The bubbly apple cider spritz is one of the easiest fall drinks, pairing Aperol with apple cider and Prosecco. Build it right in the glass and top with an apple slice, and it’s perfect for any fall occasion.
Why we love this recipe
We’re all about fall cocktails, from spiked cider to the hot toddy. Today we’ve got a bubbly, refreshing drink that’s got the season written all over it: the apple cider spritz!
You may know the ever popular Aperol spritz. To Alex and me, the classic is a little too sweet—so spritz variations are where it’s at. This drink tastes sweet and balanced by dialing back the Aperol and swapping in fruity apple cider. The best part: you can build it right in the glass: no cocktail shaker needed. As two cocktail experts, this one is a new fall favorite!
Ingredient notes for an apple cider spritz
This apple cider spritz is a spin on the Aperol spritz, an Italian aperitif made with Aperol, Prosecco, and sparkling water. The spritz was actually invented back in the 1800’s in Italy as a way to water down sparkling wine by mixing in water! This fall spin trades a bit of the Aperol and sparkling water for apple cider.
- Aperol: This Italian amaro—bitter liqueur—is also known as an aperitif, a liqueur meant to drink before a meal. Aperol is bright orange and on the sweeter side, invented in 1919 in Italy.
- Sparkling wine: You can use either Prosecco or champagne: we like Prosecco because it has a great flavor and is typically cheaper.
- Apple cider: Instead of soda water, you’ll use apple cider to bring a tangy body to the drink. Look for unfiltered cider, which has the best flavor and color.
Tip: A 750 ml bottle of Prosecco is 25 ounces, enough for 8 drinks. If you’re making 2 drinks, a mini bottle is perfect—it holds 187 mL or about 6 ounces!
How to make an apple cider spritz: step by step
You can build an apple cider spritz right in the glass, which makes it the perfect fall drink for entertaining! Here are the main steps, or skip right to the full recipe:
- Stir: Stir 1 oz Aperol in a glass with ice to make it cold.
- Top with bubbles: Top with 2 oz apple cider and 3 oz Prosecco.
- Garnish: Add an apple slice and garnish with a straw.
Note: The apple slice shown in the photos fits easier if you slice it into a half circle. We just liked the look of it as a whole round for the photo, though it’s tough to balance in the glass that way!
More apple cider cocktails
Fall is the time for all the apple cider drinks! Here are a few we recommend:
- Try our bourbon and Apple Cider Cocktail
- Go for an Apple Cider Margarita or Apple Cider Mimosa
- Cozy up with an Apple Cider Hot Toddy or Apple Cider and Whiskey
- Whip up an Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Dietary notes
This apple cider spritz is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, and dairy-free.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh, unfiltered apple cider is ideal for the most authentic flavor. However, if you can’t find it, a good quality bottled apple cider will also work. It also works with spiced cider.
It’s best to prepare the Apple Cider Spritz just before serving to ensure it’s bubbly and refreshing. However, you can mix the apple cider and Aperol in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to add the sparkling wine.
Get creative! A sprig of rosemary or a star anise pod can add a festive touch. You can also rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for an extra hint of sweetness (following the instructions in this Cinnamon Toast Crunch shot).
Apple Cider Spritz
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Prep Time: 5 minutes -
Cook Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 5 minutes
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Yield: 1 drink
Print RecipeDescription
The bubbly apple cider spritz is one of the easiest fall drinks, pairing Aperol with apple cider and Prosecco. Build it right in the glass and top with an apple slice, and it’s perfect for any fall occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Aperol, chilled
- 2 ounces apple cider, chilled
- 3 ounces Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled
- Ice (try clear ice!)
- For the garnish: apple slices
Instructions
- Add the Aperol to a glass filled with ice and stir. Top with the apple cider and Prosecco.
- If desired, stir gently, then serve. Top with an apple slice and serve with a straw to minimize dilution.
Notes
Additional garnish ideas: If desired, you can add a cinnamon stick for garnish or grate a little using a microplane onto the top. You could also rim the glass in cinnamon sugar (follow the instructions in this Cinnamon Toast Crunch shot).
Category: Drink
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Cocktails
Diet: Vegan