Apple Cider Aperol Spritz

Make a fall version of an Aperol spritz with flavours of apple and cinnamon. The sweet apple cider perfectly balances the Aperol, topped with sparkling cider and a cinnamon stick. It's the perfect fall cocktail!

We all know and love an Aperol spritz in the summertime—a refreshing summer drink made of the bitter Aperol, sweet prosecco, and club soda. It is bright orange and typically had as an aperitivo, a pre-meal drink designed to open the stomach and stimulate digestion before eating.

This Apple Cider Aperol Spritz is a play on the crowd-favorite cocktail with a seasonal twist! The addition of sweet apple cider and sparkling hard cider give a seasonal flavor while adding some sweetness to the drink. A garnish of cinnamon and apple slices gives a festive fall look and a subtle spicy taste.

This autumn Aperol spritz is super easy to batch for your next holiday party. It is sure to put you into the holiday spirit during Thanksgiving! Made with bar staples and holiday flavors, it is quick and easy to make. This cocktail is gluten free and dairy free for all to enjoy!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredient Notes
• Substitutions
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• What to Serve with an Aperol Spritz
• Make Ahead
• Batching
• Expert Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Drinks
• Recipe
• Reviews

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for the holidays. This fall Aperol spritz would be a delicious Thanksgiving cocktail.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweet apple cider.
• Uses common bar ingredients.
• Made in 3 minutes. Just stir and enjoy!
• Easy to batch by stirring in a pitcher.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free and vegan.

Want more holiday cocktails and treats? Try my sugar cookie martini, chai espresso martini, healthy gingerbread latte, gluten-free ginger molasses cookies, oreo truffles, healthy peppermint mocha.

Ingredient Notes

Here are all the ingredients you'll need to make this fall Aperol spritz:

• Aperol liquor: You could also use Campari, another bitter aperitivo.
• Sweet Apple Cider: This is the non-alcoholic apple cider that you get at the farm or grocery store.
• Sparkling Hard Apple Cider: This is alcoholic and usually comes in cans or a bottle. My favourite brand is the Irish Magners / Bulmers hard cider.
• Cinnamon Stick: I deem this as an essential garnish. The aroma of cinnamon you get when you have a sip of the drink is delicious, and is much more pleasant than having ground cinnamon floating around.
• Garnish: Apple slices or edible glitter are fun. There are lots of brands on Amazon.

Substitutions

There are several ways to change up this cocktail. Here are some substitution suggestions:

• Change the spirit. Campari would be the closest thing to Aperol. If you really don't like Aperol, you could swap it for vodka, tequila, whiskey, bourbon, gin, or your favorite spirit. You'll still have a delicious sparkling bevvy.
• Adjust sweetness. The ratios in this spritz are perfect if you like the taste of Aperol and want a subtle sweetness. If you like a sweeter cocktail, I recommend adding 3 oz of the sweet apple cider.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full recipe.

(1) Place several ice cubes in a large wine glass.

(2) Add the Aperol, sweet apple cider, and hard cider to the glass.

(3) Add the edible glitter if you wish and stir to combine.

(4) Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slices. Enjoy responsibly!

What to Serve with an Aperol Spritz

This apple Aperol spritz is the perfect fall aperitivo and festive cocktail. While it can really be had at any time, it is especially designed to be consumed before eating a large meal to prime the stomach.

Enjoy during the autumn season with all your friends and family at Thanksgiving and Halloween. It is delicious with some salty snacks. Here are some of my favorites to pair with it:

• 14 Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas
• Marinated Goat Cheese Dip
• Butter Pecan Cookies
• Apple Pop Tarts
• Pumpkin Banana Muffins
• GF Baked Apple Fritters
• GF Pumpkin Scones

Check out more Fall Recipes!

Make Ahead

Note that this cocktail recipe is best served and consumed fresh after preparing. If you're preparing ahead of time, stir together the Aperol and sweet apple cider. Then refrigerate. Add the sparkling hard cider and ice just before serving to preserve the bubbles.

Batching

Make a larger quantity of drinks by stirring the ingredients together in a pitcher. Multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of drinks you wish to make. Don't add ice to the pitcher, add it directly to the glasses when serving. Add the sparkling hard cider just before serving.

Expert Tips

Here are some of my top tips and tricks for a delicious spritz:

• If you can get your hands on a spiced apple cider, that would be the most delicious. I typically see plain sweet apple cider in stores.
• Store your alcohol and juice in the fridge for an extra cold drink.
• You could make a spritz by replacing the aperol with any liquor. Vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey would all be great.
• If you like a sweeter cocktail, I recommend adding 3 oz of the sweet apple cider.
• Garnish with what you have. I would absolutely include a cinnamon stick—the aroma it gives off is delicious. I would also include some apple slices for presentation.
• Make it sparkly with edible glitter! You can find many on Amazon.
• Enjoy before or with Thanksgiving dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions

This apple cider aperol spritz is the perfect cocktail for Thanksgiving! Put an autumn spin on a classic aperol spritz with the flavors of apple and cinnamon this holiday season. This festive drink is the perfect aperitif with a fall twist for the time of year.

More Drinks

Have you made this apple cider Aperol spritz? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and review below, and tag me on instagram @fromoliviaskitchen!

Recipe