Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
I’ve given the Italian Aperol Spritz a fall twist with the addition of sweet, crisp apple cider! This fall aperol spritz cocktail is perfect for all your autumn occasions from Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving dinners to fall parties and special autumn celebrations!
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Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
With the cooler weather comes lots of outdoor celebrations and sweet apple cider is just perfect for sipping during fall! I knew I had to whip up an Apple Cider Aperol Spritz that’s perfect for enjoying all season long!
History of the Aperol Spritz
My autumn twist on the classic Aperol spritz had me a bit curious about the classic drink’s history. Turns out the Barbieri brothers, Luigi and Silvio, debuted their apéritif at the 1919 International Fair in Italy. The French word for apéritif is apéro so that is how they got the name Aperol.
The Aperol Spritz was developed in the 1950s and has become a popular Italian cocktail, especially in northeastern Italy where friends regularly meet over an Aperol Spritz.
The classic Aperol Spritz is made with three parts Prosecco to two parts Aperol and finished with a splash of soda water. It’s served over ice in a large wine glass and garnished with an orange slice.
Aperol cocktails are some of my favorites, and now that autumn is arriving, I knew I had to give this traditional Italian cocktail a fall twist with apple cider…
Find the full apple cider spritz recipe (printable!) at the bottom of the post. Here’s a quick glance of what you’ll need along with substitution ideas.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
APEROL: What is Aperol, you ask? Aperol is an Italian bitter apéritif bright orange in color. It’s around 11% in alcohol content. It’s meant to stimulate the appetite and often consumed before dinner.
APPLE CIDER: Check your grocery store’s refrigerated produce section for apple cider or make your own if you are up for it!
PROSECCO: You can substitute in champagne or any sparkling wine here as well.
CLUB SODA: If you don’t have club soda, fear not, you can use seltzer water or tonic water in a pinch.
GARNISHES: I love a cinnamon-sugar rim and lots of fresh apple slices for garnishing. Don’t forget cinnamon sticks if you want an extra special stir stick!
My Favorite Glassware
I adore the Schott Zwiesel Pure Drinkware Collection from Frontgate. The champagne glasses are shown here in my photos. They’re a great investment for your bar collection.
SHOP HERE >>
How to make an Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
This is a really easy drink to make, it’s a matter of adding in your ingredients (over ice) and garnishing to your heart’s desire. My kind of cocktail!
- Rimming your glass is totally optional, but I love the festive touch it adds, especially if you’re serving your drinks at a holiday party. You can use cinnamon sugar or jazz it up with apple pie spice or even pumpkin pie spice.
- Add in ice (I suggest grabbing a bag of cubed ice from the store rather than typical at-home freezer ice. It’s usually a bit smaller so it’s better suited for narrow glassware and it’s a crystal clear color rather than white in hue).
- Add in your Aperol, Prosecco (champagne or sparkling wine is just fine too), and fill to the top with a splash of club soda.
- Garnish time! Add on thin apple wedges (quickly dipped in lemon juice to prevent browning), a sprig of thyme and a cinnamon stick.
What to serve with Apple Cider Aperol Spritzers
Hosting friends and looking for some nibble to include with your Aperol Spritzes? Here are a few of my very favorite fall-themed appetizers that would perfectly pair with this cocktail.
- Fall Charcuterie Board
- Goat Cheese Stuffed Figs
- Cranberry & Prosciutto Crostini
- Sparkling Cranberry and Almond Baked Brie
- Party Toast Cups
I hope you’ll whip up a tray of these spritzes for the holidays! They make a delicious Thanksgiving spritzer! Plus, they’re lovely to look at it and even better to sip with friends!
Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Aperol
- 2 ounces apple cider
- 3 ounces Prosecco - or champagne
- 1 splash Club Soda
Cinnamon Sugar Rim:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Rim glasses with lemon or lime wedge and dip in cinnamon sugar. Fill glass with ice.
- Add Aperol, apple cider, Prosecco, and splash of club soda. Garnish as desired. Optional Garnishes: apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, thyme, rosemary, etc.
I absolutely loved the apple cider spritz.
OMG they look amazing! I want to make some at home this weekend
The liquer’s warm flavors blend well with the har apple cider’s crisp seasonal flavor, giving each drink a taste of autumn.