Apple Cider Spritz Is a Fall Lover's Dream Sip: Make It a Cocktail or a Mocktail

Alexandria Brooks

Mon, September 23, 2024 at 2:51 PM UTC

3 min read

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When fall rolls around, sweet and fruity apple cider is the drink that most people can't get enough of. However, if you're looking for a new way to sip it this year, it's worth incorporating it into a spritz. Apple cider spritz puts a fall twist on the beloved fizzy cocktail. All you need is a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to prepare this refreshing drink. From there, it's ready to enjoy — especially for a cozy night in. Here's how to make an apple cider spritz, both as a cocktail and a mocktail.

What is an apple cider spritz?

This drink traditionally consists of apple cider, aperol (orange apéritif liqueur), prosecco and ice. The ingredients are stirred together and then served. Additional ingredients like simple syrup are something mixed in for sweet flavor. Also, garnishes like orange or apple slices and fresh herbs are great for making the drink eye-catching.

The secret to an extra fizzy apple cider spritz

If you want to ensure an effervescent apple cider spritz, using cold prosecco is best for keeping your drink chilled and maintaining as many bubbles as possible. This is due to warm temperatures causing the carbon dioxide (CO2) in the drink to evaporate, which could make your spritz flat. Moreover, buying a quality prosecco such as Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG adds crisp and floral flavors to the cocktail that brighten up the cider's sweet and spiced taste.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider for this spritz?

Yes, it's an apple cider spritz but, if you don't have it on hand, apple juice is fine to use too. The difference between apple cider and juice is that cider isn't usually filtered like the juice is. So, you get a richer and more intense apple flavor with cider. Though, an apple juice that contains 100 percent juice and no added ingredients can offer a pure fruit taste compared to commercial varieties. You can often find pure apple juice in the juice aisle or near the produce section at the grocery store. Or, buy it from your local farmer's market if they sell them in gallon or half-gallon sizes.

Are you team apple cider or team apple juice?

How to make an apple cider spritz

This Apple Cider Spritz recipe comes from the Join Jules YouTube Channel. It comes together in mere minutes and an aperol like Mommenpop Seville Orange infuses the cocktail with a vibrant citrus kick. It's safe to say spritz is the perfect treat to yourself after a long day of fall activities such as apple picking, carving pumpkins or simply admiring the colorful leaves. (For more ways to use apple cider, try these recipes for Bourbon-Spiced Apple Cider and Apple Cider Donuts.)