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Non-Alcoholic Aperol Spritz Recipe

  • Author: Caroline

Ingredients

For the Homemade Bitter Orange Syrup (The “Aperol” Base):

  • 1 cup Water

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar

  • ½ cup Freshly Squeezed Pink or Red Grapefruit Juice

  • ½ cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice (ideally from Valencia or navel oranges)

  • The peel of 1 Orange, in wide strips (avoiding the white pith)

  • The peel of 1 Grapefruit, in wide strips (avoiding the white pith)

For Assembling One Non-Alcoholic Spritz:

  • 2 ounces (¼ cup) of your chilled, homemade Bitter Orange Syrup

  • 3 ounces (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) chilled Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine (like Freixenet 0.0% or Surely) or a high-quality club soda.

  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) chilled Soda Water or Sparkling Water (this is the traditional “splash of soda”)

  • A few dashes of Non-Alcoholic Aromatic Bitters (optional but highly recommended for complexity)

  • Ice

  • Garnish: A large slice of fresh Orange

Instructions

Part 1: Creating the Homemade Bitter Orange Syrup

  1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Do not let it boil.

  2. Infuse the Citrus Peels: Once the sugar is dissolved, reduce the heat to low. Add the wide strips of orange and grapefruit peel to the simple syrup. Let this steep on a very low heat for 15-20 minutes. The syrup will become incredibly fragrant.

  3. Add the Juices: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully strain out and discard the citrus peels. Let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes, then stir in the ½ cup of grapefruit juice and ½ cup of orange juice.

  4. Cool and Store: Pour the finished Bitter Orange Syrup into a clean glass bottle or jar. Let it cool completely to room temperature, then seal and store it in the refrigerator. For the best spritz, the syrup should be thoroughly chilled for at least 2 hours before use. This syrup will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Part 2: Assembling the Perfect Non-Alcoholic Spritz

The traditional Italian method for building a spritz is key to the perfect blend and carbonation. Do not shake this drink.

  1. Choose Your Glass: Select a large wine glass or a balloon glass (also known as a “copa” glass). This allows plenty of room for ice and for the aromas to develop.

  2. Fill with Ice: Fill the glass completely with ice cubes.

  3. Build the Drink: Pour the ingredients directly into the ice-filled glass in the following order:

    • First, pour in the 3 ounces of chilled Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine or club soda.

    • Next, add the 2 ounces of your chilled, homemade Bitter Orange Syrup. You will see it beautifully swirl and cascade through the bubbles.

    • Finally, top with the 1 ounce splash of soda water.

  4. Add Bitters (Optional): If using, add a few dashes of non-alcoholic aromatic bitters over the top.

  5. Gentle Stir: Give the drink a single, gentle stir with a bar spoon to just combine the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.

  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a large, fresh orange slice tucked inside the glass. Serve immediately and enjoy the bubbly perfection.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 110-150 kcal

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Find it online: https://hereasyrecipes.com/non-alcoholic-aperol-spritz-recipe/