The Spritz has become a staple of aperitif culture. From sunny terraces in Italy to relaxed after-work moments closer to home, this iconic orange cocktail has become a true classic.
But what if you’re looking for that same refined aperitif experience without alcohol?
Meet NONA Spritz. A premium non-alcoholic aperitif, developed as a contemporary alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz. With 27 carefully selected botanicals, a distinctive citrus character and a pleasant bitterness, NONA Spritz brings a new dimension to the aperitif moment.
In this article, we compare NONA Spritz and the classic Aperol Spritz in terms of taste, ingredients, preparation and the occasions they are made for.
The Aperol Spritz has its roots in Italy. Aperol was created in Padua in 1919 and grew into one of the country’s best-known aperitifs. The Spritz as we know it today combines Aperol with prosecco and soda water. The result is a light, sparkling and recognisably bittersweet aperitif.
NONA Spritz starts from a different philosophy.
NONA was founded by Belgian bio-engineer Charlotte Matthys with the belief that a complex and refined drinking experience doesn’t have to depend on alcohol. Instead of simply removing alcohol from an existing drink, NONA Spritz was developed from the ground up as a fully-fledged non-alcoholic aperitif.
The foundation? 27 carefully selected botanicals, processed through innovative steam distillation. The result is a layered flavour profile combining citrus, herbs and characteristic bitterness.
Although both drinks play a similar role as an aperitif, their composition and production are very different.
A classic Aperol Spritz consists of three main ingredients: Aperol, prosecco and soda water.
Aperol is known for its distinctive combination of sweet and bitter orange, complemented by herbs and botanicals. Combined with prosecco and soda water, it creates the classic Spritz we all know: sparkling, refreshing, slightly bitter and fruity.
NONA Spritz takes a botanical approach. Its formula contains 27 botanicals, with blood orange and orange zest as key flavour ingredients. Bitter gentian adds the characteristic aperitif bitterness, while other botanicals contribute additional depth and complexity.
The botanicals are processed through steam distillation. The result is a refined and layered flavour profile that stands entirely on its own.
NONA Spritz is:
0.0% ABV
Made with 27 botanicals
Characterised by citrus, herbs and pleasant bitterness
Developed as a fully-fledged non-alcoholic aperitif
Taste is, of course, personal. Still, there are some clear differences between the two drinks.
A classic Aperol Spritz is known for its distinctive orange flavour, gentle bitterness and refreshing bubbles. The prosecco adds fruitiness and body, while Aperol provides its characteristic bittersweet profile.
The result is an approachable aperitif that is deeply connected to Italian aperitivo culture.
NONA Spritz also has a distinctive citrus character, but combines this with a complex range of botanicals.
Blood orange provides a fresh and fruity note, while gentian and other botanicals add pleasant bitterness and greater depth. The finish is fresh and refined.
If you enjoy the bittersweet character of a classic Spritz, you’ll find familiar elements in NONA Spritz, while experiencing a distinctly different flavour profile.
One of the great advantages of NONA Spritz is its versatility.
The classic serve is simple:
NONA Spritz + tonic + ice + a slice of orange
Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an extra botanical touch.
Prefer maximum convenience? NONA Spritz & Tonic is a ready-to-drink option that is perfectly balanced and can be served straight from the can.
Or choose the 70cl bottle and create your own perfect serve with tonic, soda water or sparkling water.
Aperol Spritz and NONA Spritz don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s not really about which drink is better, but rather which one best suits the moment.
A classic Aperol Spritz is perfect for a traditional aperitif with friends, a sunny terrace or a long summer evening.
NONA Spritz offers the same aperitif experience with greater flexibility. Think lunch, after-work drinks, an afternoon on the terrace or any moment when you consciously choose a non-alcoholic option.
You don’t have to adapt your moment to your drink. With NONA, you decide when you want to enjoy a refined aperitif.
NONA Spritz was not created simply to imitate an Aperol Spritz. It is its own interpretation of the modern aperitif.
With 27 botanicals, a distinctive citrus character and pleasant bitterness, NONA Spritz shows that a non-alcoholic aperitif can be complex, refined and full of character.
The classic Aperol Spritz remains an icon of aperitif culture. NONA Spritz adds a new possibility: the same attention to flavour, presentation and the moment, without the alcohol.
Ready to discover the difference for yourself?
Serve NONA Spritz with tonic, plenty of ice and a slice of orange. Or choose the convenience of NONA Spritz & Tonic, ready to drink.
Discover NONA Spritz and find your favourite serve.
