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A grown-up Spritz that everyone can enjoy.
About the cocktail
Born in Italy, quickly adopted by Euro neighbours and now embraced in all corners of the globe, the Spritz has been the drink of recent times. From the sunset-hued Aperol and the zesty Limoncello to the tart Pink Grapefruit and the bittersweet Blood Orange, it’s safe to say there's a Spritz to suit any occasion. It’s the go-to cocktail you really can’t mess up, and the only downside is it’s almost too delicious. The solution? The ‘go on, have another’ Non-alcoholic Berry Spritz cocktail. You’re welcome. This non-alc member of Spritz-ville doesn’t compromise on any of the flavour, and is just as fun and flirty as its alcoholic counterparts. Verjuice and fresh berries bring the tart-sweet balance, star anise adds warmth, while a pinch of salt rounds everything out. Topped with alcohol-free sparkling wine, it’s fizzy and just the right amount of fancy. Think of it as the Aperol Spritz’s softer, berry-laced cousin; zero%* alcohol, maximum flavour. The bonus? You’ll get eight servings from your batch of berry cordial, so this is a great Spritz to whip up for parties. If there’s a mix of people who are imbibing and abstaining, this cordial goes just as well with alcoholic sparkling wine, too, so it can be a great base for everyone. Just remember to garnish the drinks differently or add a charm to the glass stems so no one gets the alcoholic versions mixed up with the non-alc.
For the berry cordial (8 serves):
375mL verjuice 150g mixed berries, sliced 2 star anise 1 g salt 35 g sugar
For the Spritz:
40mL berry cordial (see method) 110mL non-alcoholic sparkling wine Garnish: fresh berries and herbs, such as sage and thyme
Method : For the berry cordial:
Combine all ingredients in a sealable container then refrigerate for three days Strain and bottle. This will keep in the fridge for two weeks, or up to six months frozen
For the cocktail:
Add the berry cordial to a wine glass filled with cubed ice Top with non-alcoholic sparkling wine and gently stir Garnish with fresh berries and whatever seasonal herbs you like
Dan’s top tips
If non-alcoholic cocktails have one golden rule, it’s never to skip the prep. Making a berry cordial might sound like a bit of effort, but trust us – it’s dead easy and also the difference between a one-note mocktail and a layered, full-bodied and textured Spritz that actually hits. As for the berries, anything goes. We used a range of berries to tick all the bright flavour notes, but strawberries, raspberries or blueberries work beautifully – take your pick or go for a mix. Want to add a little zest? Lemon and berries are a match made in heaven, so feel free to amp up the fruit factor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and maybe a wheel to garnish. If you want to pump up the rose-pinkish tones, choose a non-alc sparkling rosé or moscato for a coral-coloured hit. And regarding that berry cordial, with this keeping so well in the fridge and much longer in the freezer, you might want to scale it up so you can pull it out any time you like. Berry Frozé Spritz, anyone?
image credits: Shelley Horan (photography), Bridget Wald (styling)
