Decoding the Spritz: Bitter Alchemy Beyond Aperol - Madison

While the iconic bright-orange Aperol Spritz has earned its place as the undisputed monarch of patio season, the true beauty of the Italian aperitivo tradition lies in its endless versatility.

 A proper Spritz is less a rigid recipe and more an elegant, customizable formula—a delicate interplay of a bitter or botanical modifier, crisp sparkling wine, and a splash of effervescence. In this immersive seminar tasting we are stepping beyond the predictable and diving deep into the art of constructing sophisticated, flavor-forward aperitifs that elevate your entertaining game well past the summer months.

Together, we’ll explore an extraordinary lineup of alternative modifiers that showcase the rich spectrum of European and domestic craft spirits. From the deep, herbal complexity of alpine-tinted Gentian liqueurs to bitter-orange Cappelletti, elderflower cordials, and vermouth-driven fortified wines, you’ll discover how shifting the core modifier dramatically transforms the drink’s balance of sweetness, acidity, and bite. In all, six spritzes will be poured and explored.

This specially curated Waterford Exclusive is a relaxed, interactive tasting format, that will help you understand the fundamental ratios and balancing techniques behind every great spritz. You’ll leave with a new-found vocabulary for bitter-sweet flavor profiles and plenty of inspiration to stock a far more adventurous home bar. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for your next go-to pour at the Wine Bar, join us for an evening of delicious discovery and warm hospitality.