Hand holding empty small bottle of Crodino next to wine glass with crodino, ice and orange slice inside.
Home » Italian Drinks » Crodino Spritz – Italy’s Non-Alcoholic Spritz Made Easy

Crodino Spritz – Italy’s Non-Alcoholic Spritz Made Easy

Last updated on October 28th, 2024

A Crodino Spritz is Italy’s most popular non-alcoholic mocktail if you are looking for a cocktail alternative to the classic Italian Spritz.

It’s light and refreshing, perfect for anyone looking for a bittersweet drink anytime of the year. 

I first fell in love with Crodino Spritz years ago when I moved to Italy and came to realize that sometimes in the Tuscan heat, it’s better to go analcolico or stick to non-alcoholic beverages. 

Whatever your reason for sticking to a mocktail, you are certain to be satisfied with this easy to make Crodino Spritz. In this article, I will share with you my step-by-step recipe to recreate this Italian non-alcoholic beverage at home.

And if you are lazy or pinched for time, do what we do here in Italy and simply pour a Crodino over ice and enjoy as is.

To learn more about Crodino itself and how Italians drink it read Crodino – Italy’s Most Popular Non-Alcoholic Beverage

What Is A Crodino Spritz?  

A Crodino Spritz is a non-alcoholic aperitif made with Crodino, tonic water and garnished with orange served over ice.

A Crodino Spritz is a great alternative for anyone looking to imitate the taste of a classic Aperol spritz without the alcohol. 

To learn more about non-alcoholic alternatives read 10+ Non-Alcoholic Italian Drinks That We Actually Drink In Italy (According To A Local).

What Does A Crodino Spritz Taste Like? 

Hand holds up Crodino bottle with others in background on white marble surface.

A Crodino spritz has a bitter-sweet flavor with a zesty, citrusy aroma that is cool and refreshing. 

I like to use the Crodino Rosso for a more bitter mocktail, which is what my Italian family prefers. For a lighter version, choose Crodino Biondo which has a milder flavor. 

Crodino Spritz Ingredients

Schweppes bottle, crodino bottle, and halved orange on a white marble surface.

To make a Crodino Spritz, all you need is a handful of ingredients and some ice. 

Crodino

Crodino bottles scattered on white marble surface.

Use 1 bottle of (100 ml) Crodino, Rosso (red) or Biondo (blond). Biondo, the original flavor, is lighter while the Rosso is more bitter. 

Tonic Water

Use 2 fl. oz (60 ml) tonic water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine of your choice. 

Sparkling Water

I like to use really fizzy sparkling water or club soda. Use whatever you have on hand. 

Orange Garnish

A Crodino Spritz is best finished with an orange garnish. Slice 1 orange and use either a half moon or whole orange slice to finish your mocktail. 

Crodino Spritz Step-By-Step Instructions

Hand pouring small Crodino bottle into wine glass with ice.

Fill a large globe or wine glass with ice cubes. Pour one small bottle of Crodino (Biondo or Rosso) into the glass.

Add tonic water to the glass and finish with just a splash of sparkling water.

Mix gently and garnish with a half moon or whole slice of orange.

Crodino Spritz Substitutions And Variations

Package of small bottles of Sanbitter.
  • If you cannot find Crodino, use another non-alcoholic bitter. San Pellegrino San Bitter is a good substitute in Italy but in the USA, you can ask any specialty wine or liquor shop if they have any locally made non-alcoholic alternatives to Aperol, Campari or Crodino. 
  • Use either tonic water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine interchangeably. 
  • For a more complex flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to your Crodino mocktail. 

How To Serve Crodino Spritz 

Kids eating from charcuterie board and platter outside. Glasses of spritz next to them.

A Crodino Spritz is typically served in place of a cocktail as an aperitivo in Italy (I liked to order when I was pregnant in Italy).

Serve a Crodino Spritz in any glass but the most traditional glass to use is a globe or wine glass, just as a typical Spritz would be served in. 

Garnish with either a whole slice of orange or a half moon slice. 

A Crodino Spritz is best enjoyed with a salty snack or nibble alongside it to balance out its bittersweet flavor. Choose from items such as the following, which are some of my favorites:

Fit In: Learn How to Toast in Italian!

Notes and Tips For Making A Crodino Spritz

Six bottles of Crodino laying next to each other.
  • Be sure all ingredients are well chilled before assembling your Crodino Spritz mocktail. 
  • Use bigger ice chunks to keep the drink from being watered down too quickly. 
  • For a lighter Crodino Spritz cocktail, opt for the Biondo but for a more bitter and full-bodied mocktail, choose the Rosso Crodino. 

Curious about drinking in Italy and if Crodino is okay for minors? Read The Legal Drinking Age In Italy – Advice From A Local.

You may want read My Favorite Mocktail Books That I Use to Make Non-Alcoholic Italian Drinks.

Hand holding empty small bottle of Crodino next to wine glass with crodino, ice and orange slice inside.

Crodino Spritz

An easy, non-alcoholic alternative to a classic spritz.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Italian
Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bottle Crodino rosso or biondo 100 ml
  • 2 fl. oz. tonic water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine 60 ml
  • splash sparkling water
  • ice cubes
  • 1 wedge orange half-moon or whole slice

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large globe or wine glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour one small bottle of Crodino (Biondo or Rosso) into the glass.
  • Add tonic water to the glass and finish with just a splash of sparkling water.
  • Mix gently and garnish with a half moon or whole slice of orange.
Keyword non-alcoholic
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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