This bubbly apple cider spritz combines Aperol, crisp apple cider, and Prosecco for an effortless fall cocktail. Mix it right in the glass in under 5 minutes: no shaker needed!
With a jug of fresh apple cider sitting in the fridge last October, I figured why not mix up a spin on one of my favorite drinks? I’m all about fall cocktails, from spiked cider to the hot toddy. As a cocktail expert, this bubbly spritz variation is one of my all time fall favorites!
To me, the classic Aperol spritz is a little too sweet. This drink tastes more 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.
Ingredients you need
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 in the 1800’s in Italy as a way to water down sparkling wine by mixing in water! This fall variation trades some of the Aperol and sparkling water for apple cider.
- Aperol: This Italian amaro (bitter liqueur) is an aperitif, a liqueur meant to drink before a meal. Aperol is bright orange with a sweet fruity flavor, invented in 1919 in Italy.
- Sparkling wine: You can use either Prosecco or champagne: I 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 wine glass or lowball 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.
A note on the garnish: The apple slice fits easier in the glass if you slice it into a half circle. I simply liked the look of it as a whole round for the photo, but it’s tough to actually balance in the glass!
Tips for the best apple cider spritz
Don’t skip the garnish. A half apple slice or a cinnamon stick goes a long way in presentation and fun factor.
Ice matters: Large ice cubes melt slower, which means less dilution. If you have time, try clear ice for an extra-impressive presentation.
Adjust to taste: Like it sweeter? Add an extra half-ounce of cider. Want more Aperol bite? Bump it up to 1.5 oz.
Make-ahead notes
The apple cider spritz isn’t really a drink you can store: it’s best enjoyed immediately with those effervescent Prosecco bubbles. However, you can prep for easy serving:
- Pre-chill all your bottles.
- Slice apples and store in lemon water to prevent browning (pat dry before using).
- Set up a DIY spritz station with all ingredients on ice so guests can make their own.
For parties, you can also pre-mix a batch of the the Aperol and cider in a pitcher, then have guests measure 3 oz mix and add 3 oz Prosecco to their individual glasses.
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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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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: Drink
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
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).
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Other apple cider cocktails to try
If you love this apple cider spritz, here are more seasonal sippers to try:
- Bourbon lovers: The Apple Cider Old Fashioned is rich and warming
- Tequila fans: Try an Apple Cider Margarita with a cinnamon sugar rim
- Morning drinks: An Apple Cider Mimosa makes brunch special
- Cozy evenings: The Apple Cider Hot Toddy is perfect for chilly nights
- Whiskey cocktails: Mix up Apple Cider and Whiskey for something simple
- Party drinks: A Spiked Apple Cider serves a crowd easily
For more seasonal inspiration, check out our collection of fall cocktails or explore other spritz variations like the Amaro Spritz or Cranberry Aperol Spritz.
