Last updated on October 28th, 2024
Whether you are looking to create a delicious mocktail at home or you are in Italy and wanting to try what locals drink – don’t miss the Apertass Italian mocktail, one of the best non-alcoholic Italian beverages!
I have been living in Tuscany since 2012, giving me ample time to drink the Apertass mocktail, and now I recreate it in my own home. I’m happy to share my own recipe that you can easily replicate at home for a refreshing and light alternative to a traditional cocktail.
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What Is An Apertass Italian Mocktail?
An Apertass Italian Mocktail is a virgin Apertass made with non-alcoholic bitters such as San Bitters or Crodino (instead of Campari) and Cedrata.
A non-alcoholic Italian drink made with bitters such as this is most commonly served before dinner as an aperitivo in Italy.
What Does An Apertass Italian Mocktail Taste Like?
An Apertass Italian mocktail tastes similar to a Campari Spritz – a fizzy low ABV aperitif made with prosecco, Campari and a splash of soda water. It’s citrusy but well-balanced with the bitter herbs from the Crodino.
An Apertass is slightly more sweet with a stronger citrus kick when compared to a Campari Spritz.
Apertass Italian Mocktail Ingredients
Non-Alcoholic Bitters
You can either use 2 oz Crodino, which you can read all about here or San Pellegrino San Bitters. I prefer Crodino but it’s simply a matter of what you are used to.
Cedrata
Cedrata is an Italian soft drink made from cedro or citron, a large yellow citrus fruit grown throughout Southern Italy (Calabria in particular) that tastes similar to a mild citrus soda with a slight aftertaste of ginger. Use 8 oz or enough to fill the rest of your glass.
How To Make An Apertass Italian Mocktail
Fill a tall tumbler or long drink glass with ice and add the non-alcoholic bitter.
Top with Cedrata, mix well and serve garnished with a slice of orange.
Notes and Tips For Making An Apertass Italian Mocktail
- Chill all your ingredients before using, including the glass
- An Apertaass Italian mocktail is usually served in a tall tumbler glass but you can also use any kind of long drink glass or tall water glass.
Apertass Italian Mocktail Variations
- If Cedrata is hard to find, you can use a lemon soda, known as limonata such as this one or make your own limonata.
- I prefer a virgin apertass made with Crodino Rosso but if you want a lighter flavor, try the Biondo, a slightly less bitter version.
- Garnish with any kind of citrus you have on hand including a twist of lemon instead of an orange slice.
How To Serve An Apertass Italian Mocktail
Of all the Italian mocktails that I make at home, this is the one that most resemble and taste like an regular cocktail, which is why I particularly enjoy it before dinner to keep hunger at bay.
And just like any other Italian aperitivo, salty snacks and small bites are always served alongside such as these popular choices:
- peanuts or other nuts
- chunks of parmesan
- 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.
Apertass Italian Mocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz non-alcoholic bitters such as San Bitters or Crodino
- 8 oz Cedrata
- 1 slice orange
Instructions
- Fill a tall tumbler or long drink glass with ice and add the non-alocholic bitter.
- Top with Cedrata, mix well and serve garnished with a slice of orange.
Notes
- Chill all your ingredients before using, including the glass
- An Apertaass Italian mocktail is usually served in a tall tumbler glass but you can also use any kind of long drink glass or tall water glass.
