Mocktail Magic: Non‑Alcoholic Spritz & Soda Recipes Using Real Aperitifs and Syrups

Whether you’re embracing a mindful drinking lifestyle, hosting friends who choose to go alcohol-free, or simply craving grown-up refreshment without the boozy buzz, mocktails crafted with real aperitifs and artisanal syrups are pure magic. At Caravan Wines & Spirits, we’re passionate about drinks with depth and intrigue—even when there’s little to no alcohol involved. Our approach leans into the unmistakable charm of classic European aperitifs and premium syrups, transforming simple spritzes and sodas into layered, celebratory non-alc drinks. Here we’ll share practical tips, tried-and-true recipes, and our own spin on what makes these revitalising sips so special for the Australian palate.

Why We Love Real Aperitifs & Syrups in Mocktails

Why settle for a sugary soft drink when you can create something sophisticated and satisfying? Real aperitifs—such as classic vermouths, low-ABV liqueurs, or bitters—offer botanicals, spices, and gentle bitterness that mass-market zero-proof options often lack. Syrups like raspberry, hibiscus, or agave add vibrant sweetness and unique flavours with precision. This combination delivers all the complexity of a great cocktail or spritz, minus (most of) the alcohol.

• Real depth of flavour: Traditional aperitifs (even in tiny amounts) bring herbal, floral, and citrus notes you simply can’t mimic with juices alone.
• Tailored sweetness: High-quality syrups let you dial up tart, berry, floral or caramel notes to your liking.
• Flexible ABV: Control how much (if any) alcohol features in your drink. Most vermouths and low-proof aperitifs are under 18% ABV and can be added in precise, minimal quantities.
• Eye-catching colour & garnish: Botanicals, fruit syrups, and lavish garnishes ensure mocktails feel festive and occasion-worthy.

Our Go-To Ingredients from Caravan Wines & Spirits

• Aperitifs & Vermouths: Byrrh Aperitif, Dolin Vermouth Blanc, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth (see our selection)
• Liqueurs: Massenez Crème de Camomille, Massenez Cacao Liqueur, Vedrenne Liqueur de Litchi
• Syrups: 1883 Raspberry Syrup, 1883 Hibiscus Syrup, 1883 Organic Agave Syrup (dozens of flavours in store)
• Mixers: Quality soda water, ginger beer, fresh citrus juice, seasonal Australian fruits

Recipes: Non-Alcoholic Spritz & Soda Magic

Raspberry Aperitif Spritz

This zesty mocktail brings together botanicals, berry sweetness, and a cloud of silky foam. Shake it up for an afternoon picnic or a chic start to your night.

• 30ml Dolin Vermouth Blanc (or any aromatic, low-ABV vermouth you have; skip for true 0%)
• 15ml 1883 Raspberry Syrup
• 30ml fresh lemon juice
• 15ml fresh lime juice
• 90ml soda water
• 30ml aquafaba (the juice from canned chickpeas, for vegan foam)
• Fresh raspberries and lemon twist to garnish

1. Combine vermouth, syrup, citrus juices, and aquafaba in a shaker without ice. Dry shake hard for 30 seconds to build foam.
2. Add ice and shake again. Double strain into a wine glass over fresh ice.
3. Top with soda water. Garnish with 3 raspberries and a twist of lemon.

Hibiscus Byrrh Soda

For fans of a mule or sour spritz, this drink layers gentle spice, bitterness, and floral uplift. The colour is stunning and it’s a real crowd-pleaser, especially on warm days.

• 45ml Byrrh Aperitif (or similar aromatised aperitif; optional for alcohol-free)
• 30ml 1883 Hibiscus Syrup
• 15ml fresh lime juice
• 120ml ginger beer or soda water
• Lime wheel, whole cloves, fresh mint (to garnish)

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add Byrrh, syrup, and lime juice. Stir to chill.
3. Top with ginger beer or soda water. Garnish with a clove-studded lime wheel and a sprig of mint.

Lychee Vermouth Spritz

Perfumed, light, and gently sweet. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a palate cleanser with spicy hors d’oeuvres.

• 30ml Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth (or other aromatic, slightly bitter red/amber vermouth)
• 22ml Vedrenne Liqueur de Litchi (lychee liqueur; optional, or substitute with lychee syrup for 0%)
• 15ml fresh lemon juice
• 90ml soda water
• Fresh lychee or orange zest

1. Combine vermouth, liqueur, and lemon juice in a rocks glass with ice.
2. Stir, then top with soda water.
3. Garnish with a whole lychee and orange zest twist.

Chamomile Citrus Soda

If you seek calm, aromatic refreshment, this one is for you. Bright orange and gentle herbal notes mingle for a daytime alternative to sweetened soft drink.

• 22ml Massenez Crème de Camomille Liqueur (optional for true 0%)
• 30ml fresh orange juice
• 15ml 1883 Organic Agave Syrup
• 5ml fresh grated ginger juice
• 120ml soda water
• Mint sprig, orange slice

1. Mix orange juice, camomile liqueur, agave, and ginger in a highball glass.
2. Add ice, stir gently, and top generously with soda.
3. Finish with mint and orange slice for colour and aroma.

Cacao Raspberry Fizz

Inspired by soda floats, this mocktail is dessert in a glass, with the gently bitter kick of cacao and bright red berries.

• 15ml Massenez Cacao Liqueur (optional)
• 22ml 1883 Raspberry Syrup
• 30ml fresh lime juice
• 90ml soda water
• Fresh raspberries and dark chocolate shavings

1. Shake liqueur, syrup, and lime juice (no ice) for 10 seconds.
2. Strain over ice in a chilled tumbler, top with soda.
3. Garnish with raspberries and a flurry of dark chocolate shavings.

Behind the Magic: Tips for Elevating Your Mocktails

• Batch ahead for parties: Scale up mixers and aperitifs, but only add soda and ice just before serving, to keep things fizzy and bright.
• Choose premium sodas: Using ultra-clean, mineral-rich mixers (or even native Australian sparkling water) transforms simple recipes.
• Customise garnish: Edible flowers, native citrus, and fresh herbs from your garden always impress.
• Balance is everything: Taste your mocktail before adding more syrup or sour juice—sometimes less is more.

Looking for More Inspiration?

• Explore other mocktail ideas and the role of syrups in modern mixology in our guide to flavour innovation.
• For lighter, low-alcohol options, we offer even more spritz ideas for the Aussie summer.
• If you’re new to aperitifs, see our breakdown on choosing and serving the perfect spritz.
• Get creative with even more syrup-based drinks in our post on using 1883 Flavoured Syrups and flavourful syrups for cocktails, coffee, and desserts.

FAQ: Non-Alcoholic Spritz & Soda Mocktails

Are these drinks truly alcohol-free?

When using real aperitifs or liqueurs, there will be trace alcohol—typically well below one standard drink per serve. For full sobriety, simply swap vermouth or liqueurs for a splash of extra syrup and up the soda. Always check each bottle’s ABV.

Can I substitute different syrups or aperitifs?

Absolutely. Our syrup selection is diverse. Berry, floral, and citrus syrups are particularly flexible. For aperitifs, anything aromatic and slightly bitter will add depth—even a splash of Luxardo Aperitivo creates a beautiful spritz base.

Can I batch these for a group?

Yes—simply multiply each recipe’s ingredients by guest count and mix ahead without the soda or ice. Pour individually and top with bubbly just before serving to maintain fizz.

Where can I buy ingredients in Australia?

At Caravan Wines & Spirits, we offer quality aperitifs, syrups, and mixers, shipped Australia-wide.

Are these recipes vegan?

Yes, when using aquafaba for foam (in place of egg white) and avoiding honey-based syrups. If strict vegan, double-check ingredient lists for each syrup and aperitif.

For specialty ingredients, inspiration from global producers, and new flavour ideas, browse our curated catalogue. Discover Caravan Wines & Spirits—your home for distinctive drinks, delivered Australia-wide.