10 Best Non-Alcoholic Aperitifs

Drinking an aperitif is a great chance to fill your glass with things that are good for you (and skipping the alcohol makes it that much healthier.) Non-alcoholic aperitif brands often highlight natural botanicals, minimal sugar, and zero artificial additives. Some aperitif beverages offer extra functional benefits through adaptogens, digestive bitters, or herbal extracts to consider:

• Adaptogens: Known to support stress management and overall wellness. Having an adaptogen-infused aperitif before a meal can help you unwind, setting a relaxed tone for dining.

• Digestive Bitters: Often contain bitter compounds that stimulate enzyme production and bile flow, which may aid in breaking down food. Sipping a small pour before eating can help prime the digestive system.

• Herbal Extracts: Ingredients like ginger, rosemary, or chamomile can impart unique flavors while also offering anti-inflammatory or calming properties. These herbal notes add depth and can contribute to a healthier digestive routine.

If you’re keen on transparency, opt for aperitifs labeled organic or “all-natural. " This ensures the ingredients align with your wellness goals while still providing the ritual and taste you crave. We like De Soi's Spritz Italiano Non-Alcoholic Aperitif, which features sparkling botanicals and adaptogenic benefits that add complexity without piling on synthetic sweeteners. 

1. If you want to spice up a non-sparkling aperitif: Combine a small pour with sparkling water or a low-calorie tonic to create a guilt-free, refreshing serve.

Expecting parents who need to avoid alcohol completely can still enjoy a sophisticated drink that complements mealtime or social gatherings. The key is choosing 0.0% ABV offerings. For a crisp, palate-awakening flavor without a drop of alcohol, be sure to double-check the labeling and ingredient lists.

Checking the ingredient list is especially important for aperitif-style drinks because even fully alcohol-free options may contain certain herbal infusions that are potentially unsafe for consumption while pregnant. You will want to limit things that contain caffeine and stay away from herbs like sage, thyme, and chamomile. But with the right aperitif, a vibrant, bitter, and beautifully presented drink can still be part of a gathering with friends or even the evening wind-down.

Cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders looking to experiment without alcohol will find non-alcoholic aperitifs super helpful. Their signature bitterness, aromatic complexity, and balanced sweetness act as building blocks for sophisticated zero-proof cocktails. 

These are some non-alcoholic aperitifs from brands we think are putting in the work right now that make a great starting point for alcohol-free mixology:

• RITUAL ZERO PROOF's Aperitif Alternative is formulated to mimic the bite and depth of classic red bitter liqueurs, making it a prime candidate for reimagined Negronis or Spritzes.

• Ghia's Non-Alcoholic Apéritif boasts unique, bright floral profiles,

• Abstinence Spirits' Blood Orange Aperitif makes for a tangy citrus edge. 

• Wilfred’s Non-Alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitif is recommended for those craving a more Italian-style amaro base. 

Each brand brings distinct flavor notes suitable for a variety of zero-proof recipes and creations. With thoughtful preparation and premium mixers, you can craft cocktails that rival traditional recipes in taste and presentation, proving that exciting mixology doesn’t require alcohol.