Pink is the new orange: The arrival of the Sarti spritz and what this means for Aperol
During the warmer months, beer and cocktail flights become sidelined for the spritz tree at restaurants. Bar tenders hang several different cocktails by their necks in a cute display. Favorites include the classic orange hue of Aperol and its sweeter, floral cousin the Hugo spritz. Both drinks hail from Italy, Aperol spritz from Padua and the Hugo spritz from Tyrol. But the newest member of the family is making waves due to color and flavor: her highness Sarti spritz.
The old guard of aperol and the hugo spritz
Aperol spritz is a bitter-sweet, bold citrus flavor that is synonymous with the Italian coastline, tiny umbrellas, and frankly, an aesthetic summer. Overshadowing Aperol, depending one’s preference, the Hugo spritz carries an elderflower and mint flavor profile. It’s beloved because of the sweeter, less bitter taste. Both wine-based cocktails are served over ice and with prosecco and club soda.
A new bombshell enters the villa, and she’s here to stay
Here’s what makes the Sarti different. For one, she’s pink. With passion fruit, mango and Sicilian blood orange, the color is rich and gives a cosmopolitan a run for its money. The real star of the show is the liquor Sarti Rosa.
Priced around $30 per bottle, Sarti Rosa is carried by Campari Group who also owns Aperol. Campari Group originally acquired the brand Sarti in 1995 from the original 1885 Brand Casa Sarti, based in Bologna.
While the drink became viral overseas through TikTok, it’s finally available for Americans. In 2026, those in the U.S. can finally enjoy a Sarti spritz, thanks to Campari and national retailers like Total Wine & More carrying the aperitivo.
The best way to enjoy any spritz
The Sarti spritz is here to stay, and by 2027, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it on menus as a staple. Aperol as a liquor has lasting power because of it's unique flavor, but may not be top of mind next summer. It won't fade away, however, and those who want a tart, bitter cocktail will always have it.
No matter what flavor you crave, it’s easy to make following the 3-2-1 method that can be used to make any spritz.
Using a cup of ice as your base in a wine glass, start by adding three ounces of prosecco. Next, add two ounces of aperitivo (your choice of Aperol, Sarti Rosa, or St. Germaine). Finish the drink off with a short and sweet (one ounce) splash of club soda. Garnish with a lime for the Sarti spritz, an orange for Aperol or mint for the Hugo.
Whether you’re dreaming of the Italian Riviera while surfing Airbnb rentals you’ll never actually book, or craving a simple, elevated drink, any spritz will do the job. Thanks to Sarti Rosa, we have one more option to add to our roster. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
