Spritz with craft beer heresy or evolution of the aperitif

Spritz with Craft Beer: Heresy or Evolution of the Aperitif

Let's say it right away: no, it is not heresy. The Spritz with craft beer — increasingly called Beer Spritz — has become a solid trend that combines Venetian tradition with the innovation of modern mixology. And if you think about it, it makes perfect sense.

The Spritz was born by spraying (spritzen, in Austrian German) white wine with sparkling water. The beer version does not betray this logic: it replaces it with something more complex, more aromatic, often lighter. Today it is considered art, not transgression.

Why It Works

Three concrete reasons why the Beer Spritz makes sense:

• Aromatic complexity — a craft beer adds hoppy, citrus, or spicy notes that Prosecco does not have
• Lower alcohol content — about 4–6% compared to the wine’s 11%: a lighter, more refreshing aperitif, perfect for summer
• Natural balance — the bitterness of the beer perfectly matches the sweetness of Aperol or Select

Three Recipes with Maltese Beers

🍊 Citrusy Beer Spritz — with Madame La Blanche

La Blanche is the most natural style for the Beer Spritz: fresh, spicy, with notes of coriander and orange peel.

Recipe (large glass with ice):

• 20 cl Madame La Blanche (cold)
• 6 cl Aperol
• 4 cl seltz or soda
• Orange slice and sprig of rosemary

Pour the beer over the ice, add the Aperol, top with seltz. Don’t stir too much: preserve the natural bubbles.

🌿 Hoppy Beer Spritz — with IPA Fever

For those who want an aperitif with character. The bitterness of the IPA balances the sweetness of Aperol in a surprising way.

Recipe:

• 15 cl IPA Fever
• 6 cl Aperol (or Select for a drier bitterness)
• 4 cl tonic water (not seltz — tonic enhances the hops)
• Lemon slice and mint leaf

🍓 Summer Beer Spritz — with Strawberry Lager

The most drinkable and visually striking version. Strawberry Lager already brings sweetness and fruit: just a little is enough to create a memorable aperitif.

Recipe:

• 20 cl Strawberry Lager
• 5 cl Aperol
• 3 cl seltz
• Fresh strawberry and ice

Final Advice

Start with the Blanche if you want a safe and accessible result. Move on to the IPA if you seek complexity. Use the Strawberry Lager to impress your guests. In all cases: cold beer, plenty of ice, don’t overdo the bitters.

Explore the Maltese beer catalog and choose your base for the next aperitif → maltese.beer