SWith ummer officially joining the chat, it means spritz season is upon us (at least for the next three months or so). Our social media pages are filled with people from long-lost friends, relatives, and absolutely Seeing influencers soaking up the sun on picturesque Italian beaches with Aperol Spritz in hand is sure to make us feel something: FOMO. And since a secondhand experience can only get you so far, we thought it was time to bring the joy of making a spritz to the rest of us.
A few drinks can make a party even more fun, but nothing puts you off like suffering from a terrible hangover the next day. So we asked some of our favorite mixology experts to share their refreshing twists on the traditional Aperol Spritz. Here are some cocktails that will become your new favorites. Non-alcoholic A recipe for Aperol Spritz that will instantly transport you to your own personal paradise.
What’s in a traditional Aperol Spritz?
According to Marcus Szaky, co-founder of Ritual Zero Proof, a traditional Aperol Spritz is usually made with just four simple ingredients: “Aperol or not, a spritz is traditionally made with sparkling wine, aperitivo (like Aperol), club soda, and garnished with an orange slice,” Szaky says.
Combining Aperol (an Italian bitter aperitif, an alcoholic drink usually drunk before a meal), Prosecco (a type of Italian sparkling wine), and soda water creates a fizzy, bright orange drink with a hint of citrus and a refreshing flavor (thanks to Aperol).
Related article
Drinking Aperol on its own can be quite bitter, with a strong orange peel flavor, but when made into a spritz, the bubbles counteract the bitterness and dilute the strong aperitif’s flavor. “Aperol has been around for a long time and is synonymous with summer, and for good reason: it’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a long day in the sun,” says Saky.
But Aperol Spritz isn’t only delicious when it contains alcohol. In fact, an alcohol-free “Aperol Spritz” is just as delicious, if not more so, and we’re here to show you three easy ways to make it.
3 Easy Recipes for a Non-Alcoholic Aperol Spritz
1. Orange kefir + grapefruit juice + lemon juice + orange slices
According to mixologist Kennedy Johnson, citrus-flavored kefir is a great choice when making a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz (with the added benefit of better gut health). “The main ingredients are GT’s Orange Peach Mango Agua de Kefir, fresh orange slices, and ice. The agua de kefir helps to replicate the bubbly feel of Prosecco, the orange slices add a bit of that fresh citrus flavor to the Aperol Spritz, and the ice helps keep it cold and refreshing,” Johnson says.
Johnson’s recipe: Serve 4 oz. of GT’s Orange Peach Mango Agua de Kefir, 2 oz. of grapefruit juice, and 1 oz. of lemon juice over ice and garnish with an orange slice.
2. Aperitif replacement + soda water
Saky’s recipe is even easier to make, as it only requires two ingredients: “To make a satisfying non-alcoholic version, use Ritual Aperitif Alternative and soda water. With just two ingredients, you’ll have a zero-ABV, low-sugar, zero-calorie spritz you can drink all day,” Saky says. “The beauty of a spritz is its simplicity,” he adds.
Ritual Zero Proof Aperitif Alternative delivers the intense bitterness of an Italian aperitif and the complex sweetness of a French vermouth, without the alcohol. Plus, it can easily be used as an Aperol replacement at a 1:1 ratio. “What makes Ritual different is that it’s a 1:1 spirits replacement, meaning no tricky ratios are needed to recreate your favorite full-proof drinks. By simply substituting Ritual for the traditional spirit, virtually any cocktail can be made non-alcoholic,” says Saky.
Sakhi recipe: 1 1/2 oz Ritual Aperitif Alternative and 2 1/2 oz soda (and/or prosecco)
3. Caprese Spritz + Non-alcoholic Bitters + Orange Slice
Mocktail Club founder Pauline Idogo says that Capri Spritz (a canned, non-alcoholic cocktail made with antioxidant-rich pomegranate and cranberry juices) is the best base for a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz. “We like to use Capri Spritz as a base because it’s rich and complex without the fuss,” Pauline says. The drink not only has the tart, citrusy notes of pomegranate and cranberry, but also caffeine-free black tea and lemongrass, which replicate Aperol’s tannic notes and add some vibrancy.
Idogo Recipe: 4 ounces Caprese Spritz, 3 dashes of non-alcoholic bitters (All the Bitter Aromatic is recommended), fresh orange slices
What’s the secret to making a great mocktail?
According to Saqi, the secret to creating a great mocktail lies in the mixing ingredients: “You’ll always need bar essentials like shakers and mixing spoons, but when it comes to stocking your bar for summer, I like to keep fresh fruit and bitters on hand. Not only do they add a unique twist to your mocktails, they also add colour, aroma and depth of flavour,” he says.
But if you want something quicker and easier, try the Free AF Apero Spritz, a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz in a can. Just open the can and pour over ice (optional). Don’t forget the sunscreen, and you’re ready to hit the beach.
These products are independently selected by our editors, and if you buy through our links, Well+Good may earn a commission.
