Aperol Spritz-Inspired Mocktail

The Aperol Spritz has long been a beloved staple of summertime sipping, known for its bright orange hue, balanced bitterness, and celebratory sparkle. But for those who prefer to skip the alcohol—or are simply seeking a lighter, more refreshing drink—the Aperol Spritz-Inspired Mocktail is the perfect alternative. It captures the spirit of the original with a vibrant combination of citrus, effervescence, and a touch of sophistication, without a drop of alcohol in sight.

This mocktail blends fresh orange juice, tart grapefruit juice, and berry soda for a colourful, complex flavour profile that’s both invigorating and satisfying. It’s a drink that feels grown-up and elegant, perfect for everything from garden parties to weekday evenings when you want a treat without the side effects. The result is a fruity, fizzy, slightly bitter refreshment that mirrors the Aperol Spritz in look and feel—but is suitable for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re hosting friends, toasting a special occasion, or just elevating your usual hydration routine, this mocktail hits all the right notes. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no special equipment, and comes together in moments with ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets.

This alcohol-free twist on a classic cocktail delivers all the glamour and flavour of the original, while being inclusive, hydrating, and absolutely delicious. Served in a wine or highball glass with a slice of orange and a handful of ice, it’s the kind of drink that invites you to slow down and savour. Whether you’re the designated driver, taking a break from alcohol, or just in the mood for something a little different, this is a mocktail that never feels like a compromise.

It’s fizzy. It’s fruity. It’s fabulous. And best of all, it’s for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Aperol Spritz-Inspired Mocktail

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Aperol Spritz-Inspired Mocktail, starting with its vibrant, citrus-forward flavour. The combination of fresh orange juice and grapefruit juice mimics the distinctive bitter-sweet profile of Aperol, giving you all the flavour without the alcohol. This balance of sweet and tart makes each sip incredibly refreshing and satisfying.

It’s also incredibly easy to make. With no need for fancy equipment or cocktail shakers, you can mix this up in less than a minute. Simply pour, stir, and garnish—and you have a drink that feels as indulgent as it does effortless.

The addition of berry soda introduces a light sparkle and a hint of fruitiness that brings a playful twist to the classic spritz. It enhances the mocktail’s visual appeal while giving it a complex flavour that doesn’t rely on alcohol for depth.

This mocktail is also versatile and inclusive, perfect for anyone avoiding alcohol, whether temporarily or permanently. It’s suitable for pregnant guests, designated drivers, younger drinkers, or those simply looking to cut back on alcohol without sacrificing taste or experience.

Another major perk? It’s beautiful to serve. With its bold orange-pink hue and a slice of orange as garnish, it looks just as festive as any classic cocktail. It’s ideal for brunches, summer gatherings, or toasting with friends in style.

And perhaps best of all, it’s guilt-free and hydrating, thanks to its juice base and lack of alcohol. Light, bubbly, and wonderfully refreshing, it’s a mocktail that delivers maximum pleasure with minimum fuss.

Whether you’re lounging in the garden or raising a toast at a celebration, this mocktail feels like a treat—and tastes like summer in a glass.

Ingredients

• 80ml orange juice (approx. 2¾ fl oz)
  Brings natural sweetness and brightness, forming the sweet base of the drink.
• Juice of ½ grapefruit (approx. 40ml / 1⅓ fl oz)
  Adds a tart, slightly bitter edge that mirrors the flavour of Aperol.
• 150–200ml berry soda (5–6¾ fl oz)
  Fizzy, fruity, and colourful—this lifts the mocktail with bubbles and added sweetness. Use raspberry or mixed berry soda for best results.
• A handful of ice cubes
  Keeps the drink chilled and refreshing from the first sip to the last.
• An orange slice to garnish
  Adds visual appeal and a hint of citrus aroma to the glass.

Each ingredient plays a role in creating a mocktail that’s complex, balanced, and celebratory—perfect for sipping slowly in the sun or serving at your next party.

Method

1. Combine Your Ingredients

Start by pouring the orange juice and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice into a large wine glass or highball glass.

2. Add the Bubbles

Top with berry soda, pouring gently to preserve the fizz. Adjust to your taste—use more for a lighter drink or less for a stronger citrus flavour.

3. Add Ice and Garnish

Add a generous handful of ice cubes and stir gently to combine. Finish by garnishing with a fresh slice of orange on the rim of the glass or floating on top.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while cold and fizzy. No straw required—just sip and enjoy!

Nutrition

Per glass, approx.

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugars: 19g
• Fibre: 0.5g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Tips for Making the Aperol Spritz-Inspired Mocktail

1. Use Fresh Juice Where Possible: Freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juice will give you the best flavour and natural sweetness. Avoid juices with added sugar or concentrates for a cleaner, fresher finish.
2. Choose a Quality Berry Soda: Not all sodas are created equal. Look for one with natural flavours and real fruit juice if possible. Raspberry soda works particularly well for this recipe, but any berry-flavoured carbonated drink will do.
3. Adjust the Ratios to Taste: Prefer a sharper, more bitter drink? Add more grapefruit juice. Want it sweeter and lighter? Increase the orange juice or soda. The mocktail is highly flexible.
4. Chill Your Glass: For a more refreshing drink, pop your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before assembling. This keeps the drink colder longer without watering it down.
5. Don’t Skip the Garnish: The slice of orange adds more than just a pop of colour—it also enhances the aroma and makes the drink feel special.
6. Experiment with Herbs: A sprig of rosemary or fresh mint can add a surprising aromatic element. Just gently clap the herb before adding to release its oils.
7. Add a Splash of Soda Water: If you find the drink too sweet, top it off with sparkling water or soda water to balance the flavours.
8. Serve in the Right Glass: While you can use any glass, a stemmed wine glass or a highball makes the mocktail feel more elegant—perfect for special occasions.

With these simple tips, you’ll get the most out of your mocktail and impress guests without breaking a sweat.

How to Best Serve This Mocktail

Presentation is key when it comes to drinks, and the Aperol Spritz-Inspired Mocktail is no exception. To truly evoke the celebratory and sophisticated feel of the original Aperol Spritz, it’s worth taking a little time to serve this mocktail beautifully.

Glassware Matters: Use a large wine glass or a balloon glass with a wide bowl. The generous size allows for plenty of ice and lets the drink breathe, while also making room for the colourful garnish to shine. Alternatively, a highball glass works well for a longer, more refreshing feel.

Ice is Essential: A good handful of clear, chunky ice cubes keeps the drink cool and maintains the balance of flavours. Avoid crushed ice, as it melts quickly and can dilute the drink.

Garnish Like a Pro: A thin orange slice on the rim of the glass instantly makes the drink look more polished. You could also float it inside the drink or use a twist of grapefruit peel for added zest and aroma.

Pair with Light Bites: Serve this mocktail with summery finger foods like olives, bruschetta, or salted nuts to evoke aperitivo hour. The citrus and berry notes also pair beautifully with goat’s cheese, strawberries, and savoury canapés.

Make a Pitcher: Hosting a party? Multiply the recipe and serve in a jug with plenty of ice and floating orange slices. Guests can help themselves, making it a practical and crowd-pleasing option.

Time of Day: This mocktail is ideal as a pre-dinner drink, a refreshing afternoon sipper, or even a brunch beverage. It’s perfect for summer days, BBQs, or baby showers when you want to keep things festive and inclusive.

Ultimately, serve it with care—and perhaps a sun hat—and let the mocktail speak for itself.

Customise This Recipe

The beauty of this mocktail lies in its flexibility. While the core recipe is a winner as-is, you can easily customise it to suit your preferences, mood, or available ingredients.

Make it More Bitter: To mimic the bitter edge of Aperol more closely, add a dash of non-alcoholic bitters (such as orange or aromatic bitters). This will elevate the complexity of the drink.

Turn Down the Sweetness: If you prefer a drier mocktail, replace half the berry soda with soda water or sparkling mineral water. It will still be bubbly and flavourful but with a more grown-up edge.

Use Blood Orange Juice: For a more striking colour and richer flavour, swap regular orange juice for blood orange. It adds depth and visual drama.

Add Herbal Notes: Muddle a sprig of rosemary or thyme in the glass before adding the liquid for an aromatic twist. These herbs pair beautifully with citrus.

Fruit Cubes: Freeze orange or grapefruit juice in ice cube trays and use those instead of plain ice. As they melt, they’ll enhance the flavour without dilution.

Change the Base: Swap berry soda for ginger beer for a spicy, citrus-forward version, or use elderflower tonic for floral notes.

Make It Creamy: For a creamsicle-style mocktail, add a dash of coconut milk or almond milk to the orange juice before combining with the other ingredients.

Add Real Berries: A few fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries make for a beautiful and flavourful addition.

This mocktail is your canvas—adapt it based on what you love, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Whether you prefer sweet, tart, floral, or fizzy, there’s a version of this drink just for you.

How to Store This Mocktail

While the Aperol Spritz-Inspired Mocktail is best enjoyed fresh due to its fizzy component, you can prepare parts of it ahead of time for ease and convenience.

Juice Base: Mix the orange juice and grapefruit juice together and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Shake or stir well before using, as natural separation may occur.

Do Not Add Soda Early: Avoid adding the berry soda until just before serving. Carbonated drinks lose their fizz quickly, so if you mix everything in advance, the mocktail may become flat.

Garnish & Ice: Pre-slice your orange garnish and store in a covered dish in the fridge. Have your ice ready in the freezer, or make citrus-infused ice cubes for added flair.

Batch Prep Tip: If making for a group, prepare the juice mix in a large jug. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top up with soda individually to preserve the bubbles and ensure freshness in every glass.

Though not ideal for long-term storage, this mocktail can absolutely be prepped in stages for a quick and easy pour-and-serve experience.

Conclusion

The Aperol Spritz-Inspired Mocktail is proof that non-alcoholic drinks can be just as fun, festive, and full of flavour as their boozy counterparts. With its brilliant orange-pink hue, layered citrus profile, and bubbly finish, it’s a treat for the eyes and the palate alike.

Whether you’re abstaining from alcohol, looking for a refreshing daytime option, or simply love a good mocktail, this drink delivers everything you could want—zest, sweetness, sparkle, and sophistication. It’s a welcome addition to brunch tables, summer garden parties, or quiet moments on the patio with a book in hand.

Easy to make and even easier to customise, it invites creativity while remaining foolproof. You can keep it classic or experiment with added herbs, alternative sodas, or even a splash of bitters. It’s also a wonderful way to get children and non-drinkers involved in celebratory toasts without leaving anyone out.

More than just a mocktail, it’s a symbol of how inclusive modern entertaining can be—allowing everyone to join in the ritual of sharing a beautifully crafted drink, regardless of their drinking preferences.

Raise your glass to sunshine, citrus, and carefree sipping. The Aperol Spritz-Inspired Mocktail might just become your new signature drink.