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.
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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?
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
To make a Crodino Spritz, all you need is a handful of ingredients and some ice.
Crodino
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
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
- 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
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:
- Salted nuts
- Crackers or breadsticks
- Potato chips
- Small squares of focaccia or schiacciata
- Wedges of cheese
- charcuterie such as prosciutto, slices of sausages or mortadella
Fit In: Learn How to Toast in Italian!
Notes and Tips For Making A Crodino Spritz
- 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.
Crodino Spritz
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.