In France, the apéritif is less about the drink itself than the ritual—the pause before dinner, the gesture of welcome, the clink of glasses that signals the meal to come. For generations, these pre-dinner sips have been decidedly alcoholic, often herbal, bitter, or sparkling. But as more people embrace mindful drinking, non-alcoholic apéritifs are beginning to claim a place at the table. Crafted with the same complexity and elegance as their spirited counterparts, these drinks offer the refreshment and conviviality of tradition, minus the alcohol. According to a report by The Mixer, more and more people are choosing non-alcoholic options for health reasons or simply to maintain a clear head.
Bonjour Mocktail
The Bonjour Mocktail is a delicious non-alcoholic apéritif that originates from France. It’s a delightful blend of grapefruit juice, lime juice, and soda water, garnished with a sprig of rosemary for a touch of sophistication.
Making a Bonjour Mocktail is straightforward and requires no special equipment. Simply mix equal parts of grapefruit and lime juice in a glass, top up with soda water, and garnish with rosemary. The result is a refreshing, tangy drink that pairs well with light starters.
Le Petit Baigneur
Le Petit Baigneur is a classic French non-alcoholic apéritif. This delightful drink is a mix of apple juice, lemon juice, and a hint of grenadine for a touch of sweetness.
Creating a Le Petit Baigneur is simple. Combine apple and lemon juice in a glass, add a dash of grenadine, and stir gently. Serve chilled with ice for a refreshing and delicious pre-dinner drink.
French Sparkling Lemonade
French Sparkling Lemonade is a popular non-alcoholic drink in France. Made with fresh lemons, sugar, and sparkling water, it’s a refreshing and zesty alternative to alcoholic apéritifs.
Preparing French Sparkling Lemonade is easy. Simply mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with sugar, and top up with chilled sparkling water. For an added touch, garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.
La Rosée Mocktail
La Rosée Mocktail is a charming non-alcoholic French apéritif. It’s a blend of cranberry juice, rose syrup, and soda water, resulting in a beautifully pink and subtly sweet drink.
To make a La Rosée Mocktail, combine cranberry juice and rose syrup in a glass, top up with soda water, and stir gently. Serve chilled with a few ice cubes for a delightful pre-dinner drink that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Non-Alcoholic Pastis
Pastis is a traditional French apéritif typically made with aniseed and licorice. The non-alcoholic version captures the essence of the original while being alcohol-free.
You can make Non-Alcoholic Pastis by simply combining anise extract with water and a touch of sugar. Serve chilled with a slice of lemon for a refreshing and authentic French drinking experience.
Virgin Mojito
A Virgin Mojito is a non-alcoholic take on the classic Mojito cocktail. It’s a refreshing blend of lime juice, mint, sugar, and soda water.
Making a Virgin Mojito involves muddling fresh mint leaves with sugar and lime juice in a glass, then topping up with soda water. Serve with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime for a refreshing and delicious non-alcoholic apéritif.
Faux Kir Royale
The Faux Kir Royale is a non-alcoholic version of the celebrated French cocktail, Kir Royale. It’s made using blackcurrant cordial and alcohol-free sparkling wine.
To make a Faux Kir Royale, pour a small amount of blackcurrant cordial into a champagne flute and top up with non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The result is a sophisticated, lightly sweet beverage perfect for special occasions.
Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine
Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine is a warm and spicy apéritif that’s perfect for the colder months. It’s made by simmering non-alcoholic red wine with a mix of spices and citrus fruits.
Creating Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine involves gently heating non-alcoholic red wine in a pan with a mix of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, along with slices of orange and lemon. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, then serve warm for a cozy and comforting drink.
French 75 Mocktail
The French 75 Mocktail is a non-alcoholic take on the classic French 75 cocktail. It’s a refreshing blend of lemon juice, sugar, and non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
To make a French 75 Mocktail, shake lemon juice and sugar in a cocktail shaker, pour into a glass, and top up with non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Garnish with a twist of lemon for a sophisticated and tangy apéritif.
Virgin Pomegranate Bellini
The Virgin Pomegranate Bellini is a fruity and festive non-alcoholic apéritif. It’s made with pomegranate juice and non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Making a Virgin Pomegranate Bellini is simple. Pour a small amount of pomegranate juice into a champagne flute and top up with non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The result is a vibrant and refreshing drink that’s perfect for celebrations.
Pairing Non-alcoholic Apéritifs with Food
Like their alcoholic counterparts, non-alcoholic apéritifs can be paired with a variety of foods to enhance the dining experience. For example, the tartness of a Bonjour Mocktail pairs wonderfully with light appetizers, while the sweet and fruity Virgin Pomegranate Bellini complements desserts wonderfully.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
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