The Spritz Isn’t Trendy. It’s Eternal.

In Europe, they don’t wait for July to drink a spritz. The second the light shifts — even slightly — someone is outside with a glass of bitters and bubbles. March feels like that moment here. Not quite warm, but hopeful enough to justify citrus.

Now the spritz has properly landed in the U.S., and frankly, it’s about time. It’s bright. It’s low drama. It’s beautiful in a glass. And most importantly — you do not need alcohol to make it work.

As a 56-year-old woman who owns a non-alcoholic bottle shop and has tasted more zero-proof aperitifs than is probably medically advisable, I can tell you this: some are lovely, some are… aspirational.

These are the ones that actually deserve space in your glass.

Abstinence Blood Orange Aperitif

The Overachiever

When someone walks into my shop and says, “I want something like Aperol,” I don’t even blink. I reach for Abstinence.

It’s the closest thing to Aperol on my shelves. Not identical. But close enough that you won’t feel deprived or dramatic about it.

It drinks like a polite handshake between Campari and Aperol — bittersweet, citrus-forward, structured without trying to prove anything.

Why It Works

• Bold blood orange

• African wormwood (yes, wormwood — stay with me)

• Cinchona bark

• Thoughtful natural botanicals

The South African wormwood is the quiet genius here. It adds that dry, herbal backbone that keeps everything from tipping into “juice box” territory. It’s layered. It’s grown-up. It makes a spritz that looks chic and tastes intentional.

If you want the closest to classic Aperol energy, this is your bottle. No notes.

Lapos Aperitivo (Florence, Italy)

The Italian Who Corrects Your Pronunciation

Lapos comes out of Florence, and it shows. This one has posture. It probably owns a better coat than you.

It’s citrus-centered but less sweet than Aperol and more botanical. It doesn’t need to charm you. It expects you to keep up.

The Botanical Lineup

• Italian orange

• Gentian root

• Hibiscus

• Juniper

• Rhubarb root

• Dandelion root

Gentian delivers that unmistakable European bitterness. Hibiscus adds tartness and color. The roots bring earthy depth that makes this feel decidedly not sugary.

If you like a spritz with bite — the kind that says “I’ve been to Italy more than once” — Lapos is your girl.

Wilfred’s Bittersweet Spritz

Sunshine With Boundaries

Wilfred’s is what I hand people who say, “I don’t want it too bitter,” but still want to feel interesting.

It’s in the style of classic aperitifs like Aperol or Campari, but it has its own personality. And it’s a likable one.

What You’ll Taste

• Zesty bitter orange

• Aromatic rosemary

• Just enough rhubarb to keep things from getting dull

The rosemary gives it lift. The rhubarb adds a subtle tart snap. The orange keeps it joyful and bright.

It’s easy. It’s balanced. It’s what you pour when you want a spritz without a dissertation attached.

Pentire Non-Alcoholic Aperitif

The Coastal Minimalist

Pentire feels like it owns linen. It’s lighter than the others, but don’t mistake that for delicate.

Their signature coastal botanicals are blended with:

• Blood orange

• Sea rosemary

• Oakwood

There’s a subtle salinity here that makes it quietly brilliant. Slightly savory. Fresh. Clean bitterness. It tastes like wind off the water — in a good way, not a “why is my hair doing this” way.

If you’re someone who says, “I don’t like sweet drinks,” Pentire was made for you.

The Only Spritz Formula You Need

We are not complicating this.

• 2 oz non-alcoholic aperitif

• 3 oz non-alcoholic sparkling wine or tonic

• Splash of soda water

• Ice

• Citrus garnish

• Large wine glass (because we have standards)

Stir gently. Sip slowly. Pretend you’re somewhere with better olives.

The spritz is all over Europe and now firmly rooted in the U.S. And honestly? It deserves the hype. It’s ritual without excess. It’s social without chaos. It’s beautiful without being fussy.

At this stage of life, that’s exactly the energy I’m interested in.

Closest to Aperol? Abstinence.
Italian and a little bossy? Lapos.
Bright and crowd-pleasing? Wilfred’s.
Coastal and subtly salty? Pentire.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a glass to fill and absolutely nowhere I need to be.