Your 2024 Guide to Non-Alcoholic aperitifs

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Non-alcoholic aperitifs make for the happiest hour of pre-dinner drinks. Enjoy that beautiful golden end of the day before the sunsets and the night begins. Aperitifs, whether they are non-alcoholic or full-strength, have become incredibly popular in large part because of the iconic Spritz. What’s not to love about this Italian-inspired drinking culture? It’s produced some very popular and classic cocktails like the Aperol Spritz and Negroni. While aperitifs are known to be rich in flavor and low in ABV, at No & Low we’ve discovered the absolute best non-alcoholic aperitifs including Wilfreds, Ghia and Everleaf. This article will be a deep dive into the non-alcoholic aperitif space and will help guide you to find the best Aperitivo for you.

Looking to discover more? Check out our wine and spirits guides 🙂

What is a non-alcoholic apéritif?

Aperitifs are spirits or cocktails that are traditionally consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. They typically fall somewhere between bitter and slightly sweet, with complex flavor profiles made from herbs, spices, fruits and flowers. A non-alcoholic aperitif is no different, other than it contains zero alcohol. Non-alcoholic aperitifs like Wilfreds or Ghia have become very popular because they do an incredible job replacing their alcoholic counterparts. They serve the same purpose and deliver above and beyond on intense flavors, bitterness and mouthfeel.

An NA apéritif can contain less than 0.5% ABV (Alcoholic by Volume) or if it is labeled as an alcohol-free aperitif it will contain less than 0.05% ABV.

What is a good non-alcoholic apéritif?

Whether it is a non-alcoholic aperitif, spirits, wine or beers we always encounter this same question! What makes a non-alcoholic beverage good? And its for good reason, just like you we want to ensure that you are sipping something you absolutely love.

At No & Low, we believe starting with top-quality ingredients and avoiding unnecessary additives is what makes a great non-alcoholic aperitif. On top of that discovering which flavor profile is most suited to you. A good example would be if you like it VERY bitter you’ll want to try Ghia or Vera Classico, but if you’re in the mood for something with a bit of sweetness shoot for Wilfreds or Wilderton Bittersweet Aperitivo.

So how do you know if the overall taste and smell are a match for your tastebuds? First, we’ve curated a collection of only the best non-alcoholic aperitifs from around the world and you can always expect the highest quality at No & Low. Second, each product page includes descriptions that highlight what to expect in terms of bouquet and flavor profiles. Lastly, if you just can’t decide you can personally email us at hi@drinknolow.com or DM us on Instagram, TikTok, etc. and we will personally recommend a product fit for you.

Can an apéritif really be non-alcoholic?

Yes, absolutely! At No & Low, all of our aperitifs are alcohol-free or non-alcoholic. These drinks are a great way to enjoy the flavors and experiences of traditional aperitifs without the many negative effects and consequences of alcohol. We personally enjoy making a variety of different non-alcoholic Spritz-style cocktails, if the Aperol Spritz was your go-to alcoholic drink, you can now replace it with a non-alcoholic option and literally not even notice the difference at the first sip!

What Is The Point Of Non-Alcoholic Aperitif?

We would like to counter that question with “what’s the point of an alcoholic aperitif?” The answers are likely very similar unless your only reason for enjoying a drink is to get drunk or tipsy. Aperitifs are made to open your palate before indulging in a great meal and to open the night to good conversations and lasting memories. A non-alcoholic aperitif checks all these boxes and at the same time is absolutely delicious!

Yes, they are indeed great if you are pregnant or not drinking because of medical or religious reasons but that’s none of anyone’s business anyways. You can straight up enjoy these whenever you want because you just feel like having a great drink and don’t particularly like the thought of what booze might do to your body, mind and/or your soul.

Interested in non-alcoholic drinking culture? Read more here 🙂

If you own a bar, restaurant, bottle shop, grocery store, etc. please consider serving or retailing great non-alcoholic aperitifs, wines and more. These aperitifs have become a solid choice for renowned bars and bartenders because they understand being a great host means having options for everyone and that includes NA cocktail or mocktail as some prefer to call it. Whole sale page.

What is a non-alcoholic sub for Aperol?

Aperol is a famous aperitif that has made its way from Europe to the US and is now spreading aperitivo culture to every bar and restaurant around. So, what’s the non-alcoholic substitute for Aperol? We introduce to you the iconic Wilfred’s Bittersweet Orange Aperitif. While it leans more on clove and rosemary it is truly makes the perfect spritz and all you need to do is add tonic.

However, Wilfreds is not the only non-alcoholic Aperol replacement that can provide a similar flavor profile. We also highly recommend Wilderton Bittersweet Aperitivo, Lyre’s Italian Orange and Lyre’s Italian Spritz.

Is Ghia aperitif worth buying?

Ghia Aperitif is so damn popular that we had to make a separate answer just for all the questions we get like: Is Ghia really that good? I keep hearing about Ghia, is it worth buying?

Our short answer: YES!!! For us it is simply one of the best non-alcoholic aperitifs on the market. There is a reason why some of the best bars in the world stock Ghia. It is bitter, complex and unapologetic. It also serves as a masterclass in branding with its unique and memorable packaging. The founder, Melanie Masarin was willing to create more than a drink, more than a brand but a whole lifestyle based around aperitivo culture. It’s made from a blend of botanicals, including bitter gentian root, sweet figs, and citrusy lemongrass. Ghia is a great choice for those who want a flavored and unique drink that is both bitter and generous.

So, yes, if you’re considering Ghia. Yes, yes, yes! Try out Ghia’s delicious line of ready-to-drink Spritz’s as well, you wont be disappointed!

What are the best brands of non-alcoholic aperitifs?

Numerous excellent (and less-than-excellent) non-alcoholic aperitifs brands have risen with the boom of the non-alcoholic category and sober curious movement. We take pride in choosing the best in class aperitifs available on the market to ensure there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Bartender approved, these will never disappoint you, trust us!

Let’s dive into our favorite aperitivo brands:

• Wilfreds
• Everleaf
• Ghia
• Pentire
• Figlia
• Lyre’s
• Vera
• Melati
• Wilderton
• Woodnose
• Three Spirit

These brands have made a name for themselves in the non-alcoholic space and are known for providing high-quality beverages and aperitifs. We could not recommend them more.

The best non-alcoholic apéritifs overall

• Wilfred’s Aperitif
• Everleaf Forest
• Pentire Coastal Spritz
• Ghia Aperitif
• Figlia Fiore
• Vera Classico 
• Woodnose Sacré
• Three Spirit Livener
• Lyre’s Italian Orange
• Lyre’s Italian Spritz
• Melati
• Everleaf Mountain
  
  

The best non-alcoholic aperol

• Wilfred’s Aperitif
• Lyre’s Italian Spritz
• Wilderton Bittersweet Aperitivo

The best ready to drink aperitifs

• Ghia Le Spritz Soda
• Figlia Frizzante
• Lyre’s Amalfi Spritz
• Ghia Le Spritz Lime & Salt
• Ghia Le Spritz Ginger

Non-alcoholic aperitifs (aperitivos) are a fantastic substitute for individuals who want to give up their apero habit without compromising on flavor, experience or enjoyment. So, indulge in your pre-dinner drinks with a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz, Negroni Sbagliato, or Americano and give us your feedback on what you tried and which one is your favorite, cheers! ;)