Last updated on October 28th, 2024
For all of you out there looking for an alcohol-free substitution for the classic Italian Spritz cocktail, I am here to help!
Enjoying a Spritz (either in Italy or making one at home) doesn’t have to involve alcohol. In my version of this non-alcoholic Italian Spritz, you can enjoy a similar cocktail to the classic Spritz without compromising flavor.
Let’s take a look at how to recreate this popular non-alcoholic Italian drink at home and how to serve it.
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What Is An Aperol Spritz Mocktail?
An Aperol Spritz mocktail is a non-alcoholic Italian mocktail created to taste similar to a classic Aperol Spritz but made with orange juice instead of prosecco and a non-alcoholic bitter instead of Aperol.
It’s most typically enjoyed in Italy as an aperitivo, a light drink to wet your appetite before dinner, served alongside salty snacks.
For a full rundown of my favorite Italian mocktails, check out Italian Mocktails That We Actually Drink in Italy.
What Does An Aperol Spritz Mocktail Taste Like?
An Aperol Spritz mocktail is one of the more filling Italian mocktails that I have learned to make over the years, with a strong citrus flavor with notes of bitter herbs from the Crodino. I enjoy a virgin Aperol Spritz most in the winter, when Italian oranges are at their best.
Keep In Mind: Just because you aren’t drinking alcohol, doesn’t mean you can’t cheers! Learn how to in How To Toast in Italian – 5 Ways To Toast In Italian, When To Use Them + Formal Etiquette.
Aperol Spritz Mocktail Ingredients
Just like a traditional Aperol Spritz, this Spritz mocktail follows the same 1-2-3 formula: 1 oz of club soda, 2 oz non-alcoholic bitters and 3 oz orange juice.
Club Soda Or Tonic Water
Use 1 oz (just a splash) of any other kind of unflavored sparkling water or tonic water.
Non-Alcoholic Bitters
Use 2 oz of any non-alcoholic bitters for a virgin Spritz such as San Bitters or Crodino. I prefer Crodino Rosso but they also make a less bitter version, Biondo.
Orange Juice
Use 3 oz orange juice, freshly squeezed, including the pulp or store bought orange juice. I think this mocktail is much better with freshly squeezed juice but for large crowds or when I don’t have time, store bought orange juice works just as well so don’t sweat it.
How To Make An Aperol Spritz Mocktail
If you are using fresh oranges, squeeze the juice. Add the orange juice and non-alcoholic bitters in a large globe or wine glass.
Fill with ice and top with the club soda or tonic water. Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.
Notes and Tips For Making An Aperol Spritz Mocktail
- Chill all your ingredients before using, including the glass.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice is the best for this Italian mocktail but feel free to use store bought juice for convenience (which is what I do with a crowd or when oranges are not in season).
- Crodino or San Bitters can be used interchangeably. Crodino Rosso works better in this recipe than the Biondo.
- A Spritz is most commonly enjoyed in a large wine or globe glass but it’s also served in a tall tumbler glass, which you can use as well, making for a more casual presentation.
How To Serve An Aperol Spritz Mocktail
An Aperol Spritz mocktail can be enjoyed anytime of the day but it’s most commonly enjoyed here in Italy as an aperitif before dinner alongside salty snacks to balance out its rich, sweet taste.
Below are some of Italy’s most common items served alongside an aperitivo:
- peanuts or other nuts
- wedges of cheese
- pieces of schiacciata, focaccia or bread
- chips or crackers
- olives
- grissini
You can also drink an Aperol Spritz mocktail for brunch or after dinner.
Check out some Italian mocktails we actually drink in Italy:
Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail
Apertass Italian Mocktail
Italian Lemon Ginger Mocktail
Italian Limonata
Aperol Spritz Mocktail
Crodino Spritz – Italy’s Non-Alcoholic Spritz Made Easy
You may want read My Favorite Mocktail Books That I Use to Make Non-Alcoholic Italian Drinks.
Italian Aperol Spritz Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1 oz club soda or tonic water (a splash)
- 2 oz non-alcoholic bitter such as Crodino
- 3 oz orange juice
Instructions
- If you are using fresh oranges, squeeze the juice. Add the orange juice and non-alcoholic bitters in a large globe or wine glass.
- Fill with ice and top with the club soda or tonic water. Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chill all your ingredients before using, including the glass.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice is the best for this Italian mocktail but feel free to use store bought juice for convenience (which is what I do with a crowd or when oranges are not in season).
- Crodino or San Bitters can be used interchangeably. Crodino Rosso works better in this recipe than the Biondo.
- A Spritz is most commonly enjoyed in a large wine or globe glass but it’s also served in a tall tumbler glass, which you can use as well, making for a more casual presentation.
