WhatsApp
Houseboat

Don't call it just Aperitif, it's Aperol Sprits Time!

Story

Composed of 3 elements: sparkling white wine, fizzy water and Aperol. It is the climax of a typical boating day, and it comes at 6pm.

And here, in front of our bow, the mooring pier. The day is coming to an end, it’s about 6 o’clock in the afternoon. After doing sunbathing, swimming, preparing a quick lunch on the flybridge of our houseboat, a nice ride on a bike and going shopping, it’s time to slow down. Silence replaces the chattering, and the friends go below deck to have a shower.

It’s almost here, the moment for our happy hour, the worldwide tradition, which in Italy reaches its highest levels of competitiveness. You can ask any Venetian about their opinion on a happy hour, they will say that Venetians are the champions of the world.

Some love wine, others prefer a beer, others again like a Gin Tonic: depending on their town of origin. But of this be sure, if there is a Venetian on board, he will extract, just as a magician form his top hat, 2 sacred bottles, a red and an orange one. Those who do not know them, and believe me: there are still a lot, look at them with mixed feelings of suspect and curiosity.

Then we break through the hesitation. From the kitchen on board they go upstairs to the panoramic patio, in random order: 8 stumpy and stable glasses (they must not tip over), chips and snacks, the commander sits down on the largest and most comfortable seat, and then the music, that starts softly, then grows.

It’s no longer time for an aperitif… it’s time for Spritz

The mixture is made of 3 elements

  • Sparkling white wine (the best would be a Prosecco), 
  • Fizzy water (the best would be Selzer) 
  • Aperol, or Campari (the purists prefer “Bitter”). In 3 equal parts, a chunk of citrus, ice.

This magic potion, the Spritz, is very much loved and appreciated. Here in the Veneto Region it represents a cultural heritage.

We must inevitably pay homage to history, which teaches us that the legendary name “Spritz” stems from Austrian origins and dates back to the times of Austrian domination in Veneto, in the eighteenth century. Back in the days, the Austrians did not appreciate the alcohol content of the wine and they watered it down by adding fizzy water. (hence the name Spritz, from the verb “spritzen” – “splash”)

This would be a really evocative anecdote, if it wasn’t for the fact that even the idea of watering down wine is considered a crime. At least here in this area.    

Anyway, how it so happens, unwitting madness became unintentional genius. And in the shadow of the bell tower of San Marco this genius took roots.

The long-awaited moment of the Happy Hour with a god spritz, on board, overlooking the lagoon becoming fiery red in the sunset, when the boats stop sailing, is just heavenly.

After 6 o’clock it is quickly 8 o’clock and it’s time to get ready for dinner.

There is a cosy little restaurant 200m further on, not far from here. What do you think, shall we go there?

To be honest I’ve already eaten quite a lot of “sfurizzi” (another story for another time) and I’ve had enough to drink, I’m not really in the mood of going there…

You know what? This evening I’d rather stay here, rocking a little longer ;  let’s finish these two bottles and go to bed early. We will go to the restaurant tomorrow, when we are done with rocking.

Stories and Insights

HouseBlog

Travel stories, inspirations and insights to prepare your holiday on board. Filter by category and enjoy reading.

Story

Sailing with friends in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia: ideas and tips for an unforgettable river holiday

Discover our tips for organising a boating holiday with friends in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Contact us to book your houseboat!

Find out more
Find out more
Story

Villa Pisani: a plunge into history along the Riviera del Brenta

Discover Villa Pisani with Houseboat Holidays Italia, a true gem of history and culture

Find out more
Find out more
Story

An unforgettable adventure: discover Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia by houseboat with your children

Experience an unforgettable adventure with your children: discover Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia by houseboat. Explore picturesque places and create precious memories

Find out more
Find out more
Story

Explore the magic of the Violet Artichoke Festival in Sant'Erasmo with Houseboat Holidays Italy!

Are you looking for a unique and fascinating experience to enjoy in Italy? Houseboat Holidays Italia suggests you discover the Violet Artichoke Festival in Sant'Erasmo, a traditional event celebrating the violet artichoke, one of the region's food and wine treasures.

Find out more
Find out more
Story

4 things to do in Summer in Friuli Venezia Giulia: between sea, culture and fun

Summer in Friuli Venezia Giulia is the perfect time to discover the region's hidden treasures and enjoy the sea, sun and fun. During a houseboat vacation you can have an exciting experience and enjoy a wonderful region. Here are 4 experiences to have in Summer in Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Find out more
Find out more
Story

5 Things to Do in Spring in Veneto During a Houseboat Vacation

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in Veneto, with pleasant temperatures and a blooming nature that invites exploration and adventure.

Find out more
Find out more
Insight

Navigating in Houseboat in Veneto: everything you need to know about navigation rules

Boating in waterways in Veneto and in Friuli on a self driven river cruiser is an unforgettable and unique experience, but it is important to know the navigation tricks.

Find out more
Find out more
Story

Easter boating in Veneto: stories and traditions

Easter is one of the most important holidays of the year, and over the centuries it has united religion and folklore. But what are the Easter traditions in Veneto?

Find out more
Find out more
Venetian briccole
Story

Venetian briccole: what are they -and what is their story?

The Briccole are one of the symbols of Venice, although less known to mass tourism. You can meet them while navigating in the lagoons of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. But what is their story?

Find out more
Find out more
Story

Prosecco is a unique wine produced in the hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in Veneto, and exported all over the world

Prosecco is produced in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia and from there it has conquered the whole world, becoming the most exported Italian wine. But what is the incredible story of Prosecco?

Find out more
Find out more
arrow prev
arrow next

Houseboat Holidays Italia

An experience in close contact with water, along the slow flowing river, away from crowds and mass tourism.

Catalog Plan your vacation

Request the Houseboat catalog now.

Maps Navigation charts

Buy our maps.

Buy now

Keep in touch

Receive updates and articles from Houseboat.

Houseboat Holidays Italia

Secluded beaches, sometimes unknown islets, historic villages, and culinary culture.