Non-alcoholic orange spritz with sparkling water: the one that looks like it comes from a bar
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The Aperol Spritz has become the quintessential terrace cocktail. The problem is, not everyone drinks alcohol. This alcohol-free version achieves the same look, the same vibrant orange color, and the same citrusy, slightly bitter flavor profile—with sparkling water instead of prosecco and without a drop of alcohol.
The first time someone asks us for a 'non-alcoholic spritz' at a gathering of friends, the usual response is a sparkling orange juice. It's not bad, but it's not the same.
This recipe takes it a step further. The secret lies in the bitterness—that slightly bitter touch of Aperol that makes a spritz a spritz and not just a fizzy orange soda. It's achieved with blood orange or a bit of grapefruit, which naturally contribute that bitter note.
Ingredients for 1 large glass
• 100 ml of freshly squeezed orange juice — preferably blood orange
• 30 ml of grapefruit juice (it's the ingredient of natural bitterness)
• The juice of 1/4 of a lime
• 1 teaspoon of grenadine or raspberry syrup (for color and a sweet touch)
• Large ice cubes — large cubes melt more slowly
• 150 ml of cold, highly carbonated sparkling water
• 1 slice of orange and a sprig of rosemary for garnish
Preparation
1. Fill a wine glass or a large glass with ice cubes to the top. The type of glass matters for the presentation—this cocktail deserves a beautiful glass.
2. In a separate glass, mix the orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and grenadine. Stir.
3. Pour the juice mixture over the ice.
4. Top up with sparkling water, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles. Do not stir.
5. Garnish with the orange slice on the rim of the glass and the rosemary sprig. Serve immediately.
The presentation detail that changes everything
This is the cocktail where presentation matters most of all the ones we've suggested. A large wine glass, perfectly cubed ice, an orange slice on the rim, and a sprig of rosemary. The same recipe in a highball glass looks like juice; in a wide glass, it looks like what it is: a patio cocktail. Don't underestimate the glass.
Variants
• A more bitter version: increase the grapefruit to 50 ml and reduce the orange to 80 ml. For those who like the pronounced bitterness of the original Aperol.
• Using tonic water instead of sparkling water: the tonic adds extra bitterness due to the quinine. It works well if you prefer a more bitter profile.
• Pink version: Use only blood orange and add a splash of cranberry juice. The color is stunning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it be made without grapefruit?
Grapefruit provides the bitterness that mimics Aperol. Without it, the result is good but closer to a fizzy orange soda than a spritz. If you don't have grapefruit, add a few dashes of non-alcoholic Angostura bitters (available at cocktail shops) to compensate for the bitterness.
Which grenadine works best?
Any grenadine or raspberry syrup works well for color and sweetness. If you prefer to avoid artificial coloring, use reduced pomegranate juice—boil pomegranate juice until it's reduced by half and you'll have perfect homemade grenadine.
In summary
- Grapefruit is the bitter ingredient — without it it's orangeade, not a spritz.
- Use large ice cubes so they melt more slowly.
- The glass matters as much as the ingredients — put it in a wide glass.
- Sparkling water with high carbonation and always at the end, without stirring vigorously.
For this spritz to shine, it needs freshly made sparkling water with active bubbles. With Congas, you get CO₂ cylinders delivered to your door —and if you never want to run out of gas before a meeting, the Soda Club is for you.