25-07-2025
Supercharge Your Spritz: Best New Aperitifs And NA Alternatives For National Spritz Day
Summer may be winding down, but the thirst for a good spritz? Not even close. I'm a devoted Campari Spritz drinker (with a lemon wedge and hold the soda water, please!). But I'll happily flirt with new versions of my go-to hot weather sipper, especially non-alcoholic versions for when I'm on mom duty at the pool. And since National Spritz Day is upon us—in August, no less, as if I haven't been spritzing since the weather app cracked 55 degrees—now is the time to fall down the fizzy rabbit hole.
Get ready to meet some unexpected aperitifs and handcrafted bitters that might just bump your go-to off its pedestal, discover my favorite canned non-alcoholic spritzes, picnic-friendly bottled spritzes and even one for the cannabis-curious.
Fun Alternatives for Your Spritz Cocktail
Spritz riffs abound with L'Apero les Trois fruit-infused aperitifs.
L'Apero Les Trois – Homestead Quince
A vermouth in a spritz? Based in Northern California, L'Apero les Trois infuses Berryessa Gap Vineyards wine with herbs and local fruits and nuts, like apricots, black mission figs and black walnuts. But it is their Homestead Quince aperitif that really intrigued me in my spritz research. 'Quince absorbs the flavor of whatever it's combined with,' says co-creator, chef and food writer Georgeanne Brennan. 'Combined here with Chardonnay, the result is a delicate, faint honey flavor which produces a light, yet elegant and slightly exotic spritz.' This small-batch vermouth isn't just for sipping straight. it's a sophisticated low-alcohol base for a more 'indie', nuanced spritz. Next up, I'll be making spritzes with the Black Mission Fig vermouth.
Handshake Persian bitters from Portland, Maine.
Rooted in Persian heritage and Portland's vibrant food scene, Handshake Bitters is part digestif, part storybook. Founder Shahin Khojastehzad, formerly of the craft beer world, incorporates over 29 globetrotting botanicals—like saffron, sumac, black fermented limes, Maine hops, and spruce tips. Traditionally sipped after meals, this digestif also works well for making big, bold spritzes. Rich, layered, and made with intention, Handshake is a modern bitter with old-world soul.
Rue de Rêve Rouge.
Rue de Rêve Rouge is a wine-based twist on classic red bitter liqueurs. Built on organic red wine and grape brandy, it's infused with tart fruit, earthy herbs, and artemisia douglasiana (aka the 'dream plant'), giving it that signature amaro-like edge. It hits those familiar bitter-sweet notes with balance and elegance — no artificial dyes, no syrupy finish. Just add soda or prosecco and an orange or lemon twist, and you've got a spritz that feels refined, adventurous, and unmistakably West Coast. It's aperitivo hour, but with Golden State vibes.
Sarti Rose is the new go-to spritz star across the pond.
If Barbie had an aperitif, this would be it. Sarti Rosa is the hot-pink sip lighting up Paris and London terraces this summer — and for good reason. Think of it as Aperol's flirtier, fruitier cousin: made with Sicilian blood orange, passionfruit, and mango, it's juicier and sweeter, but still totally spritz-worthy. The real showstopper? That electric pink hue turns any wine glass into instant eye candy. Sadly, it's still hard to find in the U.S., so if you're reading this abroad, drink up… I'm jealous.
Free Spirits' Milano is a stellar non-alcoholic red bitter drink, perfect to add to soda or even ... More sparkling wine if you want to keep your outing out low alcohol.
The Spirit of Aperitivo Milano by The Free Spirits Company is one of the few non-alcoholic spirits that actually delivers. Yes, I can verify it actually tastes like my beloved Campari (more so than tasting like Aperol). Made through a process called 'distillate reconstruction', it layers real botanicals—bitter orange, rhubarb, clove, cinnamon—into a bright, bittersweet pour with real depth and structure. And even better? It's has vitamins in it! The non-alcoholic red bitter drink has B3, B6, and B12 to support energy and mood. Mix it with grapefruit soda and it's refreshing and, most importantly. satisfying.
Non-Alcoholic Spritzes (canned)
If Aperol or Campari Spritz had a wellness-obsessed Gen Z cousin, this would be it. De Soi's Spritz Italiano, co-founded by Katy Perry (yes, that Katy, the same one who sings well and launched Peeps shoes), serves up a bittersweet, citrusy punch that feels way fancier than anything that comes from a can. The blend of white grape, earthy gentian root, and a whisper of orange peel hits all the aperitivo notes, without the alcohol. Bonus: the calming adaptogens actually do mellow your mood. It's perfect for a golden hour hang when you want to feel a little buzzy without, well, the groggy morning after.
Lyre's has several spritz variations to bring to your next soiree.
Close your eyes, take a sip, and you're basically on a balcony in Positano. Lyre's Amalfi Spritz manages to capture that iconic coastal Italian aperitivo moment — all without the booze. It's bright, a little bitter, and just sweet enough, with those classic orange and herbal notes in the backdrop. Serve it super chilled with a slice of orange and you've got yourself an instant getaway in a can. It's your spritz… minus the need-a-nap-after-brunch territory.
TCH-infused spritzes by Artet. Yes, It's a thing.
Artet's Spritz Party Pack is like a grown-up goodie bag: THC-infused (but only 2.5mg), amaro-inspired, and refreshingly complex. Each can brings a unique vibe, from Mango Ginger and Strawberry Basil to Chamomile Lemon. Whether you're canna-curious or a seasoned microdoser, Artet may be the just what the party ordered. (And no, it does not taste like you're smoking a joint.)
Bottled Spritzes
Chandon Garden Spritz in a bottle! Who knew life could be this wonderful.
Come to the party with a ready-made spritz in a swanky bottle and you've already scored major social points for originality. CHANDON Garden Spritz offers the chance to do just that. Blending sparkling wine with a house-made bitters infused with macerated Valencia oranges, herbs, and spices, it's refreshingly dry and complex. Just pour over ice, garnish with rosemary and a slice of dried orange, and you've got a bar-worthy spritz in seconds—no bartender needed. It makes a great affordable host or hostess gift, too.
Fabrizia's bottled Limoncello Spritz is a ready-to-serve cocktail that delivers true Italian refreshment with zero fuss. Made with just three clean ingredients—premium Italian sparkling wine, Fabrizia's own all-natural limoncello (crafted from Sicilian lemons), and soda water—it's bright, balanced, and unmistakably amore. With 10% ABV, it's strong enough to stand on its own, yet light and breezy enough for any warm-weather, all-day gathering. Unscrew the cap, pour over ice, and you've got a sophisticated spritz—no measuring, no shaking, and no shortcuts on flavor.
