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With tart, herbal flavor and festive bubbles, this deliciously refreshing Italian Spritz mocktail is an alcohol-free version of the popular Aperol Spritz. A terrific, non-alcoholic toast to summer!

Italian Spritz Mocktail – A Refreshing, Grown-Up Beverage for the Sober or Sober Curious

Over the last couple of years, I’ve read more and more articles explaining that even moderate alcohol consumption just isn’t good for us.

Multiple studies have branded alcohol as toxic, showing that even modest amounts can increase the risk for cancer, heart and liver disease, and dementia. More and more doctors are recommending that people avoid alcohol completely.

I’ve never been a big drinker. But especially as I age, I find that even one drink can make me feel pretty rotten, pretty quickly. Headaches are only part of it. Drinking can leave me feeling tired, down, and just blah.

So, I really didn’t need a scientific study to convince me that alcohol isn’t good for me.

But there’s a problem…

I truly enjoy the social aspect of drinking. Pouring myself a fancy cocktail at the end of a long day, or ordering one in a restaurant, feels like a little celebration. Sipping an iced tea might be better for me, but it’s not the same.

As more and more people are turning sober or sober curious, it seems like almost every restaurant has at least a couple of mocktails on the menu. And I appreciate that!

But the problem is that most mocktails taste more like soda pop than cocktails. They’re just too sweet.

When I order a mocktail, I’m looking for a grown-up beverage, something to sip and savor the way I would a cocktail. Most mocktails I’ve had fall short.

Earlier this month, I ordered an Italian Spritz mocktail that our server said tasted almost exactly like an Aperol Spritz, one of my favorite summer cocktails. I had my doubts.

But you know what? That server was right!

Italian Spritz Mocktails – All of the Taste, None of the Alcohol

This wonderfully refreshing mocktail has all the tart, complex herbal flavor of an Aperol Spritz with none of the alcohol. And none of its cocktail cousin’s less pleasant side effects either.

After getting the basic recipe from our server and making a few tweaks of my own, I’ve been making Italian Spritz Mocktails for myself and my husband on a regular basis.

Mixing up your own is oh-so simple, and oh-so tasty!

All you need is a recipe and the right ingredients.

What Do You Need to Make an Italian Mocktail?

Lyre’s Italian Spritz, Bitter Orange Style

This is a premium, non-alcoholic beverage, featuring a balanced bouquet of flavors and aromas, including bitter orange, rhubarb, and herbs. The price is similar to Aperol, but you don’t need much to make an Italian Spritz.

My local stores didn’t carry it, so I bought mine on Amazon.

No-Alcohol Sparkling Wine

There are several varieties of no-alcohol sparkling wine available, and just about any of them will be great in your Italian Spritz Mocktail. Look for it at your local market. I chose Gruvi Dry Secco because it comes in individual bottles, which is great when I want to make just one drink. It has a crisp, bright taste and plenty of bubbles, similar to prosecco.

Lime Juice

A little bit of lime juice adds an extra note of citrus and a little more depth to the drink. If at all possible, use fresh-squeezed lime juice. Adding an extra slice of lime to the rim of the glass makes a pretty garnish.

Simple Syrup

Just a touch of sweetness from simple syrup will keep your Italian Spritz Mocktail tasting tart, but not too tart. Though you can buy simple syrup at the store, there’s really no need to do so. It’s made with a one-to-one ratio of sugar to water.

In other words, if you use a quarter cup of water, then add a quarter cup of sugar. You’ll heat the mixture in a heavy pot on the stove, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid is clear. Leftover simple syrup can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to a month.

How to Make an Italian Spritz Mocktail

The ingredient amounts you’ll need are listed in the recipe below. But the method for making your mocktail couldn’t be easier.

Just fill a tall, 16-ounce glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour in the Lyle’s Italian Spritz, lime juice, and simple syrup, then give the mixture a stir.

Fill the glass to the brim with the non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Garnish with a lime slice and enjoy immediately.

If you’re looking for a great, grown-up tasting mocktail, give this Italian Spritz a try. It’s my favorite summertime beverage. I bet it will be yours too!