The 2-1-2 NO-yorker: A Tequila & Aperol Mocktail Mashup

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The 2-1-2 is a cocktail recipe named after the Manhattan area code 2-1-2 but it’s also a reference to the ingredient ratio in the cocktail. This is a delicious mashup of tequila and Aperol, in a drink that has some resemblance to both a Paloma and a grapefruit spritz. It’s easy and classic and actually works really well as a zero-proof mocktail alternative with some tweaks to adjust for having no alcohol.

Many of the zero proof aperols are on the sweet side, so the slight alteration to this recipe to make it really taste good without alcohol is using a non-alcoholic aperitif that is more bitter. This reduces the sickly orange sweetness that can overpower the tequila and the delicate grapefruit.

For me, the one that works the best (same as my El Chipilo mocktail) is the Free Spirits Spirit of Aperitivo Milano. It’s just so nice as an aperitif - kind of midway between an aperol and a campari (I think Lyres Italian Spritz could work here too, but my bottle had a defective cap and I couldn’t open it to use it… let me know if you try it!).

I also tried this with three different zero proof tequilas, and the best pairing with the Free Spirits Aperitivo is the Almave Blanco. Ritual Tequila Alternative is too peppery and overpowers the entire drink and when paired with the Campari-style aperitif it loses its tequila profile for some reason. Free Spirit Spirit of Tequila also works nicely but for some reason the Almave Blanco is just right.

My only other adjustment to the original recipe would be to add a pinch of salt or rim your glass with a salty rim.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Almave Blanco

  • 1 oz Free Spirits Milano

  • 2 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

  • Pinch of salt

Preparation

  • Combine all three ingredients together in a mixing glass and stir with a large ice cube to chill.

  • Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a dried orange slice.