing, with Campari’s herbal bite balanced by crisp white wine and a light citrus finish.
