The iconic Italian Aperol Spritz gets a new, approachable makeover in this non-alcoholic mocktail version, with natural flavorings and no expensive specialty ingredients!
Known for its perfect balance of bitter and sweet, the Italian classic Aperol Spritz is made by combining Aperol or Campari with Prosecco, soda water, and a slice of orange. It used to be a favorite of mine on hot summer days.
Yet every aperol spritz mocktail you find online uses expensive specialty zero-proof liquors, or tastes nothing like the perfectly balanced bittersweet original. So I worked long and hard to develop the perfect Non-Alcoholic Aperol Spritz Mocktail, for individuals who want to enjoy this classic Italian cocktail without superfluous ingredients and flavors.
This non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz recipe maintains the essence of the original drink, offering a full-flavored and satisfying mocktail experience that perfectly balances bitter, sweet and effervescent. By using alternatives like non-alcoholic sparkling wine and a few secret ingredients, people can enjoy the complex and delicious flavor of the classic Italian aperol they know and love.
This non alcoholic cocktail is perfect for those who are abstaining from alcoholic drinks, designated drivers, or those just looking to enjoy a lighter and healthier beverage option.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz is a fantastic mocktail for those who enjoy the classic Italian drink but want to avoid alcohol. After testing many flavor combos, here's why I think this is truly the best recipe out there:
- Firstly, this alcohol-free drink captures the essence of the traditional Aperol Spritz while being an inclusive option for people who abstain from alcohol or have a reduced alcohol intake.
- This non alcoholic Aperol Spritz recipe also maintains the taste and flavor profile of its alcoholic counterpart. We use a few secret ingredients - aranciata soda, bitters, and maraschino cherry juice - to replicate the color and taste of the original.
- By using alcohol-free sparkling wine and orange sparkling tonic, your beverage retains the distinct bitter and sweet notes the Aperol Spritz is cherished for.
- Preparing an Aperol Spritz without alcohol is easy and healthy. The combination of juices provides a variety of vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin C from freshly squeezed oranges.
- This antioxidant-rich drink is perfect for health-conscious individuals seeking a satisfying mocktail without compromising their well-being.
- There are NO specialty ingredients here! No Lyre's Italian Spritz and no Wilfred's alcohol-free Aperol. Those are great, but unless you make this drink all the time, they'll sit in your pantry for ages.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this great non alcoholic aperitif recipe are:
- Alcohol-free sparkling white wine or champagne: Provides the fizzy base of the spritz; can substitute with any non-alcoholic sparkling beverage for a similar effect.
- Tonic water: Adds a slightly bitter and complex flavor; club soda or any flavored sparkling water could be used as an alternative.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: Offers a sweet and tangy taste; store-bought orange juice works too, but fresh gives a better flavor.
- Aranciata: A sweet Italian orange soda that enhances citrus notes; an orange-flavored soda or additional orange juice can be used if aranciata is unavailable.
- Grapefruit juice: Contributes a tart and slightly bitter edge; other citrus juices like lemon or lime can be used for a different but complementary tang.
- Soda water: Adds extra carbonation; if not available, increase the quantity of the sparkling wine or champagne.
- Cherry jar juice: Gives a hint of cherry sweetness; maraschino liqueur (non-alcoholic) or a red fruit juice could be used in its place.
- Grapefruit bitters: Provides a botanical bitterness to balance the sweetness; these have some alcohol, so if you want a completely zero-proof drink, use Sanbitter Rosso soda instead. If you're not sure about bitters in mocktails, read my guide!
Instructions
Making this virgin aperol spritz is simple and easy. Follow these steps to create a delicious and refreshing mocktail that captures the essence of the classic spritz veneziano without the alcohol:
Juicing the Oranges:
Begin by squeezing fresh oranges to obtain 2 ounces of juice. This fresh juice will be the foundation of your spritz's flavor. Set aside.
Combining the Citrus and Tonic:
Grab a glass and fill it with ice. Fill the glass halfway with the alcohol-free sparkling white wine or champagne to give your non-alcoholic spritz its signature sparkle. If you're using sparkling white wine, make sure it's chilled.
Balancing Bitterness and Sweetness:
Pour the freshly squeezed orange juice into the glass. Then, add the aranciata for a sparkling citrus kick. Follow this with the grapefruit juice, introducing a slightly bitter note. Finally, pour in the tonic water to add a subtle bitterness and complexity to the mix.
Final Touches:
Next, it's time to incorporate the cherry jar juice. This will add a hint of red to the color and a touch of sweetness. After that, add a few dashes of grapefruit bitters to balance the sweetness with a sophisticated bitter edge.
Stirring and Serving:
Gently stir all the ingredients together to combine the flavors without losing too much carbonation. Once mixed, garnish the glass with a slice of grapefruit and a slice of orange to highlight the dominant flavors of this non-alcoholic version of a classic.
Presentation
Pay attention to the presentation when mixing your alcohol-free Aperol Spritz at home. It's easy to take your drink to another level with simple touches.
- Ice Cubes: Fill a balloon glass or white wine glass with ice cubes to chill your drink and give it body.
- Garnish: Embellish your alcohol-free spritz with orange and grapefruit slices and a glass straw.
- Layering: To create a visually stunning non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz, layer each ingredient in a specific order - this helps achieve the perfect blend of colors.
Top Tips
- Choose a non-alcoholic bitter: The primary ingredient of an Aperol spritz is the Aperol, an Italian aperitif with a bitter taste. We choose a few ingredients that give the drink sweet and bitter notes to mimic the flavor.
- Fizz is key: An Aperol spritz traditionally uses Prosecco, a sparkling Italian wine, to provide effervescence. Substitute with an alcohol-free sparkling wine or tonic water to retain that effervescent quality. Then we also add more orange and grapefruit sodas to add even more bubbles!
- Both orange and grapefruit juices are necessary to strike the balance in this non-alcoholic alternative.
- Use a large wine glass, fill it with ice cubes, and garnish the drink with an orange and grapefruit slice.
Recipe
Non-Alcoholic Aperol Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oranges freshly squeezed
- 3 oz alcohol-free sparkling white wine or non-alcoholic champagne
- ½ oz aranciata
- ½ oz grapefruit juice
- 1 oz tonic water
- 4 teaspoon maraschino cherry jar juice
- few dashes grapefruit bitters OR Sanbitter Rosso
Instructions
- Juice the oranges until you have 2 oz of fresh juice.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Fill it halfway with alcohol-free sparkling wine.
- Add in the freshly squeezed orange juice, aranciata, grapefruit juice, and tonic water.
- Stir in the cherry jar juice.
- Dash in a few drops of grapefruit bitters or Sanbitter Rosso.
- Stir everything gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
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