Apple Cider Aperol Spritz

If you love an Aperol Spritz but want to give it a little seasonal twist, this Apple Cider Aperol Spritz is the perfect cocktail to try. It has everything you love about a classic spritz—the bubbly prosecco, Aperol, and sparkling water—but adds apple cider for a little fall flavor.

I love taking classic recipes and finding ways to give them a seasonal spin, and this cocktail is a simple example of that. The apple cider adds a touch of sweetness and warm fall flavor while the Aperol keeps its signature slightly bitter, citrusy flavor. Add the bubbles from the prosecco and sparkling water, and you’ve got an easy cocktail that’s festive without requiring a long list of ingredients.

And if you’ve been around my website for a while, you know this isn’t my first spritz! I’ve shared both a Hugo Spritz and a Sarti Spritz, so this apple cider version is another fun addition to the collection. Each one has its own flavor profile, which is exactly why I love spritzes—they’re easy to make and there are so many ways to change them up.

Ingredients: Apple Cider Aperol Spritz

• Aperol: Aperol provides the signature flavor of this cocktail. It’s bright and citrusy with a slightly bitter taste that balances the sweetness of the apple cider.
• Apple Cider: brings the fall flavor to this spritz. Look for a cider you enjoy drinking on its own since its flavor will come through in the finished cocktail.
• Prosecco: provides the bubbles and light, fruity flavor that make a spritz a spritz. Be sure to chill it before making your cocktail.
• Sparkling Water: a splash of sparkling water lightens the cocktail and adds even more refreshing bubbles without making the drink overly sweet.
• Ice: Fill your glass generously with ice before adding the ingredients. This keeps the cocktail chilled while you enjoy it.
• Apple Slice or Cinnamon Stick: For garnish, optional, a thin apple slice or cinnamon stick adds a simple seasonal finishing touch and makes this cocktail feel extra festive.

How to Make an Apple Cider Aperol Spritz

1. Fill your glass with ice. Choose a large wine glass or spritz glass and fill it generously with ice.
2. Add the Aperol and apple cider. Pour the Aperol and apple cider over the ice. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
3. Add the prosecco. Slowly pour in the chilled prosecco. Pouring it slowly helps preserve those bubbles.
4. Add sparkling water. Top with sparkling water and give the cocktail one gentle stir. You don’t want to overmix and lose all those lovely bubbles.
5. Garnish and enjoy. Add an apple slice or cinnamon stick, if desired, and serve immediately.

A Fall Twist on a Classic Spritz

The classic Aperol Spritz is typically made with Aperol, prosecco, and sparkling water. Adding apple cider changes the flavor just enough to make it feel right at home during the fall months. The apple cider brings sweetness and a distinctly seasonal flavor, while the Aperol adds that bittersweet citrus note that keeps the drink from tasting overly sweet. It’s a simple combination, but sometimes those are the best recipes!

If you enjoy a good spritz, don’t stop with this apple cider version! I’ve shared a few different spritz recipes on my website, including my Hugo Spritz and Sarti Spritz. The Hugo Spritz is fresh and floral, while the Sarti Spritz offers another fruity take on the classic spritz. They’re all easy to make, but each has a completely different flavor profile.

When to Serve an Apple Cider Aperol Spritz

This cocktail is perfect for a fall happy hour, weekend gathering, dinner with friends, or a holiday celebration. Because it’s so easy to put together, it’s also a great option when you’re entertaining and don’t want to spend all of your time behind the bar. For a gathering, you can have the ingredients chilled and ready to go, then let everyone make their own spritz. Just remember to add the prosecco and sparkling water right before serving so you keep all those refreshing bubbles.

If you’re looking for a cocktail that feels like fall without being overly complicated, give this Apple Cider Aperol Spritz a try. It’s bubbly, refreshing, and has just enough apple cider flavor to make it feel seasonal. And if you’re already a spritz fan, consider this another one to add to your rotation. From the Hugo Spritz to the Sarti Spritz and now this apple cider version, there are so many ways to enjoy a spritz—and sometimes all it takes is one seasonal ingredient to give a favorite cocktail a whole new feel.

All the Spritzes

• Lillet Spritz
• Rose Hugo Spritz
• Limoncello Spritz
• Holiday Aperol Spritz

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