3 Italian Non-Alcoholic Cocktails To Wow Your Guests

If you’re looking to add a touch of Italian elegance to your next gathering without the alcohol, you’ve come to the right place. The Italian aperitif, or "aperitivo," is a beloved tradition that’s all about enjoying light, refreshing drinks and tasty bites with friends and family before dinner. 

We’ll dive into the essence of the Italian aperitif and share three exquisite non-alcoholic versions that will blow away your guests. These drinks, inspired by classic Italian aperitifs, are crafted using Cleanco’s award-winning range of alcohol-free spirits, ensuring that everyone can partake in the aperitivo magic.

The art of the alcohol free Italian aperitif

The Italian aperitif, or "aperitivo," is more than just a pre-dinner drink; it's a beloved ritual that embodies the essence of Italian social culture. Typically enjoyed in the early evening, the aperitivo serves as a delightful pause between the workday and dinner, a time to unwind, socialise, and prepare your appetite for the meal ahead. This tradition usually involves a light, refreshing drink accompanied by small bites like olives, nuts, and cheeses. It's an invitation to slow down, savour the moment, and connect with friends and family.

So why do people have it? Some people drink an aperitif for several reasons. It’s normally a time to relax and catch up with friends, see it as the introduction to dinner or an opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. The aperitivo hour is all about balance which is why we love it: it’s not about getting drunk but about enjoying a light, refreshing drink that stimulates the appetite. It's an important part of the Italian lifestyle that emphasises on bringing people together and creating a sense of community.

Traditional Italian aperitifs often feature low-alcohol drinks like Aperol Spritz, Campari Soda, and Negroni. These drinks are crafted with bitters, vermouths, and sparkling wines, offering a perfect balance of flavours to stimulate the palate. However, with the growing trend towards mindful drinking, non-alcoholic versions of these classic aperitifs are becoming increasingly popular, allowing those who are drinking in moderation to get involved in this beautiful tradition.

Clean Negroni

This non-alcoholic version of the Negroni captures the complex, bittersweet flavours of the original, making it a perfect start to your aperitivo hour.

• 30ml Non-Alcoholic Vermouth
• 30ml Non-Alcoholic Bitter Aperitif
• 30ml Clean G
• Orange twist, for garnish

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add Non-Alcoholic Vermouth, Bitter Aperitif, and Clean G.
3. Stir well until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist

Rhubarb Spritz

This vibrant, refreshing mocktail mimics the iconic Aperol Spritz, providing a bubbly, citrusy experience without the alcohol.

• 80ml Clean G Rhubarb
• 80ml  soda water
• 30ml orange juice
• Orange slice, for garnish

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour Clean G Rhubarb and orange juice over the ice.
3. Top with soda water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with an orange slice.

Clean Bellini

The Clean Bellini offers the sweet, fruity notes of the classic cocktail, making it a delightful choice for your aperitivo spread.

• 60ml peach puree
• 60ml Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine
• Peach slice, for garnish

1. Pour peach puree into a chilled flute glass.
2. Gently add Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine.
3. Stir lightly to combine.
4. Garnish with a peach slice.

Our AF Spirits that work well in Italian mocktails

When creating non-alcoholic Italian cocktails, CleanCo non-alcoholic spirits are an excellent choice. Our range of non-alcoholic spirits provides the same depth and complexity as traditional spirits, ensuring your mocktails are as satisfying as their alcoholic counterparts. Explore our CleanCo products to find the perfect ingredients for your next aperitivo gathering.

Incorporating these non-alcoholic options into your aperitivo hour not only enhances the experience but also makes it inclusive for everyone! 

Looking for ways to cut back on your alcohol intake? Check out our top tips here.