In recent years, the United States and other countries have seen a rise in Italian-inspired drinking culture. This trend has brought about the popularity of drinks like the Negroni and its variations, which feature bittersweet aperitif liqueurs. As with any trend, non-alcoholic options soon followed suit. With the growing popularity of Dry January and the increasing demand for healthier drink options, bars and brands are now offering thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic aperitifs that rival their alcoholic counterparts. Whether you’re abstaining from alcohol entirely, looking to pace yourself during a day of drinking, or simply want a lower-proof option, these non-alcoholic aperitifs offer delicious bittersweet flavors without any of the alcohol. Here are our top five picks for non-alcoholic aperitifs.
For the Lover of Citrus: Roots Divino Aperitif Rosso
Brothers Manos and Nikolas Smyrlakis founded Roots, a liqueur brand inspired by their family’s history in Greece’s oldest known distillery, dating back to 1850. Their Divino Aperitif Rosso is made with dealcoholized wine infused with gentian root and bitter orange, following the traditional method of crafting red vermouth. The result is a complex and flavorful aperitif that is perfect for those who love citrusy notes.
The Process
To create their Divino Aperitif Rosso, Roots starts with a base of dealcoholized wine, which is then infused with a blend of botanicals including gentian root and bitter orange. The wine is steeped with these ingredients for several weeks, allowing the flavors to fully develop. After the infusion process, the liquid is filtered and bottled, resulting in a rich and flavorful aperitif.
The Flavor Profile
Roots’ Divino Aperitif Rosso has a bright and citrusy flavor profile, with notes of bitter orange and grapefruit. The gentian root adds a subtle bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the wine, creating a well-rounded and complex taste. This aperitif is perfect for sipping on its own or using in cocktails that call for red vermouth.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best ways to enjoy Roots’ Divino Aperitif Rosso is by serving it over ice with a splash of soda water. This creates a refreshing and low-alcohol drink that is perfect for any occasion. You can also use it as a substitute for red vermouth in classic cocktails like the Negroni or Manhattan, adding a unique twist to these beloved drinks.
| Serving Suggestions |
|---|
| On the rocks with a splash of soda water |
| As a substitute for red vermouth in cocktails |
| Paired with citrus-forward dishes |
For the Floral Obsessed: Martini Rossi Floreale
Martini Rossi is a well-known brand in the world of aperitifs, and their non-alcoholic option, Floreale, does not disappoint. This floral-forward aperitif is made with a blend of botanicals, including chamomile, elderflower, and lemon balm, giving it a delicate and refreshing flavor.
The Process
To create their Floreale aperitif, Martini Rossi starts with a base of dealcoholized wine, which is then infused with a blend of botanicals. The infusion process takes place in small batches, allowing the flavors to fully develop. After the infusion, the liquid is filtered and bottled, resulting in a light and floral aperitif.
The Flavor Profile
Floreale has a delicate and floral flavor profile, with notes of chamomile, elderflower, and lemon balm. The combination of these botanicals creates a refreshing and slightly sweet taste that is perfect for those who enjoy floral flavors. This aperitif is also low in sugar, making it a healthier option compared to other non-alcoholic drinks.
Serving Suggestions
Floreale can be enjoyed on its own over ice or mixed with tonic water for a refreshing spritz. It also pairs well with light and fresh dishes, such as salads or seafood. For a unique twist, try using Floreale in place of white vermouth in cocktails like the Martini or the Vesper.
| Serving Suggestions |
|---|
| Over ice or mixed with tonic water |
| As a substitute for white vermouth in cocktails |
| Paired with light and fresh dishes |
Best Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Aperitif: De Soi Golden Hour
For those who prefer a bubbly aperitif, De Soi’s Golden Hour is the perfect choice. Made with dealcoholized wine and infused with botanicals like rosemary, grapefruit, and ginger, this sparkling aperitif offers a refreshing and complex flavor profile.
The Process
De Soi starts by fermenting grapes to create a base wine, which is then dealcoholized using a gentle process that preserves the natural flavors and aromas. The dealcoholized wine is then infused with a blend of botanicals, including rosemary, grapefruit, and ginger. The result is a sparkling aperitif that is both flavorful and alcohol-free.
The Flavor Profile
Golden Hour has a bright and refreshing flavor profile, with notes of citrus and herbs. The rosemary adds an earthy and savory element, while the grapefruit provides a subtle bitterness. The addition of ginger gives this aperitif a slight kick, making it a great alternative to traditional sparkling wines.
Serving Suggestions
Golden Hour is best enjoyed chilled, either on its own or mixed with a splash of soda water. It also makes a great base for mocktails, adding a unique and complex flavor to any drink. You can also use it in place of sparkling wine in cocktails like the Aperol Spritz or the French 75.
| Serving Suggestions |
|---|
| Chilled on its own or mixed with soda water |
| As a base for mocktails |
| As a substitute for sparkling wine in cocktails |
Best Single Serve: St. Agrestis Amaro Falso
If you’re looking for a single-serve option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, St. Agrestis’ Amaro Falso is the perfect choice. This non-alcoholic amaro is made with a blend of botanicals, including gentian root, rhubarb, and orange peel, creating a complex and bittersweet flavor profile.
The Process
To create their Amaro Falso, St. Agrestis starts by steeping dealcoholized wine with a blend of botanicals for several weeks. The liquid is then filtered and bottled, resulting in a flavorful and alcohol-free amaro. The small single-serve bottles make it easy to enjoy this aperitif on the go.
The Flavor Profile
Amaro Falso has a bold and bittersweet flavor profile, with notes of gentian root, rhubarb, and orange peel. The combination of these ingredients creates a complex and well-balanced taste, making it a great alternative to traditional amaros. This aperitif also has a slightly lower sugar content compared to other non-alcoholic options.
Serving Suggestions
St. Agrestis’ Amaro Falso is best enjoyed chilled on its own, allowing the flavors to fully develop. You can also use it as a substitute for traditional amaro in cocktails like the Americano or the Black Manhattan. The single-serve bottles make it easy to enjoy this aperitif on the go, making it perfect for picnics or outdoor gatherings.
| Serving Suggestions |
|---|
| Chilled on its own |
| As a substitute for traditional amaro in cocktails |
| On-the-go option for picnics or outdoor gatherings |
Best Overall: Ghia Apéritif
Our top pick for the best non-alcoholic aperitif is Ghia’s Apéritif. This all-natural and low-sugar option is made with a blend of botanicals, including gentian root, elderflower, and lemon balm, creating a well-balanced and flavorful drink.
The Process
Ghia starts by infusing dealcoholized wine with a blend of botanicals, including gentian root, elderflower, and lemon balm. The infusion process takes place over several weeks, allowing the flavors to fully develop. After the infusion, the liquid is filtered and bottled, resulting in a delicious and alcohol-free aperitif.
The Flavor Profile
Apéritif has a complex and well-rounded flavor profile, with notes of bitter herbs, floral elderflower, and citrusy lemon balm. The combination of these ingredients creates a refreshing and slightly sweet taste that is perfect for sipping on its own or using in cocktails. This aperitif also has a lower sugar content compared to other non-alcoholic options.
Serving Suggestions
Apéritif can be enjoyed chilled on its own or mixed with soda water for a refreshing spritz. It also makes a great base for mocktails, adding a unique and complex flavor to any drink. You can also use it as a substitute for traditional aperitifs in cocktails like the Spritz or the Americano.
| Serving Suggestions |
|---|
| Chilled on its own or mixed with soda water |
| As a base for mocktails |
| As a substitute for traditional aperitifs in cocktails |
Conclusion
Non-alcoholic aperitifs offer a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks. With a variety of flavors and options available, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a citrusy option like Roots’ Divino Aperitif Rosso or a floral-forward choice like Martini Rossi’s Floreale, these non-alcoholic aperitifs are sure to satisfy your cravings for bittersweet flavors. So next time you need a break from booze, give one of these non-alcoholic aperitifs a try and discover a whole new world of delicious and alcohol-free drinks.