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Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail

June 21, 2025
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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Make a bubbly, sweetly tart, citrusy, and refreshing alcohol-free drink to sip all year-round with this Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail!

Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail

This Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail is a simple delicious mocktail that comes rich in bold grapefruit flavor. Made with an Aperitif alternative, sparkling wine alternative, freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice, naturally sweetened, and topped with your favorite grapefruit bubbly, this mocktail is the best addition to any occasion or holiday---for both kids and adults-alike! Vegan and Alcohol option.

Champagne being poured into Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail.

There's seriously something refreshing about a good Grapefruit Aperol Spritz, especially in mocktail form and this one is the perfect thing for those summer days! If you love grapefruit and aperol, then you're sure to love this alcohol-free version. The great thing about my recipe is that you can make bigger batches for any gathering or just to last you a bit longer for the hotter weather.

Plus, can we deny just how insanely pretty these mocktails are? I mean adding garnishes like thyme sprigs, rosemary sprigs, or grapefruit wedges really is a beautiful way to add pizzaz to these drinks. The creative flavors in this drink makes it the perfect sip for dinners, brunches, and even fancy occasions. It's super versatile----much like this no-alcohol Strawberry Grapefruit Mocktail, Lime Rickey Mocktail, Dragonfruit Pineapple Smash Mocktail, Papaya Mint Julep Mocktail, or these Mimosa Mocktails and Traditional Bloody Mary Mocktails.

This Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail is the Best!

And if you're in the mood for something tropical with a hint of fruity, then I recommend trying my Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail because it's the best balance between sweet + spicy.

Overall, this Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail is super easy to makerequires just a handful of ingredients, comes whipped together in 5 minutes (or less), and is the perfect balance between refreshing + the right amount of sweetness meets tartness. For a smooth flavor + texture, I recommend using a 100% pure grapefruit juice like Lakewood Organic's version, which is a nice addition by the way! However, you can always use a natural grapefruit juice like Simply as well.

Jump to:

What Are Citrus Fruits?

Citrus fruits are part of the Rutaceae family, known for their bold, tangy flavors and bright colors. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a healthy and refreshing addition to your diet. Whether you're tossing them in a salad, squeezing fresh juice, or just snacking on them, citrus fruits can add some serious flavor to your day.

What is Grapefruit Aperol Spritz made of?

When it comes to the traditional grapefruit aperol spritz, it's made out of a few ingredients which include: grapefruit juice, aperol or campari, sparkling wine, soda water, simple syrup, and other liqueurs of choice for more complexity of flavor. For this mocktail version, I use altneratives for the alcoholic ingredients and a natural sweetener like honey instead of simple syrup---although you can still make that if you'd like.

Perfect Occasions For This Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail

  • Summer barbecues + cookouts
  • Picnics in the park
  • Poolside lounging
  • Baby showers
  • Brunch gatherings + family dinners
  • Mocktail bars at weddings or special events
  • Anytime you're craving a refreshing beverage without alcohol!
Ingredients standing with a black and white background.

What is A Mocktail?

So if you're sitting here thinking, what is a mocktail? Let me explain. A mocktail is like a party in a glass, minus the hangover. It's a delicious and refreshing non-alcoholic drink that's packed with all the flavor and complexity of a traditional cocktail but without any of alcohol.

Whether you're a designated driver, a health-conscious human, or just someone who wants to enjoy a delicious drink without the buzz, mocktails are the perfect solution.

How To Make Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail

In a cocktail shaker, add the grapefruit juice, honey, and Ritual Zero Proof Alternative, shaking it together until combined. NOTE: You can also whisk everything together in a bowl if it's easier.

For each mocktail, fill a good cocktail glass (11 oz. or so) halfway with ice, followed by the mocktail mixture. Top with a sparkling wine alternative and club soda or grapefruit soda along with fresh sprigs like thyme or rosemary, if desired. If you're not using the Alcohol Alternative, then you'd just top the mocktail mixture with ginger beer or sparkling water or just the grapefruit soda.

Ingredients

MOCKTAILS:

  • Grapefruit juice. You can use pure grapefruit juice from my favorite brand like Lakewood Organics or a natural version like Simply beverages. If making your own juice, you'll need 2-3 large pink grapefruits, freshly-squeezed.
  • Honey. I like to use raw, organic honey, but you can substitute with cane sugar or brown sugar for simple syrup.
  • Ritual Zero Proof Aperitif Alternative. This alternative works perfectly with this mocktail because of it's bright, botanical, and citrusy notes. You can also substitute with ginger beer or sparkling water if you don't have this handy.
  • Sparkling wine alternative. I like to use a high-quality sparkling wine alternative like Tost beverages which comes in a sparkling rose flavor---which is perfect for this recipe!
  • Grapefruit soda. I love using the Whole Foods brand because it's organic. You can also use ginger ale, ginger beer (I love Fever-Tree's grapefruit version), club soda, etc for your topping if preferred. If not using grapefruit soda, be sure to add grapefruit juice (1-2 large grapefruits freshly-squeezed).
  • Ice. Crushed or cubes work!
  • Garnish. This creates a nice, fancy experience for your mocktails. I love using grapefruit wedges or slices, and fresh sprigs like thyme or rosemary.

SHOP MY FAVORITE DRINKWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!

Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail recipe. Everything from my fave glassware, cocktail shakers, ice cube trays, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

How to Make Clear Ice Cubes Without A Clear Ice Cube Mold

One of the greatest phenomenons when it comes to ice cubes has been seeing super clear ice cubes from those clear ice cube systems or molds and wanting to try it, but not necessarily wanting to have a huge contraption in my freezer. Haha. Anyone else feel my pain? Whelp, no need to worry----I've done my research and tested it out a bit and have found some solutions to help those of us who don't have any fancy system to making clear ice cubes. Here are a few ways:

Tip #1: It's best to use water that is distilled or super-filtered to avoid gasses and dissolved oxygen, which are the two things that cause our ice to "fog up" when frozen.

Tip #2: Boil your water and freeze your water hot. Again, much to my previous point, this removes any dissolved oxygen or gasses. Just be sure to carefully pour the hot water into your ice cube tray or mold-----preferably one made from materials that naturally insulates like silicone. Also, ensure that your tray lays FLAT while freezing.

Tip #3: Slow freeze your ice cubes. This should be done for about 24 hours, which allows any impurities to be forced out of the ice---resulting in much clearer ice.

Two glasses of Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail with grapefruit wedges.

Sweetener Options? Vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! I like to add a bit of natural sweetener to most things that I drink, including this Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail. You can keep things traditional with a simple syrup (using organic cane sugar to make it vegan-friendly) or Maple syrup is a great option because it's vegan and has antioxidants, much like honey which adds additional nutrients. However, you can try any healthy sweetener substitutions you like.

The Best Healthy Sugar Alternatives + Substitutes list is all about finding better ways to enjoy your favorite sweets without compromising your healthy lifestyle. For those who follow a vegetarian and/or vegan lifestyle, this lists offers a few great ideas to incorporate healthy sweeteners into your diet.

ANY BENEFITS OF GRAPEFRUIT?

The main plus about consuming Grapefruit is that is has high nutritional value but is low in carbs. In addition, it has a decent amount of fiber and comes jam-packed with Vitamins.

Other benefits:

  • Great for your Immune System. (Think high sources of Vitamin C!)
  • May help to promote Appetite Control. (Diets high in fiber helps to keep you more full, resulting in less frequent eating!)
  • May help with weight loss. (Since they are few in calories and contain more water, they aide in weight loss!)
  • Possibility of preventing Insulin Resistance. (This generally reduces your chances of Diabetes.)
  • May improve Heart Health! (Consuming Grapefruit daily may help to prevent Blood Pressure and reduce Cholesterol.)
  • High in Powerful Antioxidants!
  • Very Hydrating. (Think high water content which is awesome for our bodies!)

Can I Add Alcohol?

Yes definitely! If you'd like to spruce things up with alcohol or keep this spritz more traditional, feel free to substitute the Ritual Zero Proof Alternative with aperol or campari and the sparkling wine alternative with actual sparkling wine like Prosecco. For a non-traditonal feel, the best types of alcohols that work great with this Grapefruit flavor combo is:

  • Vodka
  • Gin
  • Rum
  • Champagne
  • Tequila
  • Whiskey
Up close shot of Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail.

Common Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail Q + A's

Can I make a bigger batch or more servings of this Spritz Mocktail?

Absolutely! To make additional mocktails, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need.

Can I use a sweetener other than honey?

Yup! If you don't want to use honey, feel free to make your own simple syrup (boiling together ½ cup cane sugar + ½ water) or substitute with maple syrup, Agave, etc.

How do I make sugar rims for something fancy?

To make things more fancy, I love to add sea salt or cane sugar to the rim of my glass(es). To do this, you'll simply need to wet the rims a bit with ½ grapefruit and then turned facing down, slightly moving it around in the sugar or salt until covered.

Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail with garnish and grapefruit wedges.

More Must-Try Summer Recipes

If you're a mocktail lover and enjoyed this Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail recipe, you'll adore trying these summer ready recipes next:

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

Two glasses of Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail with grapefruit wedges.

Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail

June 21, 2025
No ratings yet
Make a bubbly, sweetly tart, citrusy, and refreshing alcohol-free drink to sip all year-round with this Grapefruit Aperol Spritz Mocktail!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 2 servings

Ingredients

MOCKTAIL:

  • 2 cups red grapefruit juice, organic
  • 1-2 Tbsps organic raw honey (See Notes!)
  • 6 ounces Aperitif alternative (I love using Ritual Zero Proof)
  • 2 ounces sparkling wine alternative (I love using Tost Beverages)
  • Club soda or an Italian soda (I used Whole Foods Grapefruit Italian Soda)

GARNISH:

  • Grapefruit slices or wedges
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary Sprigs
  • Ice

SUGAR RIM:

  • ¼ cup organic cane sugar
  • Juice from ½ grapefruit

Instructions

TO MAKE THE MOCKTAILS:

  • In a cocktail shaker, add the grapefruit juice, honey, and Ritual Zero Proof Aperitif Alternative (if using) shaking it together until combined. NOTE: You can also whisk everything together in a bowl if it's easier. If you're not using the Alcohol Alternative, then just shake together the juices + your fave alcohol.
  • For each mocktail, fill a good (12-16 oz) cocktail glass halfway with ice, followed by the shaken mocktail mixture (evenly divided). Top with (1 oz. each) of sparkling wine alternative and lastly club soda or grapefruit soda and your favorite garnish---sliced or wedges grapefruit and herbs (thyme sprigs, rosemary, etc.).
  • Sip and Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

  • SERVINGS: To make additional mocktails, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need.
  • ALCOHOL: If you'd like to spruce things up with alcohol, feel free to substitute the Ritual Zero Proof alternative with your favorite alcohol: gin, whiskey, rum, vodka, etc.
  • SWEETENER: If you don't want to use honey, feel free to make your own simple syrup (boiling together ¼ cup cane sugar + ¼ water) or substitute with maple syrup, Agave, etc.
  • RIM(S): To make things more fancy, I love to add sea salt or cane sugar to the rim of my glass(es). To do this, you'll simply need to wet the rims a bit with ½ grapefruit and then turned facing down, slightly moving it around in the sugar or salt until covered.

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Potassium: 8mg | Sugar: 25g

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

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Xx, Shanika in script writing

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