Senza – non-alcoholic aperitivo

Senza by Mondino, the non-alcoholic aperitivo from Chiemgau

Senza by Mondino is a non-alcoholic organic aperitivo from Traunstein, built on Alpine herbs and citrus fruits. It retains the bitterness of its alcoholic siblings without losing any of its character. Falstaff awarded it 94 points in February 2026.

Senza is the non-alcoholic aperitivo from Mondino in the Chiemgau region and the family’s latest answer to a question that more and more guests are asking. Aromatic Alpine herbs meet sun-ripened citrus notes, joined by that sharp edge without which an aperitif would not be an aperitif. In a 675 ml bottle, in organic quality, with no artificial flavors.

Dark berries, herbs, and a sharp edge

On the nose, dark berries take the lead, followed by herbs and a hint of citrus, which brightens the whole profile and lifts the weight.

On the palate, the bitterness is balanced rather than harsh, supported by juicy dark fruit and an herbaceous spice. The finish remains dry, slightly tart, and fruit-forward with a bitter edge; this very interplay earned it 94 points from Falstaff, tasted in February 2026 by Alexander Thürer.

Anyone who has ever had a non-alcoholic aperitif in their glass that tasted like sweet syrup will recognize the difference at the first sip. Here, the bitterness keeps the sweetness in check, and the drink does not end after the first impression.

With tonic, with soda, with a slice of orange

Tonic and soda are the obvious partners, along with plenty of ice and a slice of orange or a strip of lemon zest in the glass.

This makes it a non-alcoholic spritz and a reliable companion for a long summer afternoon. On the table next to it, you might find Taralli Caserecci from Apulia, whose salt picks up the herbal spice, or a bowl of aperitif snacks consisting of olives and crackers.

For hosts, Senza resolves a small but persistent awkwardness. Those who do not drink alcohol are otherwise served juice or water and visibly sit on the sidelines of the group. A glass that is just as bitter, just as grown-up, and just as beautiful to look at removes this awkwardness without anyone needing to say a word about it.

And because an aperitivo is rarely served alone, it can be enjoyed in the same setting as its alcoholic siblings. While they carry between 18 and 31 percent alcohol, Senza remains non-alcoholic, ensuring that in a mixed group, no one is holding a different type of glass. You can find more ideas without the buzz under non-alcoholic drinks.

Bitter without alcohol is the greater challenge

Alcohol carries aromas and gives a drink body. If it is removed, both are missing, and that is exactly where many non-alcoholic aperitifs fail.

Senza solves this through the herbs themselves rather than through sugar. The bitter substances from roots and leaves build the structure that alcohol would otherwise provide, and the citrus fruit provides the fresh pull on top. It contains no quinine, and likewise no artificial flavors or dyes.

If you would like to get to know the alcoholic side of the house, you can find the classic Amaro Bavarese, the barrel-aged special edition, and the robust herbal bitter Amanero under all aperitivi from Mondino. Senza stands in this range not as a substitute, but as its own distinct variety.

Organic inspection body – DE-ÖKO-007 EU/non-EU agriculture