non-alcoholic Italian Spritz : Bright, Bitter & Booze-Free

The Non-Alcoholic Italian Spritz has become a favorite for summer entertaining.

There’s something so sophisticated about sipping on this vibrant orange beauty. It evokes the feeling of lounging at a café in Rome, even while relaxing on a back porch.

The best part is that it takes just five minutes to make. Guests will think of the host as a mixology genius when this drink is served.

Origin and Italian Heritage

The Italian spritz has such a fascinating backstory that honestly makes me appreciate my glass even more! This bubbly, refreshing drink actually traces back to the 1800s when Austrian soldiers were stationed in northern Italy’s Veneto region.

Now here’s the funny part… these guys found the local Italian wines way too strong for their taste, so they started asking bartenders to “spritzen” their wine with a splash of water. “Spritzen” is German for “to spray” or “to splash,” and well, the name just stuck around like that one catchy song you can’t get out of your head.

What’s really cool is how this drink became totally embedded in Italian culture, especially around Venice and the surrounding areas. The classic spritz evolved to include Prosecco, Aperol or Campari and a splash of soda water, creating this gorgeous orange sunset color that basically screams “aperitivo time!”

Italians turned it into this whole social ritual where friends gather before dinner, sip their spritzes and catch up on the day’s gossip. It’s like their version of happy hour, but way more stylish and with better snacks.

The beauty of creating a non-alcoholic version is that it keeps all that Italian magic intact without the booze. You still get those vibrant flavors, that gorgeous color and most importantly, that feeling of celebration that makes the spritz so special.

Plus, let’s be real… sometimes you want to feel fancy and European without dealing with a hangover the next morning! The non-alcoholic spritz lets everyone join in on the tradition, whether you’re pregnant, driving or just want to keep a clear head while still enjoying something that tastes like pure sunshine in a glass.

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

Making the perfect non-alcoholic Italian spritz at home is easier than you think once you know the insider secrets.

• Chill everything first: Your glasses, sparkling water and even the bitters should be ice-cold before you start mixing. Room temperature ingredients will give you a flat, disappointing drink that tastes more like flavored water than a sophisticated spritz.
• Get the ratios right: Stick to the classic 3-2-1 formula (3 parts sparkling water, 2 parts non-alcoholic aperitif, 1 splash of soda water). Too much aperitif makes it cloying and too little makes it taste like expensive sparkling water.
• Use proper ice: Large ice cubes or spheres melt slower and won’t water down your drink as quickly. Those tiny ice chips from your freezer door will turn your spritz into a watery mess in minutes.
• Don’t skip the garnish: A fresh orange slice isn’t just Instagram decoration – it adds essential oils and aromatics that complete the drink. Give it a gentle squeeze before dropping it in to release those citrus oils.
• Choose quality sparkling water: The bubbles are half the drink so don’t cheap out with flat store-brand seltzer. Look for something with fine, persistent bubbles that won’t go flat after two sips.
• Serve immediately: A spritz waits for no one. The magic happens in those first few minutes when everything is perfectly chilled and the bubbles are at their peak. Let it sit and you’ve got expensive orange juice.

Need some ALCOHOL-FREE spirits for your mocktails? Why not try one of these?

The Free Spirits Company

OR Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits.

One of these is bound to have what you need !

Food Pairing Ideas

A non-alcoholic Italian spritz brings bright citrus notes and refreshing bubbles that practically demand the right food companions.

The drink’s crisp and slightly bitter profile creates the perfect backdrop for both savory nibbles and sweet indulgences that enhance its Mediterranean charm.

• Burrata with Prosciutto: The creamy richness of fresh burrata balances the spritz’s acidity while the salty prosciutto adds depth that makes each sip feel more vibrant.
• Focaccia with Olive Tapenade: Warm herb-crusted bread provides a satisfying base for briny tapenade that echoes the drink’s sophisticated bitter notes.
• Arancini: These golden fried rice balls offer a crispy exterior and creamy interior that creates textural contrast against the spritz’s effervescence.
• Antipasto Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and olives threaded together give you pops of acidity and salt that dance perfectly with citrusy bubbles.
• Lemon Ricotta Cookies: Soft cookies with bright lemon flavor amplify the spritz’s citrus character while ricotta adds gentle richness.
• Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt: The bitter-sweet combination mirrors the drink’s complexity while the salt crystals enhance both the chocolate and the spritz’s botanical elements.
• Marcona Almonds: These buttery Spanish almonds provide satisfying crunch and nutty richness that grounds the drink’s bright flavors.

Easy 5-Minute Mocktail Recipe

This vibrant Italian-inspired spritz brings all the bubbly, bittersweet magic of the classic aperitivo without any of the alcohol!

You’ll love how the non-alcoholic aperitif wine creates that gorgeous orange sunset color, while the sparkling water adds the perfect fizzy finish.

It’s refreshing, slightly bitter in the best way possible and honestly tastes like summer vacation in a glass… even if your vacation is just your backyard.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz non-alcoholic aperitif wine (like Lyre’s Italian Orange or Seedlip Spice)
• 2 oz sparkling water or club soda
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice for garnish
• Fresh rosemary sprig (optional but fancy!)

Instructions:

1. Fill a wine glass or large rocks glass with plenty of ice cubes because nobody wants a warm spritz.
2. Pour the non-alcoholic aperitif wine over the ice, letting it settle into that beautiful amber color.
3. Add the fresh orange juice and give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon or whatever spoon you have handy.
4. Top with sparkling water, pouring slowly so it doesn’t fizz over like a science experiment gone wrong.
5. Taste and add simple syrup if you want it a bit sweeter, though the orange juice usually does the trick.
6. Garnish with an orange slice and tuck in that rosemary sprig if you’re feeling extra.
7. Give it one final gentle stir and serve immediately while it’s still bubbling with excitement.

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 182
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g

Variations To Try

Simple ingredient swaps and creative additions can transform your non-alcoholic Italian spritz into entirely new flavor experiences.

• Citrus Medley Spritz: Replace orange juice with a mix of grapefruit, lemon and lime juices for a tart and zesty kick.
• Berry Basil Spritz: Add muddled fresh berries and torn basil leaves to the base recipe for an herbaceous summer twist.
• Pomegranate Rosemary Spritz: Substitute pomegranate juice for orange and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for an elegant fall variation.
• Tropical Spritz: Swap orange juice for pineapple juice and add a splash of coconut water for a vacation-worthy escape.
• Spiced Apple Spritz: Use sparkling apple cider instead of regular sparkling water and add a cinnamon stick for warming autumn flavors.
• Cucumber Mint Spritz: Muddle fresh cucumber slices and mint leaves then top with the traditional sparkling water and orange for a refreshing spa-like drink.

Continue to Content

Yield: 1

Non-Alcoholic Italian Spritz

Print

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 90 ml non-alcoholic aperitif wine (like Lyre's Italian Orange or Seedlip Spice)
• 60 ml sparkling water or club soda
• 30 ml fresh orange juice
• 15 ml simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice for garnish
• Fresh rosemary sprig (optional but fancy!)

Instructions

1. Fill a wine glass or large rocks glass with plenty of ice cubes because nobody wants a warm spritz.
2. Pour the non-alcoholic aperitif wine over the ice, letting it settle into that beautiful amber color.
3. Add the fresh orange juice and give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon or whatever spoon you have handy.
4. Top with sparkling water, pouring slowly so it doesn't fizz over like a science experiment gone wrong.
5. Taste and add simple syrup if you want it a bit sweeter, though the orange juice usually does the trick.
6. Garnish with an orange slice and tuck in that rosemary sprig if you're feeling extra.
7. Give it one final gentle stir and serve immediately while it's still bubbling with excitement.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 182Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 0g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.

To pin for later:

An Aperol Spritz is also a nice cocktail to try!