Name: Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 oz. Aperol; 3.5 oz. apple cider; Prosecco, to top; Club soda, to top

If you’re looking for a fresh twist on an aperitif that captures the crispness of fall and the bubbly joy of a classic spritz, this Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe is your new go-to. It’s perfect for sipping on cool evenings, serving at brunch, or impressing guests with a seasonal cocktail that’s equal parts bright, tangy, and effortlessly elegant.

A clear wine glass filled with an orange drink and ice cubes sits on a wooden surface. Inside the glass is one cinnamon stick standing upright, and a thin slice of apple is placed on the rim. Two cinnamon sticks lie next to the glass on the wooden surface. In the background, an amber glass vase holds dried yellow flowers. A small orange pumpkin sits near the vase. There is a white marbled surface with white subway tiles behind the drink. An orange and white checkered cloth is partially visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Apple Cider Aperol Spritz, fall cocktail recipes, seasonal Aperol drinks, easy autumn cocktails, festive apple cocktail

Jump to:

In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

This Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe is a wonderful balance of sweet apple cider, citrusy Aperol bitterness, and sparkling bubbles that wake up your palate. I love how easy it is to pull together yet it feels special enough for guests or a cozy night in.

Bright and Refreshing: The apple cider brings juicy autumnal notes that perfectly complement Aperol’s vibrant citrus and herbal flavors.
Perfectly Balanced Bubbles: Prosecco and club soda combine for a lively fizz that keeps the drink light and thirst-quenching.
Super Simple Assembly: No complicated prep—just pour, stir gently, and enjoy.
Great For Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual brunch or a holiday gathering, this spritz fits right in.

Ingredients at a Glance

Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe - Recipe Image — Apple Cider Aperol Spritz, fall cocktail recipes, seasonal Aperol drinks, easy autumn cocktails, festive apple cocktail

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients pays off big time in the Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe. A flavorful apple cider and a good-quality Prosecco will shine through and make the cocktail feel truly special.

Aperol: Look for the original bright orange Italian aperitif for that iconic bitter-sweet flavor.
Apple Cider: Fresh-pressed or local cider with a natural sweetness and brightness works best.
Prosecco: Choose a chilled, dry Prosecco to add crisp bubbles without too much sweetness.
Club Soda: Adds refreshing fizz and lightens the drink without overpowering it.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe

Step 1 — Chill Your Glass and Ingredients

Start by popping your favorite wine glass or spritz glass into the fridge for 10–15 minutes. This helps keep your drink cold longer without watering it down too quickly. Also, have your Aperol, apple cider, Prosecco, and club soda nicely chilled—it really brings out those crisp, refreshing notes you want.

Step 2 — Pour the Aperol and Apple Cider

Once chilled, pour 1 ounce of Aperol into the glass followed by 3.5 ounces of apple cider. You’ll notice the vibrant orange hue and sweet-spiced aroma start to fill the glass—this combination is the heart of the Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe and sets the tone for the flavor profile.

Step 3 — Add the Prosecco Gently

Next, slowly add about 3 ounces of Prosecco. Take your time here; pouring gently over the back of a spoon helps maintain the bubbles and keeps the drink lively instead of foamy. You want that toasty sparkle to dance on your tongue with every sip.

Step 4 — Top with Club Soda and Stir Lightly

Finish your Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe by topping the glass with a splash of club soda—around 1 ounce or to taste. Give it a gentle stir just to combine because you want the fizz to stay intact and refreshing, not flattened.

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Things to Remember

Bringing this Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe together is simple, but a few quick pointers make all the difference in the final sip. I always pay attention to the chill level and pour technique to keep the fizz alive and the flavors bright.

Doneness Cue: The perfect spritz should be bright, bubbly, and balanced—not too bitter or too sweet.
Temperature Trick: Serve it well chilled and keep your Prosecco and cider in the fridge until just before pouring.
Make-Ahead Move: Mix Aperol and apple cider in a pitcher ahead of time and keep it cold for easy assembly later.
Common Pitfall: Avoid over-stirring after adding soda to protect those delicate bubbles.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I love adding a thin apple slice or a twist of orange peel right on the rim for a little visual zest and aroma boost. A cinnamon stick can also lend a cozy note if you’re serving in cooler weather—just don’t let it overpower the delicate balance.

Plays Well With

This spritz pairs beautifully with light cheeses, charcuterie boards featuring apple and nut elements, or even spiced nuts and olives. The lively acidity and sweetness of the cocktail cut through richer flavors and refresh between bites.

Simple Plating Upgrades

Serving your Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe in large balloon glasses or mason jars topped with crushed ice makes it feel fun and festive. Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an herbal accent that smells amazing as you sip.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

If you mix a bigger batch of Aperol and cider, store it in a sealed glass bottle or pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to drink, add Prosecco and club soda fresh to keep the sparkle alive. The cider can lose its bright notes if left too long, so fresh is best.

Freezing Tips

This cocktail doesn’t freeze well because of the carbonation—Prosecco and soda will lose fizz and texture when thawed. It’s better to prepare fresh or in small batches you can finish off.

Reheating Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe Without Drying Out

Since this is a cold, bubbly drink, reheating isn’t recommended. But if you want a warm season twist, try gently warming just the apple cider with cinnamon sticks on the stove, then mix with Aperol and sparkling water (instead of Prosecco) just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute Aperol with another aperitif?

You can try Campari for a more bitter edge, but it will change the flavor profile significantly. Aperol’s mellow bitterness balances nicely with apple cider for this spritz.

What type of apple cider works best?

I recommend fresh-pressed or local unfiltered apple cider for natural sweetness and depth. Avoid overly sweet or heavily spiced ciders that can overwhelm the drink.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Ensure you pick a vegan Prosecco and check the ingredients in your apple cider and Aperol, as some brands may use animal products in processing.

How do I adjust sweetness if I prefer it less sweet?

Simply add a little more club soda or use a drier Prosecco to balance the sweetness from the apple cider and Aperol.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and sipping this Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Recipe as much as I do. It’s a lovely way to celebrate seasonal flavors with a bright, effervescent cocktail that feels both festive and easygoing. Once you get the hang of balancing the ingredients, you can customize it to your own taste and occasions—and trust me, your friends will be asking for the recipe.

Full Printable Recipe