Crodino Spritz is the alcohol-free version of the famous Aperol Spritz. It's the perfect summer mocktail made with non-alcoholic bitter. You can serve it with an orange slice for the ultimate Italian vibes.
While I love a refreshing Aperol tonic cocktail on a hot summer day, I also like the alcohol-free version from time to time. This non-alcoholic Spritz is a great alternative to the Italian classic and has a very similar taste. Anyone that likes bitter cocktails will love it!
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Everything about Crodino
Crodino is a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif that is very popular in Italy and other European countries. It's made of herbal extracts and sugar. Just like Aperol and Campari, Crodino is produced by the Campari group. It's sold in 6 oz (10 cl) bottles that make up one serving.
The red-colored drink is known for its unique bitter taste. It tastes like orange and grapefruit, with bitter herbal aromas and vanilla-like notes. There is also a yellow version, Crodino Biondo, which has a slightly different taste.
Most people drink Crodino pure, on the rocks. However, it tastes great in cocktails, such as this Crodino Spritz or topped up with lemonade.
The ingredients in Crodino are water, sugar, infusion of aromatic herbs and flavors (including quinine), carbon dioxide, acidifier citric acid, sodium chloride, and colorings.
More non-alcoholic bitters
- Sanbitter has a very similar flavor profile to Crodino and is the perfect substitution.
- Sir James Bitter Aperitif is a pre-mixed alcohol-free Aperol Spritz. Although it already has a more complex flavor profile, it works great in this recipe.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Crodino Spritz is perfect for anyone that doesn't drink alcohol.
- You don't need any cocktail equipment (e.g., cocktail shaker or strainer) to make this mocktail.
- It's ready within minutes.
Key ingredients and substitutions
- A 6 oz bottle of Crodino for the bitter part of the mocktail.
- Orange juice to make it taste like an Aperol Spritz. We like using freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Non-alcoholic sparkling wine to replace the Prosecco. You can substitute it with soda water or tonic water.
- Sparkling water or club soda to finish it off.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Elo's tips
- I like to keep some Crodino and non-alcoholic sparkling wine in the fridge at any time for a quick mocktail.
- If you want your drink ice-cold without diluting it, I highly recommend these marble ice cubes. Keep them in the freezer and use them as ice cubes.
Step-by-step with pictures
STEP 1: Fill a stem-less wine glass with ice cubes. Pour a small bottle of Crodino into the glass. You can use the red or yellow Crodino.
STEP 2: Squeeze an orange. Run it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the pulp if desired. Add the freshly squeezed juice to the glass.
STEP 3: Next, add in the non-alcoholic sparkling wine or substitution of choice.
STEP 4: Finish it off with a splash of sparkling water or soda water.
STEP 5: Finally, garnish the mocktail with a slice of orange and some fresh basil.
Frequently asked questions
Although Crodino is non-alcoholic, pregnant women should avoid it. According to Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, quinine-containing drinks, such as tonic water and Crodino should be avoided during pregnancy.
In the US, you can buy Crodino over Amazon. Note that a pack is a lot more expensive than in Italy (± 6$) but still worth it.
Cordino is a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif that has a similar taste to Aperol. Both are made of herbal extracts and quinine, which make up their characteristic bitter flavor. Plus, Crodino also has sweet orange aromas and vanilla notes.
Crodino is free from gluten-containing ingredients.
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The recipe
Crodino Spritz (Alcohol-Free Aperol Spritz)
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of (100 ml) Crodino or other non-alcoholic bitter
- 3 fl. oz (90 ml) fresh orange juice
- 3 fl. oz (90 ml) non-alcoholic sparkling wine or tonic water
- A splash of sparkling water or soda water
- 1 orange slice to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
- Juice an orange. Strain the pulp if desired.
- Add the Crodino, orange juice and non-alcoholic sparkling wine to the glass. Finish it off with a splash of sparkling water or soda.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and some fresh basil.
Nutrition
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