There’s something about a classic Aperol Spritz—bitter, bubbly, and oh-so refreshing. But if you’re looking to skip the alcohol while still enjoying a sophisticated pre-dinner beverage or anytime treat, then this Paleo-friendly mocktail is for you. Featuring antioxidant-rich blood oranges, liver-loving dandelion root tea, and a crisp splash of sparkling water, this drink is as delicious as it is nourishing.
Blood oranges bring more than just vibrant color and bold citrus flavor to the mix. Their rich red hue comes from anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant linked to reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular health.1 Thanks to these anthocyanins, you can enjoy this mocktail without the red dye additives often found in its alcohol counterpart.
In addition, blood oranges are naturally high in vitamin C, and a 2020 study published in the international journal Antioxidants found they may support metabolic health and protect against oxidative stress due to their anthocyanin, flavanone, and carotenoid content.1
Dandelion root tea is a traditional digestive tonic used for centuries. A 2021 study suggests dandelion root supports liver function and promotes bile flow, making it a perfect addition to an apéritif-style drink.2 Plus, its naturally bitter compounds mimic the flavor complexity of traditional aperitivos like Aperol and Campari—but without the sugar or additives.
Choosing Your Sparkling Water
Not all sparkling waters are created equal. Some brands contain trace levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to hormone disruption and metabolic issues. A 2022 Consumer Reports study identified several brands with undetectable or low PFAS levels, making them a safer choice for your daily bubbly water fix. When shopping around, look for brands that prioritize purity and third-party testing.3
TIPS:
- If you prefer a more bitter profile, steep the tea longer or add a few dashes of cocktail bitters.
- For a sweeter touch, add an extra splash of blood orange juice.
- This can be made as a batch cocktail by mixing the blood orange juice, lemon juice, and dandelion tea together. Store in the refrigerator and mix in the sparkling water when you’re ready and serve over ice.
References
- de Santana AA, de Castro Tobaruela E, dos Santos KG, Sparvoli LG, do Amaral CK, Magnoni CD, Taddei CR, dos Santos RVT, Hassimotto NMA, Lajolo FM. ‘Pera’ Orange and ‘Moro’ Blood Orange Juice Improves Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response Biomarkers and Modulates the Gut Microbiota of Individuals with Insulin Resistance and Different Obesity Classes. Obesities. 2022; 2(4):389-412. https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities2040033
- Pfingstgraf IO, Taulescu M, Pop RM, Orăsan R, Vlase L, Uifalean A, Todea D, Alexescu T, Toma C, Pârvu AE. Protective Effects of Taraxacum officinale L. (Dandelion) Root Extract in Experimental Acute on Chronic Liver Failure. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Mar 24;10(4):504. doi: 10.3390/antiox10040504. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33804908/
- Consumer Reports. What’s really in your bottled water? Consumer Reports. Published April 29, 2020, https://www.consumerreports.org/water-quality/whats-really-in-your-bottled-water-a5361150329/
Aperol Spritz Mocktail
- Recipe by: Erin Rhae Biller, ND, FAIHM
- Serves: 4
- Meal: Beverage
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
2 tsp dandelion tea
29/48 cups fresh-squeezed blood orange juice (approximately 3-4 blood oranges)
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups sparkling water
Ice
Blood orange slices, to serve
Directions
Brew dandelion tea in ⅔ cup boiling water. Let cool in the refrigerator.
In a pitcher, add blood orange juice, lemon juice, and chilled dandelion tea. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
Fill four cocktail glasses with ice. Pour Aperol Spritz mocktail into each glass. Garnish with orange slices and top each with a splash of extra sparkling water.
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