Is Aperol Spritz Vegan?

Aperol Spritz

An Aperol Spritz, or Spritz Veneziano, is a world-famous prosecco-based cocktail with an Italian origin. It’s made from Aperol, prosecco and a splash soda water generally served in a stemmed wine over ice with a slice of fresh orange. 

The Aperol itself is an Italian bitter apéritif made of gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona. But overall is it a vegan cocktail? 

Is an Aperol Spritz vegan? 

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no.

Aperol, the apéritif does not contain any egg or dairy, or albumen, lactose or casein making the ingredients list vegan. However, it is noted that gelatine is used in the purification process, so unfortunately the product is not suitable for those following a strict vegan lifestyle.

And what about the rest of the cocktail?

It’s safe to say that soda water is vegan-friendly, but it’s the prosecco used that might also be a red flag when it comes to those of us on a plant-based diet. 

Why else might Aperol Spritz not be vegan?

You’ll be happy to know that most proseccos are 100% vegan, but sometimes during a wine’s fining process non-vegan methods are used. Products like casein, isinglass, gelatine and albumin can be used to clarify the drink. 

Read more about vegan proseccos (including our favourite brands) here.

Keep your plant-based questions coming our way through the comments section below!