A trio of delicious spritzes from cool beverage brand Sprio

Being of Sicilian heritage, there were always little bottles of a drink called ‘Chinotto’ in the kitchen fridge. If you’ve not tried this interesting concoction, Chinotto is a carbonated soft drink made from the juice of the myrtle-leaved orange tree. It looks like a cola but it’s certainly not a sweet drink – rather, it’s a beverage that leaves a bittersweet aftertaste and provides somewhat of a caffeine-like ‘kick’ for the drinker. Incidentally, the Coca-Cola Company produces its own (somewhat diluted) version under the brand name Fanta Chinotto, targeting a younger audience in Italy. Here in Australia, though, I mainly see San Pellegrino’s Chinotto in strict Italian cafés.

Now comes along another brand of Chinotto by natural beverage makers, Sprio. I’ve gotta say of all the Chinotto I sampled as a kid, and now that I’m a fully grown adult, this particular make of Chinotto is actually quite yummy. Not as bittersweet as the stricter manufacturers’ product and more of a ‘soda pop’ texture and taste to it.

The ‘Sprio’ brand was created by wine expert Anthony Nania and hospitality stalwart Fabbio Navarroli (of the Tuscan Bar in Melbourne). The company keeps its portfolio fairly minimalist, with quality higher on the agenda than quantity. They have the aforementioned delicious Chinotto, alongside a Blood Orange spritzer, and a Sicilian Lemon spritzer.

The Sicilian Lemon tastes just like the juice you get at the base of limoncello when the ice has melted on a not-too-hot day. Spritely, delicious and refreshing.

As for the Blood Orange, I’m not too big a fan of this member of the vitamin C family. To me a blood orange never really knows if it’s an orange or a grapefruit. But in its perfectly squished, cold-pressed style here, I’ll drink this OJ any day with a big breakfast. Others might find this too sparkly an idea for early in the day but, heck, it’s always five o’clock somewhere in the world.

That said, Sprio drinks make for a great alternative to alcoholic ones, and have a similar textural experience to drinking a cider. Of course they make for great mixers with the likes of vodka, gin or Cointreau, but if you’re going alcohol-free, they’re a nice fizzy bevvy to be holding at the next drinks party.

Antonino Tati

Sprio drinks are available from select cafés, bars and restaurants. For stockists or to purchase directly online, visit spriospritz.com.au.

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