I was dining alone at Spritzery. This turned out to be an advantage, because there was only a single seat available. Their bar is a wrap-around that could easily seat forty or more people. All seats taken. This bar had enticed a great group of people to come out to try something new on a weeknight.
Spritzery is a pop-up in the space that used to house Scarpino (960 Penn Avenue) in downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to their indoor space, al fresco dining on orange sofa cushions is available outside. When I heard “pop up,” I pictured no-frills, but Spritzery blew me away with its décor and commitment to the vibe. The Aperol bottles gleam on the shelf. A cursive neon sign makes for a perfect Instagram photo op.
And the guests had come prepared—most people looked like the human embodiment of an Aperol Spritz, flowing sundresses and smiles. I felt I had entered a shrine to the Aperol spritz. The entire space was bathed in an orange glow. A techno remix of “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey played. Representatives from Aperol there for a photoshoot passed out free spritzes and orange Aperol swag to attendees. One thing was clear: Spritzery tapped into a desire for La Dolce Vita that people flock to.
For the Love of Aperol
“Some people here have actually never had an Aperol spritz before,” a representative from Aperol told me. “Even though it is now the number one cocktail in the United States. It’s now passed the margarita—see ya, margarita!” he added jovially. I fact-checked this, because, as he said: “I know that sounds like something someone who works for Aperol would say.” Though sources vary, a July 2024 study saw 22 states rank Aperol spritz as their favorite cocktail.
Several electoral swing states rank the Aperol spritz as their favorite cocktail. Maybe this should be a new campaign strategy? Pennsylvania is one of these Aperol spritz-loving beacons of political diversity. So, Spritzery came to Pittsburgh at the right time.
A Sampling of Spritzes
I started my Spritzery journey with the limoncello spritz. I love limoncello and don’t necessarily think it needs to be diluted with a spritz. But a spritz does make limoncello more refreshing. This was the spritz on the menu I would recommend for someone who wants a less boozy taste, or a single cocktail when they might have to drive later. Then, Aperol representative handed me a complimentary Aperol spritz, so that was spritz number two: delicious and classic.
The menu offers a rotating “Feature Spritz.” My bartender described that as a “Dealer’s Choice” where they give individualized recommendations. When I told her I already had the limoncello spritz and an Aperol spritz, she recommended the Hugo Spritz, with elderflower liqueur and mint. The Hugo Spritz was my favorite of the spritzes I had. It’s both subtle and flavorful without being overly watery, some of the qualities of a mojito with a little bit more elegance.
For groups, Spritzery has the Mega Spritz. I am only one person and despite being of hearty Swiss blood from a family that downs schnapps like water, even I have my limits. An 84oz Aperol spritz on my own would break me, even if I briefly considered what an amusing story it would make.
I then asked the bartender if she recommended that I try the Yuzu Spritz or the “Pornstar Spritz” next. She sold me on the Pornstar Spritz, which has passionfruit purée and vanilla vodka. Though that night, Spritzery was out of passionfruit and replaced it with peach, the vanilla and peach together were delicious. I assume the Pornstar Spritz gets its name from the sensual-sweet quality of vanilla plus the passion in passionfruit.
At that point, I really wanted to order more spritzes. However, when I attempted to craft a text message to a friend and found myself writing gibberish, I realized that four spritzes was actually quite a lot and called it a night.
Make a Spritz at Home
Though Spritzery is a lot of fun, spritzes are easy to make yourself and you can create a lot of variation with different liquor combinations. Perhaps an Absinthe Spritz using spirits from Lawrenceville Distilling? Or an Espresso Spritz, if you want a refreshing drink earlier in the day?
Also, if you’re not keen after-effects of drinking four spritzes in a row (understandable), we have a non-alcoholic spritz guide for the summer. Whether you’re spritzing for a night out to take cute pictures, or enjoying what you make at home, the spritz represents a care-free lifestyle. Pittsburgh partygoers flocking to Spritzery upon its opening makes sense. Life can be rough. The world can be upsetting and confusing. At Spritzery, at least, surrounded by the glow of Aperol bottles, everything seems a little rosier.
Story by Emma Riva / Photo courtesy of Scarpino
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