Classic Non-Alcoholic Aperol Spritz Mocktail
/
The Aperol Spritz is one of the most popular summer drinks, and lucky for people who are cutting back on alcohol or don’t drink at all, it’s an ideal option to replicate as a mocktail.
Non-alcoholic aperitifs are the muse of the entire category, as the layered complexity of fully boozy aperitifs translates exceptionally well into its alcohol-free counterpart. With many true aperitifs, the strength of the liquid is a combination of the alcohol used as a solvent and the pungent recipe of the herbs, spices and other ingredients used in the secret formulations.
In non-alcoholic versions, the flavour punch of the same ingredients is extracted without alcohol resulting in a complex, bittersweet and herbal liquid that can be almost identical to the real thing.
In the case of a basic Aperol spritz, finding a good dupe is quite easy.
For Canadians: Eataly sells a fantastic dupe called Bella Aperitif for Spritz and it’s at the top of my list.
For U.S. & U.K.: I’ve always loved Lyre’s Spirit Co. Italian Spritz Style. It’s made in Australia but almost unrecognizable next to a real Aperol.
Ingredients:
2 oz Non-alcoholic aperitif
3 oz OddBird Spumante (non-alcoholic prosecco)
1 oz of plain seltzer
To prepare:
Add ice to a wine glass, almost to the top.
(if you don’t have a jigger, you can follow the 3-2-1 ratio rule and measure with your fingers along the side of the glass)
Pour in 2 oz of non-alcoholic aperitif, followed by 3 oz of non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Give a gentle stir.
Top with 1 oz of seltzer.
Seasonal upgrades
Spiced Pear Aperol Mocktail for Fall
Non-alcoholic Italian aperitifs pair really nicely with pear and cinnamon. You could add in 1 oz of pear juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon before adding the other ingredients. Make sure you stir everything to combine.
Grapefruit Spritz for Spring or Summer
Grapefruit is a really nice flavour combination with the bitter orange of the aperitifs. Instead of sparkling wine, swap it out with Fever Tree Pink Grapefruit Soda for a spring brunch mocktail.
I’d love to hear about your favourite non-alcoholic aperol spritz recipe. Drop a comment below!
Non-alcoholic drinks that give you a buzz are here for the sober curious, or tired but wired mamas! This is an easy yummy kava mocktail recipe - it tastes like a lemon drop martini, but has the relaxation benefits of kava!