Apple Cider Spritz

Apple cider spritz is an Italian-style drink of Aperol, Prosecco and apple cider, topped with soda water and ready in 5 minutes. It makes 1 glass, and the recipe scales up easily when you want to serve a few friends.

Why This Recipe Works

The order of the pour matters here. Aperol goes in first, then the cider. The two blend at the bottom of the glass, so the deep orange color settles low while the bubbles stay on top.

Prosecco goes in next and the soda water last. The soda water thins the drink just enough to keep it light. That stops the sweet cider from taking over the bitter orange taste of Aperol.

Fill the glass with ice before anything else. Cold ice keeps the spritz crisp from the first sip to the last. One gentle stir mixes the layers without knocking out the fizz.

Apple Cider Spritz Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) apple cider
• 1 ounce (30 ml) Aperol
• 3 ounces (90 ml) Prosecco
• 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) soda water
• Ice
• 1 apple slice, for garnish
• 1 star anise pod, for garnish

How To Make Apple Cider Spritz

Prepare the glass

1. Fill the glass: Pack a large wine glass with ice. A full glass keeps the drink cold and slows the melting.

Build the drink

2. Add the base: Pour in 1 ounce of Aperol first, then 1 1/2 ounces of apple cider. This layers the color and sweetness at the bottom.
3. Top with bubbles: Pour in 3 ounces of Prosecco, then 1 1/2 ounces of soda water. Stir gently just once, so the bubbles stay lively.

Garnish and serve

4. Garnish: Float the apple slice on top and set the star anise pod beside it. Serve right away while the drink is cold and fizzy.

Recipe Tips

• Use cold ingredients: Chill the Prosecco, cider and soda water ahead of time. Cold liquids melt less ice, so the spritz stays strong and fizzy longer.
• Pick the right cider: Use plain apple cider without added spices. A spiced one will fight the Aperol and the star anise garnish.
• Stir only once: Too much stirring knocks out the bubbles. One gentle turn of a spoon is enough to blend the layers.
• Make it for a crowd: Build each glass on its own instead of mixing a big pitcher. The Prosecco and soda water go flat quickly once combined.

What To Serve With Apple Cider Spritz

Serve this spritz before dinner as an aperitivo, with salty snacks like olives, marinated artichokes or a small plate of Parmesan chunks. It also pairs well with prosciutto and crusty bread.

How To Store

• Make ahead: Do not mix the full drink ahead of time. You can chill all the ingredients and slice the apple a few hours before guests arrive.
• Leftovers: A mixed spritz goes flat quickly and is best drunk right away. Leftover opened Prosecco keeps its fizz for a day at best if you seal it with a sparkling wine stopper.

FAQs

Can I make an apple cider spritz without Aperol?

Yes. Swap in another bitter orange aperitivo, such as Campari for a stronger bite. The drink will taste a little drier and less sweet.

Is this spritz vegan?

It is based on the ingredient list, which has no dairy, eggs or honey. Some wines are clarified with animal products, so check that your Prosecco and Aperol are labeled vegan if that matters to you.

Can I make it ahead for a party?

Not fully. Prep the garnishes and chill everything in advance, but build each glass just before serving so the Prosecco and soda water stay bubbly.

Why does my spritz taste flat?

Warm ingredients or too much stirring are the usual causes. Use cold Prosecco and soda water, fill the glass with ice, and stir only once.

Nutrition

Estimated per serving (1 of 1), worked out from the ingredients.

• Calories: about 170 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Apple Cider Spritz

Recipe by Paula

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

1

minute

Total time

6

minutes

An autumn twist on the classic Italian spritz, with Aperol, apple cider, Prosecco and soda water over ice. One glass, five minutes, garnished with an apple slice and star anise.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) apple cider

• 1 ounce (30 ml) Aperol

• 3 ounces (90 ml) Prosecco

• 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) soda water

• Ice

• 1 apple slice, for garnish

• 1 star anise pod, for garnish

Directions

• Fill the glass: Pack a large wine glass with ice. A full glass keeps the drink cold and slows the melting.
• Add the base: Pour in 1 ounce of Aperol first, then 1 1/2 ounces of apple cider. This layers the color and sweetness at the bottom.
• Top with bubbles: Pour in 3 ounces of Prosecco, then 1 1/2 ounces of soda water. Stir gently just once, so the bubbles stay lively.
• Garnish: Float the apple slice on top and set the star anise pod beside it. Serve right away while the drink is cold and fizzy.