National Spritz Day is August 1, and everyone who likes (or drinks) cocktails should be celebrating. There’s no other place like the Hamptons to have a fancy spritz somewhere lovely. Some countless bars and restaurants have an assortment of acceptable alcohol bases to make your favorite drink. We’ve narrowed down the best ones to celebrate this year, and we encourage you to visit and support these local establishments. National Spritz Day was created in 2023, but spritz originated in the 19th century. Austro-Hungarian soldiers in what is now Italy created the blended cocktail when they found Italian wines too strong.
The definition of spritz is relatively easy to explain. It just means more than one alcohol mixed. The most famous is the Aperol spritz, created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers, Luigi and Silvio, in Padua, Italy. The Barbieri brothers created the Aperol, which was experimented on in the 1950s to develop the now-famous Aperol spritz. Here are eight restaurants in the Hamptons to celebrate National Spritz Day.
LDV at The Maidstone
East Hampton
Headed by the fabulous Chef Jorge Espinoza, LDV at The Maidstone is a popular East Hampton restaurant with a good assortment of different spritzes for you to enjoy. Some favorites are the Maidstone Spritz (Atian gin, Aperol, St Germain, pink grapefruit, and prosecco) and the Lavender Lemonade (Grey Goose vodka, lavender honey, yuzu curacao, citrus and club soda). From Wednesday through Sunday, they have an aperitif hour (3-6 pm), which would be the perfect time and place to celebrate National Spritz Day.
Rowdy Hall
Amagansett
Don’t let the draft beer fool you. Rowdy Hall is more than capable of creating a wonderful spritz. Now located in Amagansett, the hall is an excellent place to grab some food and pair it with a piña-Verde (green chartreuse, ripe fresh-pressed pineapple juice, and homemade coconut crema) or their new spritz “The Opening Ceremony” (nonvintage champagne brut, Lillet blanc, angostura bitters, and demerara syrup), which was just created for the Olympics. There’s no shortage of blends here.
Topping Rose House
Bridgehampton
If you’ve been to Topping Rose House, you know how special it can be. If you’ve eaten at Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House, you know how delicious the farm-to-table restaurant can also be. We can’t get enough of this place; its bar and lounge are the perfect places to grab a spritz for the holiday. Their mixologists are experienced and know precisely what would make a great summer cocktail. Take advantage of this; reserve a table if you feel peckish after trying a spritz.
75 Main
Southampton
Located in the heart of Southampton, 75 Main is an institution. If you’re a Southampton local or regular, you’ve at least been here once. Since National Spritz Day is on a Thursday, we recommend coming here for brunch and having an Aperol spritz at one of their sidewalk tables. It’s a great place to people-watch and soak in the summer ambiance.
Rosie’s
Amagansett
Check out Rosie’s if you want something more casual but enjoyable. It’s an American eatery with a quality assortment of top-shelf alcohol. Make sure to have their signature cocktail, Out Easter. It’s made with gin, cucumber, basil, lime, and agave. Due to its freshness, this blend is the perfect summer drink.
The Baker House 1650
East Hampton
The Baker House 1650 is a beautiful East Hampton bed and breakfast, perfect for a weekend stay. Even better, they have a sunset cocktail hour every Wednesday through Sunday during the summer. On August 1, they have a special aperitivo sunset cocktails event where you can sample a curated assortment of cocktails for the holiday. Admission is free, but parking is your responsibility.
Sagaponack Farm Distillery
Sagaponack
The Sagaponack Farm Distillery is a bourbon, rye, and vodka wonderland. Since the distillery creates most of the base alcohols you need for a spritz, why not stay for a cocktail? This summer, a diverse set of musicians will roll in for performances. We recommend coming for a cocktail but staying for a show.
Le Bilboquet Sag Harbor
Sag Harbor
Le Bilboquet is the perfect place to have a spritz cocktail and enjoy views of the Sag Harbor marina and bay. It’s also a cute place to have a bite. They have a memorable summer cocktail list that is to die for. Some favorites include classics like the Aperol spritz, dry martinis, and margaritas. This is your place if you’re looking for aesthetics, great food, and a view.