Whatever the reason, Italy’s most popular cocktail is definitely here to stay. And the good news is that the non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz is one of the most convincing swaps you’ll find. In fact, if you are looking for ways to convert your friends to alcohol-free drinks, start with an alcohol-free Aperitif Spritz.
If you’re new to alcohol-free Aperitif Spritz alternatives, I’m thrilled to tell you that there are multiple options available including Aperitif alternatives that you can pair with non-alcoholic sparkling wine and ready-to-drink Aperitif Spritz mocktails. To make things really easy for you, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz substitutes.
Where did Aperitif Spritz come from?
The classic Italian Aperitif spirit was invented over 100 years ago, by a pair of brothers, Luigi and Silvio Barbieri. It included a combination of oranges, both bitter and sweet, rhubarb, herbs and roots.
It’s hard to imagine now, but Italian Aperitif didn’t really become popular until the end of World War Two. Once it took off though, it turned into an instant classic, with the Aperitif Spritz quickly becoming Italy’s most loved cocktail.
These days, the Italian Aperitif Spritz is popular around the world, especially in the summertime.
What’s in an Aperitif Spritz mocktail?
You only need three ingredients to make this iconic mocktail — non-alcoholic Aperitif spirit alternative, non-alcoholic sparkling wine and soda water. Typically, an Aperitif Spritz is garnished with a slice of orange and a green olive.
The perfect Aperitif Spritz recipe is simple. Add ice to a wine glass and pour in a measure of your non-alcoholic Aperitif spirit alternative. Add a measure of non-alcoholic sparkling wine and finally, top with a dash of soda water.
The best alcohol-free Aperitif alternatives
1. Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice
[product name="sans-bar-spritzing-in-venice"]
The product
I created Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice with the intention of making the best possible Aperitif Spritz mocktail and I’m delighted by how well it turned out. Like all of the non-alcoholic spirits in the Sans Bar range, I worked with a team of food scientists to perfect the recipe.
The taste
Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice has all the complexity of a traditional Aperitif spirit including the complexity of burnt orange, bitter herbs and rhubarb. It also has a full alcohol-like mouthfeel.
Worth noting
Spritzing In Venice is made in Australia without artificial colours or artificial sweeteners. It’s low in sugar (0.1g per 100ml), low in calories (14g per 100ml) and vegan-friendly.
Try this
I love making an Aperitif Spritz mocktail with best-selling non-alcoholic sparkling wine Thomson & Scott Noughty. Use this Aperitif Spritz recipe to make yourself a Noughty Spritz. To make ordering really easy, you can get both the products you need for this mocktail in the Spritzing In Venice Bundle (Aperitif Spritz Pack) discounted pack.
What customers are saying
“I fell in love with Aperitif Spritz when I was in Italy some years ago. This is such a great non-alcoholic alternative! I love sipping it in the sun on a Sunday afternoon.”
“Quite possibly one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted — and this includes alcoholic cocktails. Just the right amount of bitterness, a really interesting and intriguing flavour that makes you want to keep on sipping."
2. Ms Sans Sunset In A Bottle
[product name="ms-sans-sunset-in-a-bottle"]
The product
The Ms Sans range is all about mocktails, so when I decided to expand from the original range of Ms Sans pre-mixed mocktails, an Aperitif spirit replacement was high on the list.
The taste
Like the Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice, Ms Sans Sunset In A Bottle features herbs and rhubarb — but it also has a blood orange twist. With delicious bitter notes, it makes mocktails that are so reminiscent of the original Italian Aperitif Spritz that you’ll be checking the label.
Worth noting
Sunset In A Bottle is low in sugar (0.1g per 100ml), low in calories (14g per 100ml) and vegan-friendly. It’s made in Australia without artificial colours or artificial sweeteners.
Try this
As much as I love an Aperitif Spritz, there are times when I crave something a little simpler. There is no non-alcoholic sparkling wine in this Aperitif Spritz recipe, so it’s a little quicker to make. I recommend adding a sprig of rosemary to your Blood Orange Spritz to help bring out those classic bitter notes we all love.
What customers are saying
“Absolutely love this drink. Took the advice and mixed it with soda and a twist of orange. Perfect!”
“Mixed this delicious spritz with fresh orange slices and some non-alc sparkling on a balmy evening and it certainly didn’t disappoint! The flavour was so punchy, it wasn’t sickly sweet and tasted like a fresh European getaway.”
3. Lyre's Italian Spritz
[product name="lyres-italian-spritz"]
The product
Founded in Australia, Lyre’s Spirits makes non-alcoholic spirits that mimic the classics. They’re globally recognised as one of the top non-alcoholic spirit brands and have won a vast array of awards. The Lyre's Italian Spritz is one of the most popular drinks from their range.
The taste
Crafted to capture the essence of the original Aperitif spirit, Lyre's Italian Spritz has a complex bitter-sweet flavour profile. It has a classic orange-red colour and features a mix of aromas including rhubarb and bitter orange, lifted with herbal notes.
Worth noting
Lyre's Italian Spritz is made in Australia and is vegan-friendly. It is higher in sugar and calories than other Aperitif spirits on the market with 20g of sugar and 83 calories per 100 ml.
Try this
While Lyre's Italian Spritz was created with the classic Aperitif Spritz in mind, it also works very well in another classic Italian drink — the Negroni. Usually made with gin, vermouth Rosso and the other type of Italian Aperitivo (you know, the red one) this Lyre's Negroni Mocktail makes a great, bitter, twist.
What customers are saying
“I have served this drink up to many of my Aperitif Spritz drinking friends and everyone was convinced it was the alcoholic version. I converted a few people on the spot after tasting it. I love this product. It is my “go-to” drink for summer. I add the Odd Bird Spumante Veneto Prosecco and I’m set for the night.”
“An Amalfi spritz made with this Italian Spritz and just about any non-alcoholic sparkling is so close to a classic Aperitif Spritz — it’s just like the real thing!”
4. Lyre's Italian Orange
[product name="lyres-italian-orange"]
The product
Another classic Italian style spirit, Lyre's Italian Orange is a great dupe for the red Italian Aperitivo that’s popular with soda. This product was recently named Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient at the 2022 Spirited Awards — where it went up against alcoholic spirits.
The taste
This non-alcoholic red Aperitivo has a rich mouthfeel with pithy dryness on the palate. It features aromas of blood orange and citrus with notes of Maraschino on the palate.
Worth noting
Lyre's Italian Orange is made in Australia and is vegan-friendly. It is higher in sugar and calories than other red Aperitivo on the market with 18g of sugar and 75 calories per 100 ml.
Try this
If you’re entertaining then it’s great to find a mocktail that you can make in bulk. with Lyre's Italian Orange and Lyre’s Dry London Spirit, Lyre's Spritz No 2 Pitcher Mocktail Punch is ideal for sharing on a sunny day.
What customers are saying
“I love this product…mixed with soda, lots of ice and non-alcoholic sparkling wine, it's a great summer drink!”
“This is tasty. I've found some other AF spirits watery and bland but this has plenty of flavour with a nice balance of some sweetness and a good dash of bitterness. I am looking forward to drinking it with some AF bubbles over the Christmas season.”
5. Monday Non-Alcoholic Aperitz Spritz
[product name="non-alcoholic-aperitz-spritz"]
The product
Based in Victoria, Monday Distillery makes a wide range of pre-mixed, ready-to-drink mocktails that taste just like the classics. Monday Non-Alcoholic Aperitz Spritz is a cross between a classic Italian Aperitif Spritz and a Negroni-style spritz.
The taste
Monday Non-Alcoholic Aperitz Spritz features aromas of orange peel, espresso, and rosemary along with a perfect blend of bitter Italian orange, zesty grapefruit, and undertones of tart cherry.
Worth noting
This ready-to-drink Italian Aperitif Spritz is free from artificial additives and flavours. It is sugar-free and has less than 1 calorie per 100 ml, so you don’t have to think twice about those Aperitif Spritz calories. This drink is naturally sweetened with stevia.
How to serve
Monday Non-Alcoholic Aperitz Spritz is best served in an Old Fashioned glass over ice. Garnish with a slice of orange and a Maraschino cherry. You can also drink it with a straw, straight from the beautifully designed bottle.
What customers are saying:
“This was the first non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz that I've tried and I enjoyed the taste — it's not too sugary and has a more adult taste. It was the perfect replacement for me for an alcoholic spritz.”
“I love an Aperitif Spritz and this is such a refreshing one that's not too sweet and not too bitter. I love it and will continue to buy it and recommend it to friends.”
6. Sans Bar's Spritzing In Venice Can
[product name="sans-bar-spritzing-in-venice-can"]
The product
I’m so excited to introduce you to this product — a ready-to-drink non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz made with Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice, premium non-alcoholic dry sparkling wine and crisp soda water.
The taste
Perfectly balanced and pre-mixed with the best non-alcohol sparkling for Aperitif Spritz, Sans Bar's Spritzing In Venice Can features flavours of burnt orange, bitter herbs and rhubarb.
Worth noting
Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice Can is made in Australia without artificial colours or artificial sweeteners. It’s low in sugar, vegan-friendly and just 6 calories per 100ml so no need to worry about Aperitif Spritz calories.
How to serve
Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice Can is best served chilled. Pour into a large wine glass over ice and garnish with a fresh slice of orange and a green olive. You can also enjoy this non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz straight from the can.
Discover the perfect Aperitif Spritz for you
The thing about mocktails is that we all have our own preferences about strength, presentation and even the amount of ice. All of the different non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz options in this guide taste slightly different, so there is bound to be one that you love. To learn more, please explore my collection of Aperitif and Aperitivo alternatives. You can also sign up to my loyalty club so I can let you know about new products and special offers.
I hope that this guide has given you some good ideas about the different products I stock as well as a little inspo to lift your Aperitif Spritz game. Please follow me on Instagram so that you can tag me in all your Italian Aperitif Spritz photos. I can’t wait to see you all enjoying the non-alcoholic drink of the summer!
Whatever the reason, Italy’s most popular cocktail is definitely here to stay. And the good news is that the non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz is one of the most convincing swaps you’ll find. In fact, if you are looking for ways to convert your friends to alcohol-free drinks, start with an alcohol-free Aperitif Spritz.
If you’re new to alcohol-free Aperitif Spritz alternatives, I’m thrilled to tell you that there are multiple options available including Aperitif alternatives that you can pair with non-alcoholic sparkling wine and ready-to-drink Aperitif Spritz mocktails. To make things really easy for you, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz substitutes.
Where did Aperitif Spritz come from?
The classic Italian Aperitif spirit was invented over 100 years ago, by a pair of brothers, Luigi and Silvio Barbieri. It included a combination of oranges, both bitter and sweet, rhubarb, herbs and roots.
It’s hard to imagine now, but Italian Aperitif didn’t really become popular until the end of World War Two. Once it took off though, it turned into an instant classic, with the Aperitif Spritz quickly becoming Italy’s most loved cocktail.
These days, the Italian Aperitif Spritz is popular around the world, especially in the summertime.
What’s in an Aperitif Spritz mocktail?
You only need three ingredients to make this iconic mocktail — non-alcoholic Aperitif spirit alternative, non-alcoholic sparkling wine and soda water. Typically, an Aperitif Spritz is garnished with a slice of orange and a green olive.
The perfect Aperitif Spritz recipe is simple. Add ice to a wine glass and pour in a measure of your non-alcoholic Aperitif spirit alternative. Add a measure of non-alcoholic sparkling wine and finally, top with a dash of soda water.
The best alcohol-free Aperitif alternatives
1. Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice
The product
I created Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice with the intention of making the best possible Aperitif Spritz mocktail and I’m delighted by how well it turned out. Like all of the non-alcoholic spirits in the Sans Bar range, I worked with a team of food scientists to perfect the recipe.
The taste
Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice has all the complexity of a traditional Aperitif spirit including the complexity of burnt orange, bitter herbs and rhubarb. It also has a full alcohol-like mouthfeel.
Worth noting
Spritzing In Venice is made in Australia without artificial colours or artificial sweeteners. It’s low in sugar (0.1g per 100ml), low in calories (14g per 100ml) and vegan-friendly.
Try this
I love making an Aperitif Spritz mocktail with best-selling non-alcoholic sparkling wine Thomson & Scott Noughty. Use this Aperitif Spritz recipe to make yourself a Noughty Spritz. To make ordering really easy, you can get both the products you need for this mocktail in the Spritzing In Venice Bundle (Aperitif Spritz Pack) discounted pack.
What customers are saying
“I fell in love with Aperitif Spritz when I was in Italy some years ago. This is such a great non-alcoholic alternative! I love sipping it in the sun on a Sunday afternoon.”
“Quite possibly one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted — and this includes alcoholic cocktails. Just the right amount of bitterness, a really interesting and intriguing flavour that makes you want to keep on sipping."
2. Ms Sans Sunset In A Bottle
The product
The Ms Sans range is all about mocktails, so when I decided to expand from the original range of Ms Sans pre-mixed mocktails, an Aperitif spirit replacement was high on the list.
The taste
Like the Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice, Ms Sans Sunset In A Bottle features herbs and rhubarb — but it also has a blood orange twist. With delicious bitter notes, it makes mocktails that are so reminiscent of the original Italian Aperitif Spritz that you’ll be checking the label.
Worth noting
Sunset In A Bottle is low in sugar (0.1g per 100ml), low in calories (14g per 100ml) and vegan-friendly. It’s made in Australia without artificial colours or artificial sweeteners.
Try this
As much as I love an Aperitif Spritz, there are times when I crave something a little simpler. There is no non-alcoholic sparkling wine in this Aperitif Spritz recipe, so it’s a little quicker to make. I recommend adding a sprig of rosemary to your Blood Orange Spritz to help bring out those classic bitter notes we all love.
What customers are saying
“Absolutely love this drink. Took the advice and mixed it with soda and a twist of orange. Perfect!”
“Mixed this delicious spritz with fresh orange slices and some non-alc sparkling on a balmy evening and it certainly didn’t disappoint! The flavour was so punchy, it wasn’t sickly sweet and tasted like a fresh European getaway.”
3. Lyre's Italian Spritz
The product
Founded in Australia, Lyre’s Spirits makes non-alcoholic spirits that mimic the classics. They’re globally recognised as one of the top non-alcoholic spirit brands and have won a vast array of awards. The Lyre's Italian Spritz is one of the most popular drinks from their range.
The taste
Crafted to capture the essence of the original Aperitif spirit, Lyre's Italian Spritz has a complex bitter-sweet flavour profile. It has a classic orange-red colour and features a mix of aromas including rhubarb and bitter orange, lifted with herbal notes.
Worth noting
Lyre's Italian Spritz is made in Australia and is vegan-friendly. It is higher in sugar and calories than other Aperitif spirits on the market with 20g of sugar and 83 calories per 100 ml.
Try this
While Lyre's Italian Spritz was created with the classic Aperitif Spritz in mind, it also works very well in another classic Italian drink — the Negroni. Usually made with gin, vermouth Rosso and the other type of Italian Aperitivo (you know, the red one) this Lyre's Negroni Mocktail makes a great, bitter, twist.
What customers are saying
“I have served this drink up to many of my Aperitif Spritz drinking friends and everyone was convinced it was the alcoholic version. I converted a few people on the spot after tasting it. I love this product. It is my “go-to” drink for summer. I add the Odd Bird Spumante Veneto Prosecco and I’m set for the night.”
“An Amalfi spritz made with this Italian Spritz and just about any non-alcoholic sparkling is so close to a classic Aperitif Spritz — it’s just like the real thing!”
4. Lyre's Italian Orange
The product
Another classic Italian style spirit, Lyre's Italian Orange is a great dupe for the red Italian Aperitivo that’s popular with soda. This product was recently named Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient at the 2022 Spirited Awards — where it went up against alcoholic spirits.
The taste
This non-alcoholic red Aperitivo has a rich mouthfeel with pithy dryness on the palate. It features aromas of blood orange and citrus with notes of Maraschino on the palate.
Worth noting
Lyre's Italian Orange is made in Australia and is vegan-friendly. It is higher in sugar and calories than other red Aperitivo on the market with 18g of sugar and 75 calories per 100 ml.
Try this
If you’re entertaining then it’s great to find a mocktail that you can make in bulk. with Lyre's Italian Orange and Lyre’s Dry London Spirit, Lyre's Spritz No 2 Pitcher Mocktail Punch is ideal for sharing on a sunny day.
What customers are saying
“I love this product…mixed with soda, lots of ice and non-alcoholic sparkling wine, it's a great summer drink!”
“This is tasty. I've found some other AF spirits watery and bland but this has plenty of flavour with a nice balance of some sweetness and a good dash of bitterness. I am looking forward to drinking it with some AF bubbles over the Christmas season.”
5. Monday Non-Alcoholic Aperitz Spritz
The product
Based in Victoria, Monday Distillery makes a wide range of pre-mixed, ready-to-drink mocktails that taste just like the classics. Monday Non-Alcoholic Aperitz Spritz is a cross between a classic Italian Aperitif Spritz and a Negroni-style spritz.
The taste
Monday Non-Alcoholic Aperitz Spritz features aromas of orange peel, espresso, and rosemary along with a perfect blend of bitter Italian orange, zesty grapefruit, and undertones of tart cherry.
Worth noting
This ready-to-drink Italian Aperitif Spritz is free from artificial additives and flavours. It is sugar-free and has less than 1 calorie per 100 ml, so you don’t have to think twice about those Aperitif Spritz calories. This drink is naturally sweetened with stevia.
How to serve
Monday Non-Alcoholic Aperitz Spritz is best served in an Old Fashioned glass over ice. Garnish with a slice of orange and a Maraschino cherry. You can also drink it with a straw, straight from the beautifully designed bottle.
What customers are saying:
“This was the first non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz that I've tried and I enjoyed the taste — it's not too sugary and has a more adult taste. It was the perfect replacement for me for an alcoholic spritz.”
“I love an Aperitif Spritz and this is such a refreshing one that's not too sweet and not too bitter. I love it and will continue to buy it and recommend it to friends.”
6. Sans Bar's Spritzing In Venice Can
The product
I’m so excited to introduce you to this product — a ready-to-drink non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz made with Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice, premium non-alcoholic dry sparkling wine and crisp soda water.
The taste
Perfectly balanced and pre-mixed with the best non-alcohol sparkling for Aperitif Spritz, Sans Bar's Spritzing In Venice Can features flavours of burnt orange, bitter herbs and rhubarb.
Worth noting
Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice Can is made in Australia without artificial colours or artificial sweeteners. It’s low in sugar, vegan-friendly and just 6 calories per 100ml so no need to worry about Aperitif Spritz calories.
How to serve
Sans Bar Spritzing In Venice Can is best served chilled. Pour into a large wine glass over ice and garnish with a fresh slice of orange and a green olive. You can also enjoy this non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz straight from the can.
Discover the perfect Aperitif Spritz for you
The thing about mocktails is that we all have our own preferences about strength, presentation and even the amount of ice. All of the different non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz options in this guide taste slightly different, so there is bound to be one that you love. To learn more, please explore my collection of Aperitif and Aperitivo alternatives. You can also sign up to my loyalty club so I can let you know about new products and special offers.
I hope that this guide has given you some good ideas about the different products I stock as well as a little inspo to lift your Aperitif Spritz game. Please follow me on Instagram so that you can tag me in all your Italian Aperitif Spritz photos. I can’t wait to see you all enjoying the non-alcoholic drink of the summer!
