Italian drinks guide
Italian zero-proof drinks
Last updated
You do not need alcohol to sit down to aperitivo like an Italian. Italy has its own bitter sodas, bright citrus drinks and homemade summer coolers, and they show up everywhere from café counters to family tables. Larry keeps a shelf of them for drivers, kids and anyone pacing themselves before a big plate of sausage and peppers. Here is the full zero-proof collection, with how each one is served.
Quick answer
Italy has a long tradition of non-alcoholic drinks. Bitter aperitivo sodas such as Crodino and Sanbittèr fill the spritz role, citrus sodas like aranciata, limonata and chinotto go with pizza and snacks, and homemade drinks such as orzata, spremuta and granita cover summer. All are served cold, often with a slice of citrus.
Analcolici
Zero-proof aperitivi
Crodino
Bitter orange aperitivo, 0% ABV
San Bitter Rosso
Sharp red bitter, 0% ABV
Spritz Analcolico
Zero-proof spritz
Chinotto
Bitter citrus soda, 0% ABV
Aranciata Rossa
Blood orange soda
Cedrata
Citron soda, floral and sweet
Gassosa
Lightly sweet lemon soda
Tamarindo
Tamarind syrup soda, sweet-sour
Sanpellegrino Limonata
Sparkling lemon soda
Sanbittèr Spritz
Zero-proof bitter red, long
Homemade & At the Table
Made in the kitchen, not bought
Acqua Frizzante with Lemon
Sparkling water, table standard
Limonata Casalinga
Homemade Italian lemonade
Orzata
Almond syrup drink
Latte di Mandorla
Sicilian almond milk
Tè Freddo al Limone
Italian iced tea, lightly sweet
Caffè d'Orzo
Roasted barley “coffee”, caffeine-free
Spremuta d'Arancia
Fresh-squeezed blood orange juice
Granita al Limone
Frozen lemon ice, drinkable
Acqua e Limone
Warm lemon water
Pair them with aperitivo snacks, sausage and peppers or the Italian cheese board.
Questions people ask
What is a non-alcoholic Italian aperitivo?
A bitter soda such as Crodino or Sanbittèr, served cold over ice with an orange slice, like a spritz without alcohol.
What is chinotto?
A bitter-orange Italian soft drink, darker and less sweet than cola.
Can you make a spritz without alcohol?
Yes. Use a non-alcoholic bitter with sparkling water or sparkling grape juice over ice, with an orange slice.
What do Italian kids drink with dinner?
Commonly water — still or sparkling — plus sodas like aranciata or limonata on occasion.
Is orzata alcoholic?
No. Orzata is an almond syrup drink mixed with cold water.
More: Sausage & Peppers guide · Glossary · All drinks