How to Make the Perfect Mocktail Aperol Spritz
Italian · Easy · 5 min · 2 servings
A vibrant and bubbly alcohol-free version of the beloved Italian Aperol Spritz with bitter orange notes. It uses blood orange juice and a touch of gentian-based bitters for authentic depth.
Why this recipe works
This Mocktail Aperol Spritz recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 5 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 95 calories with 1g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 120 ml blood orange juice
- 240 ml sparkling water
- 60 ml fresh orange juice
- 2 dashes alcohol-free aromatic bitters
- 30 ml simple syrup
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup large ice cubes
- 2 slices orange for garnish
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Chill Your Glasses
Place two large wine glasses or balloon glasses in the freezer for 3 to 5 minutes. Using large glasses enhances the visual presentation and keeps the drink cold longer.
Step 2: Build the Base
Remove the glasses from the freezer and fill each generously with large ice cubes. Pour in the blood orange juice, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup over the ice.
Step 3: Add Bitters and Lemon
Add two dashes of alcohol-free aromatic bitters to each glass along with a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice. These ingredients mimic the signature bitter and complex flavor of Aperol.
Step 4: Top with Sparkling Water
Slowly pour the sparkling water down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles. Do not stir aggressively or you will lose the effervescence that makes this drink special.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Give the drink one very gentle stir from bottom to top. Garnish each glass with a half-slice of orange on the rim. Serve immediately while the drink is still bubbly and cold.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- blood orange juice → regular orange juice with a small amount of pomegranate juice for color and tartness
- alcohol-free aromatic bitters → a tiny pinch of grapefruit zest and a drop of vanilla extract for complexity
- simple syrup → honey syrup made with equal parts honey and warm water for a floral sweetness
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Pouring sparkling water too aggressively which destroys the bubbles and flattens the drink
- Using too many dashes of bitters which overwhelms the delicate citrus flavor of the drink
- Skipping the large ice cubes and using crushed ice which melts too fast and dilutes the mocktail
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 95 calories, 1g protein, 23g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →