Super Aperol Spritz Mocktail, Just Like The Real One

This aperol spritz mocktail recipe was first published on June 14, 2024.

One thing you can find everywhere in Italy – as we taught you on our other blog – is Aperol Spritz. But not everyone likes to consume alcohol and this is when this new Aperol Spritz mocktail sprung to mind.

Aperol spritz is such a staple for everyone in Italy, especially in the north of Italy where we have relocated. And as the staple summer drink, needs a bit of redemption and accessibility for whoever doesn’t do well with alcohol – a.k.a. me! – or does not consume it any longer.

I have personally drank my fair share of this drink, but the Aperol Spritz mocktail is such a delicious version you absolutely need to try. I have never been much of a fan of bitter aftertaste, but I can tell you that never really mattered and many were consumed. So with this Aperol spritz mocktail version, I wanted to try and get that bitterness lowered a little. And we succeeded. Just try it out!

It’s honestly tasting just like the real deal and you won’t find anything coming as close to it even with the myriad of options for non alcoholic Aperol Spritz on the market nowadays. , I am not telling you is not good, but why purchase something when you can make it at home, controlling what ingredients you are putting in it?

The orange rind simple syrup for this Aperol Spritz mocktail contains 4 ingredients in total, if you exclude the food colouring – which is optional. And I am quite sure you wouldn’t be able to find a 4 ingredient syrup anywhere if you searched for it.

Meet the Aperol spritz mocktail recipe you need in your life right now

Creating an Aperol Spritz mocktail allows you to enjoy the refreshing flavours of the classic cocktail Italian drink without the alcohol. You’ll learn how to make the syrup you need to recreate those flavours and it’s non-stop from there.

What is Aperol spritz and where is it from?

An Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail, often enjoyed as an aperitif. It is known for its bright orange colour, refreshing taste, and relatively low alcohol content. The classic Aperol spritz recipe typically consists of three main ingredients:

1. Aperol: This is a bitter, orange-flavoured Italian aperitif with a distinctive bright orange hue. Aperol is made from a blend of herbs and roots, including bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, which gives it its unique flavour profile;
2. Prosecco: A dry or semi-dry Italian sparkling wine. Prosecco adds a bubbly and slightly sweet component to the cocktail, balancing the bitterness of Aperol;
3. Soda Water: A splash of soda water adds effervescence and dilutes the drink slightly, making it lighter and more refreshing.

The Aperol Spritz has its roots in Northern Italy, particularly the Veneto region, where it has been enjoyed for over a century. It has gained international popularity in recent years due to its refreshing taste and vibrant appearance, making it a favourite for summer gatherings and social events.

Enjoying an Aperol Spritz is often associated with the Italian concept of aperitivo, which is a social tradition of enjoying light drinks and snacks before dinner. This practice is designed to stimulate the appetite and socialize before the main meal. It is similar to the concept of happy hour but focuses more on the cultural and social aspects of preparing for dinner.

These are some of the key aspects of aperitivo:

1. Timing: Aperitivo typically takes place in the early evening, usually between 6 PM and 8 PM, before dinner;
2. Drinks: The drinks served during aperitivo are generally light and refreshing, often with a slightly bitter taste to stimulate the appetite. Common aperitivo drinks include:
   • Aperol Spritz
   • Negroni
   • Campari Soda
   • Prosecco
   • Vermouth-based cocktails;
3. Snacks: Accompanying the drinks are small bites, known as stuzzichini. These can include:
   • Olives
   • Nuts
   • Cheese
   • Cured meats
   • Bruschetta
   • Small sandwiches (tramezzini)
   • Various finger foods and appetizers

Aperitivo is not just about the food and drinks; it’s a social ritual that brings people together. It’s a time to relax, chat with friends or colleagues, and unwind after the day’s work. Many bars and cafes in Italy offer aperitivo specials, where you can enjoy a drink along with a selection of snacks for a fixed price.

What ingredients do I need to make the syrup for this Aperol spritz mocktail?

Creating an orange rind simple syrup with rosemary adds a delightful twist to this Aperol Spritz mocktail. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and their roles in the recipe:

1. Water: The base liquid for the syrup, water helps dissolve the sugar and extract flavours from the orange rind and rosemary. Use filtered water for the best taste, as it can affect the final flavour of the syrup;
2. White Sugar: The primary sweetening agent, sugar creates a syrupy consistency when dissolved in water and heated. Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved to avoid graininess in the syrup;
3. Oranges: The orange rind imparts a strong citrus flavour and aroma, with bitter notes, while the juice adds sweetness and additional orange flavour. Use fresh, organic oranges to avoid any pesticide residues on the rind;
4. Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the citrusy sweetness of the orange. Fresh rosemary is preferred for its vibrant flavour. Add whole sprigs during cooking and remove them after to avoid overwhelming the syrup;
5. Yellow & Red Food Colouring (Optional): The food colouring is purely for aesthetic purposes, giving the syrup a vibrant orange hue. Add the colouring drop by drop until you achieve the desired shade. It’s not necessary for flavour, so it can be omitted if you prefer a natural look.

Once your orange rind simple syrup is ready, filter it and let it cool completely before using it for your Aperol spritz mocktail.

What other ingredients do I need for this Aperol spritz mocktail?

Creating an Aperol Spritz mocktail involves a combination of ingredients that mimic the refreshing and slightly bitter taste of the original alcoholic version. Here’s a detailed look at each ingredient and its role in the mocktail:

1. Orange Rind Simple Syrup: This syrup serves as the primary flavour base of the mocktail, providing sweetness and a complex citrus flavour with herbal notes from the rosemary. The syrup should have a balanced sweetness with a pronounced orange flavour and subtle herbal undertones;
2. Sparkling Water: Sparkling water adds effervescence, mimicking the bubbles from Prosecco in the traditional classic Italian cocktail that is Aperol Spritz. It also helps to dilute the syrup, balancing the sweetness and intensity of it. Use plain sparkling water or a lightly flavoured one that complements the orange and rosemary flavours. Ensure it’s well-chilled for maximum refreshment. For a sweeter mocktail, you can use non-alcoholic sparkling wine or soda water with a splash of orange-flavoured soda, but you can also give tonic water a shot should you prefer that bitter taste;
3. Ice: Ice chills the drink, making it refreshing and diluting the syrup slightly for a balanced taste. Fill the glass with plenty of ice to keep the mocktail cold and prevent it from becoming too sweet or concentrated as the ice melts;
4. Orange Slice: Orange slices serve as a garnish, adding visual appeal and a fresh burst of citrus flavour when muddled or infused in the drink. Use fresh, thinly sliced oranges. Consider using blood oranges for a more vibrant colour and slightly different flavour profile, if they are in season. For extra visual appeal and flavour, consider garnishing with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

You will serve this classic Italian drink the classic way, in a large wine glass. It is an Italian spritz after all, even if it is an alcohol free Aperol spritz.

And in case you need more mocktail recipes like this Aperol spritz mocktail, why not check these out:

• this brilliant apple cider vinegar mocktail, packed with fresh raspberries;
• a lavender mocktail which is unbelievably delicious;
• a delicious fall in a cup with this apple fizz;
• the freshest pineapple basil mocktail to sip on this summer;
• this beautifully simple sparkling grapefruit mocktail for the ages;
• refreshing green apple mocktail;
• refreshing cucumber basil mocktail;
• another fall must try, a pumpkin spice mocktail;
• most festive hot toddy mockatil;
• a classic non alcoholic aperitif for this cosmopolitan;
• the blueberry mojito mocktail you’ll be sipping on for a while.

How do I make this virgin Aperol Spritz mocktail?

When it comes to making the actual no alcohol spritz mocktail in question, we can safely assume you won’t need any special equipment or ingredients.

Once you have prepared the orange rind simple syrup and you are ready to enjoy the mocktail, add ice to a glass and add the syrup, then top it with soda water. Gently stir so that the syrup and soda water combine, then garnish and serve the Aperol spritz mocktail immediately.

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Now that you’ve crafted your Aperol Spritz mocktail, it’s time to enjoy it! This non-alcoholic version captures the vibrant flavours and refreshing qualities of the classic Aperol Spritz, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a relaxing evening, or looking for a sophisticated drink to pair with appetizers, this mocktail is sure to impress.

Sip and savour the harmonious blend of citrus, herbal notes, and effervescence. Share the experience with friends and family, and don’t hesitate to get creative with garnishes or additional flavour twists to make it your own.

Cheers to creating delicious and delightful moments without the alcohol! Enjoy your mocktail and the good company that comes with it.

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