Apple Cider Spritz Recipe

by | Sep 5, 2025 | Cocktail Recipes, Holiday Cocktails, Seasonal Cocktails

Apple Cider Spritz cocktail in a wine glass with apple slice, rosemary sprig, and cinnamon-sugar rim on a marble table with blurred autumn background

Prep time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1 cocktail

This Apple Cider Spritz is our fall take on the classic spritz with crisp apple cider, bubbly prosecco, and a splash of orange liqueur over ice. We first poured these at a harvest party on Long Island; they vanished as fast as we could rim glasses with cinnamon sugar. Light, fizzy, and perfect for Thanksgiving toasts or cozy weekends.

About This Apple Cider Spritz

Think of it as an apple spritz cocktail: cider brings orchard-fresh sweetness, prosecco adds sparkle, and a touch of Aperol or orange liqueur keeps things zesty. It’s a lower-ABV fall spritz that feels festive without being heavy. It’s great for daytime gatherings.

Pro link: Planning a party? Use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to size up cider, prosecco, and ice by guest count.

Ingredients

  • 3 oz chilled apple cider
  • 2 oz prosecco (or other sparkling wine)
  • 1 oz orange liqueur (Aperol, Cointreau, or triple sec)
  • 1 oz club soda
  • Cinnamon sugar, for rim (optional)
  • Garnish: thin apple slices, cinnamon stick

Steps

  1. Rim the glass. Moisten the rim with cider and dip into cinnamon sugar (optional).
  2. Build. Fill a wine glass with ice. Add apple cider and orange liqueur.
  3. Top. Add prosecco, then a splash of club soda. Give a gentle stir.
  4. Garnish & serve. Add apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Cheers!

Bar Tips

  • Chill everything: Cold cider + cold bubbles = maximum fizz.
  • Sweeter sip? Drizzle in 0.25 oz maple syrup.
  • Batching: Combine cider + liqueur in a bottle; add prosecco and soda to order.

Flavor Pairings

When to Serve

Serve the Apple Cider Spritz for Friendsgiving, pumpkin-patch picnics, football Sundays, or as a welcome drink for autumn weddings. It’s festive, fast, and endlessly sippable.

Browse seasonal picks: Fall Cocktail Recipes • See all Cocktail Recipes.

What are the ingredients for an Apple Cider Spritz?

Apple cider, prosecco (or other sparkling wine), a splash of orange liqueur (Aperol – depending if you like it bitter, Cointreau – our favorite, or any other triple sec like grand marnier), club soda, and optional cinnamon-sugar rim with apple slices/cinnamon stick garnish.

What alcohol mixes best with apple cider?

For a spritz, prosecco + a citrusy orange liqueur is perfect. In general, cider pairs well with bourbon, rum, brandy, vodka and tequila for riffs like an Apple Cider Margarita

Is there an Apple Cider Aperol Spritz?

For sure! You can use Aperol as the orange liqueur for a slightly bitter, orange-forward profile that still lets the apple shine.

Can I make it less sweet?

Use a drier sparkling wine, add a touch more club soda, or swap Cointreau for Aperol.

Should I make sangria/spritz ahead of time?

Build spritzes à la minute so they stay bubbly. If batching, pre-mix the cider + liqueur, then top with prosecco and soda at service.