Last updated on June 22nd, 2024
Whether you are on a trip in Italy looking for a non-alcoholic aperitivo or back at home looking for some inspiration tonight’s happy hour, look no further than this Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail, a favorite non-alcoholic aperitivo recipe that my Italian family makes every summer.
I have been based in Italy since 2012, all the while fully immersing myself in the Italian aperitivo culture. Don’t be mistaken though! An aperitivo doesn’t mean it has to be an alcoholic beverage. It can be any pre-dinner drink to whet your palate.
For a full rundown of my favorite Italian mocktails, check out Italian Mocktails We Actually Drink in Italy.
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What Is An Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail?
An Italian Cedrata long mocktail is Italy’s version of a virgin Mojito made with muddled sugar, mint and lime but finished with Cedrata, a carbonated non-alcoholic Italian drink not dissimilar to a lemon soda.
What Is Cedrata?
Cedrata is an Italian soft drink made from cedro or citron, a large yellow citrus fruit grown throughout Southern Italy. It’s a fizzy drink that tastes very mild yet sweet with notes of citrus and a hint of ginger.
The most popular Cedrata in Italy is produced by the brand Tassoni.
Where To Buy Cedrata
Cedrata is hard to find outside of Italy but it’s worth seeking out if you are looking for non-alcoholic Italian drinks. Look for it in small Italian supermarkets or well stocked liquor stores.
What Does An Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail Taste Like?
An Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail tastes similar to a Mojio but slightly more sweet, which is why I only use 1 teaspoon of sugar to muddle the lime and mint. It’s more citrusy than a typical Mojito but can be compensated by adding more mint which will overpower the Cedrata soft drink.
Keep In Mind: An Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail is a good alternative for minors. Read more about drinking in Italy in The Legal Drinking Age In Italy + Advice From A Local.
Cedrata Long Mocktail Ingredients
- ½ of a lime
- 3 sprigs of mint
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 bottle (6 oz) Cedrata*
*If you can’t find Cedrata, substitute with Italian limonata
How To Make An Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail
Cut the ½ lime into quarters and place them in a tall long drink glass (high tumbler glass) with the sugar and the mint leaves picked from 2 sprigs.
Muddle the three together well with the end of a wooden spoon, releasing all the natural oils and juices.
Fill the glass with ice and top with the Cedrata (don’t worry if you don’t use all 6 oz). Mix gently and garnish with the remaining sprig of mint.
Tips For Making The Best Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail
- Chill all your ingredients before using, including the glass
- Feel free to use any kind of sugar you like such as raw sugar (avoid brown sugar)
Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail Variations
- Use basil leaves instead of mint leaves
- If you cannot find Cedrata, use a lemon soda such as this one or make your own limonata
How To Serve An Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail
To offset the sweetness of this Italian mocktail, I suggest you serve several salty snacks, just as you would with any other Italian aperitivo such as:
- peanuts or other toasted nuts
- wedges of cheese
- crostini
- 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
Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1/2 lime
- 3 sprigs mint
- 1 tsp suger
- 1 bottle Cedrata (6oz), or substitute with Italian limonata
Instructions
- Cut the ½ lime into quarters and place them in a tall long drink glass (high tumbler glass) with the sugar and the mint leaves picked from 2 sprigs.
- Muddle the three together well with the end of a wooden spoon, releasing all the natural oils and juices.
- Fill the glass with ice and top with the Cedrata (don’t worry if you don’t use all 6 oz). Mix gently and garnish with the remaining sprig of mint.
