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Sarah Kate/The Globe and Mail

Giostra d’alcol translates to ‘carousel of alcohol’ in Italian. The full octane version is truly not that boozy, mixing Campari, dry red wine and Cedrata soda, and luckily this combination works really well with non-alcoholic substitutes.

Zero proof aperitifs have generally been excellent dupes, and they work well in mocktails because of the texture, and the bite of the complex herbal bitter flavours.

Non-alcoholic red wine is a category people are always disappointed in, but there are some notable options starting to appear on the radar like Zeronimo Leonis Blend, widely considered the best in the category. It works in this recipe which traditionally uses dry Barbera d’Asti red wine. Other red wine suggestions for this recipe listed below.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz zero proof aperitif
  • 2 oz non-alcoholic red wine
  • 1/2 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2-3 oz Sicilian lemonade
  • Orange slice for garnish

Preparation

Stir the first three ingredients in a mixing glass with ice to chill. Strain into a fresh rocks glass with one large cube of ice. Top with the lemonade and garnish with the orange slice.

Recommendations

Aperitif - Free Spirits Spirit of Aperitivo (U.S.), Novara Aperitivo (Canada); Red Wines - Zeronimo Leonis Blend, Edenvale Expedition Series Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon

Sarah Kate is an alcohol-free sommelier, writer and founding editor of the publication Some Good Clean Fun, which accepts advertising. She was previously affiliated with the Zeronimo wines brand in Canada and currently has no role as a brand ambassador for any non-alcoholic beverage brands.

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