Aperol Spritz without the hangover 🍊

A bit of mock-tail magic for your poolside hang 👙

Welcome back to the series of large batch mocktail recipes called “Mocktail Magic!” focused on meal prepping mocktail concentrates to keep in the fridge for a quick refreshment always on hand perfect for summer. I was inspired to create this series because I believe that just because someone wants to be alcohol free, doesn't mean that it has to be boring.

In my humble opinion, there is nothing better than sitting in the sun, on a patio with fresh pasta and an Aperol Spritz. That is the true sign of summer - it’s the ultimate vibe. Since I'm leaning more into mock-tails this summer, I wanted to recreate my favorite summer vibe with fresh fruit, bubbles + bitters.

My mission with this series is to make it simple and easy to have semi prepped mocktail concentrates in the fridge to make for yourself over a few days, or for a late afternoon BBQ with friends. Something refreshing when it’s hot, something delicious with simple ingredients, and quick to whip up in a jiffy.

The Aperol spritz is an Italian wine-based cocktail, commonly served as an aperitif and usually consists of prosecco, Aperol (digestive bitters/the Italian bitter aperitif), and soda water. Instead for this mock-tail, I used grapefruit and lemon for the tartness and bitterness, some orange juice and orange bitters for the orange hues usually in Aperol, and then spiced up this drink with fresh cantaloupe’s that just hit the season.

The end result? The Cantaloupe Italian Spritz!

This magic mocktail pitcher is:

• the perfect summer meal prep

• cool and refreshing

• easy to make

• perfect for busy schedules

• the best afternoon pick-me-up

• non-alcoholic cocktail

Save this recipe and don’t forget to tag me @chef_bai over on instagram when you make this amazing mocktail this summer!

Makes one 64oz Pitcher

THE GOODS:

• 1 large cantaloupe, juiced = 28-32oz juice

• 5-7 large oranges, peeled = 28-32oz juice

• 1-2 large grapefruits = 4oz juice

• 10 orange bitters

• 2 lemons sliced

For the garnish:

• soda water floater

• rosemary sprigs

THE METHOD:

1. First off, prep your fruit juice. You can juice your cantaloupe and the oranges whole too if it can handle the seeds. If using a blender, blend the cantaloupe and oranges on high for 60 seconds, and then use a nut milk straining bag to strain the juice. Discard the pulp. Hand juice the grapefruits.

2. Add the cantaloupe juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, orange bitters, and sliced lemons into a large pitcher. This is a concentrate.

3. To serve, fill a stemmed wineglass full of ice, and then fill up the glasses 3/4 full with the juice concentrate, top with a 3-4 oz soda water floater, and garnish with a rosemary sprig.

4. Keep a cap on the pitcher and store in the fridge for 4-6 days. Pour yourself a cooling refreshment this summer when the temperatures get hot. Perfect mocktail meal prep for the week ahead or for your next get together or party!

Makes one 64oz Pitcher

THE GOODS:

• 1 large cantaloupe, juiced = 28-32oz juice

• 5-7 large oranges, peeled = 28-32oz juice

• 1-2 large grapefruits = 4oz juice

• 10 orange bitters

• 2 lemons sliced

For the garnish:

• soda water floater

• rosemary sprigs

THE METHOD:

1. First off, prep your fruit juice. You can juice your cantaloupe and the oranges whole too if it can handle the seeds. If using a blender, blend the cantaloupe and oranges on high for 60 seconds, and then use a nut milk straining bag to strain the juice. Discard the pulp. Hand juice the grapefruits.

2. Add the cantaloupe juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, orange bitters, and sliced lemons into a large pitcher. This is a concentrate.

3. To serve, fill a stemmed wineglass full of ice, and then fill up the glasses 3/4 full with the juice concentrate, top with a 3-4 oz soda water floater, and garnish with a rosemary sprig.

4. Keep a cap on the pitcher and store in the fridge for 4-6 days. Pour yourself a cooling refreshment this summer when the temperatures get hot. Perfect mocktail meal prep for the week ahead or for your next get together or party!