We have Italy’s Barbieri brothers to thank for our favourite orange, bittersweet citrus drink, which was launched in 1919 at the Padua International Fair. But it wasn’t until the ’50s that the Aperol Spritz, that heavenly blend of Aperol, prosecco and a splash of soda, was born. The place – Venice, and the period was dubbed “Il Carosello” in the first ever Aperol TV commercial.

Since then, the Italian spritz has gone global, appealing to both cocktail and wine crowds thanks to its ideal ratio of sweet to bitter to bubbly – who can resist that citrusy taste of summer on ice? As an added perk, it’s a low-alcohol aperitif (at only 11 per cent by volume), making it all the more refreshing – if you’re shvitzing, best get spritzing!

If you want the full spritz experience, do as the Italians do and add all of the essential aperitivo hour trimmings. Start with cured Italian meats, cheeses and olives, then, if you’re up for it, up the ante with some arancini, polpette (meatballs) or anchovy-stuffed peppers. Salty snacks are thought to provoke thirst, making them a staple of this Italian ritual. But then, one glance at the rest of the world and it’s safe to say that we’re in the throes of a spritz pandemic; the phrase “aperitivo hour” has fast infiltrated everyday vernacular via local bars, pubs and restaurants.

As far as cocktails go, it couldn’t get any simpler: forget mixers, muddlers and shakers – all you need is a wine glass to re-create aperitivo hour’s orange-hued centrepiece.

The best way to remember how to nail a spritz is 3-2-1 – that’s three parts prosecco to two parts Aperol to one splash of soda, finished with ice and a slice of orange – or blood orange, if you’re feeling fancy. It’s best to mix the Aperol, prosecco and soda before you add the ice, so that it doesn’t need too much stirring. You can never have enough ice – unless, of course, there’s the issue of overflow (use your judgment here).

And finally, when it comes to your orange garnish, it’s the same rule that applies to your glass size: bigger is better. Need more tips? Head over here.