Apple Cider Aperol Spritz

There is something about a spritz that makes even the simplest afternoon feel a little more special, and this Apple Cider Aperol Spritz is one of my favorite ways to give the classic cocktail a fall twist. Crisp apple cider, slightly bitter Aperol, bubbly Prosecco, and a splash of sparkling water come together in a cocktail that’s refreshing, festive, and so easy to make.

If you love seasonal spritzes and lighter fall cocktails, you may also want to try my Fall Fig Spritz, Blueberry Aperol Spritz, or some of my other Fall Spritz Recipes. They are all perfect when you want something bubbly and festive without making a heavier cocktail.

And the color of this one is gorgeous. Between the Aperol and apple cider, you get that warm orange-golden color that looks like autumn in a wine glass.

A Fall Twist on a Classic Aperol Spritz

I love a traditional Aperol Spritz during the warmer months, but once September and October arrive, I start wanting everything to feel a little more seasonal.

Adding apple cider is such a simple way to transform the classic spritz into an easy fall cocktail without completely changing what makes an Aperol Spritz so good in the first place.

You still get the citrusy, slightly bitter flavor of Aperol and all of those crisp Prosecco bubbles, but the apple cider adds just enough sweetness and fresh apple flavor to make it perfect for fall.

It isn’t overly sweet or heavy either, which is one reason I love this cocktail so much.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Aperol Spritz

This is one of those cocktails that looks impressive but takes almost no effort.

There is no cocktail shaker involved, and you don’t need any complicated homemade syrups or mixers. Everything can be poured directly into your glass over ice.

It’s also really easy to adjust depending on what you like. Add a little more cider if you prefer something sweeter, or add a little extra sparkling water if you want your fall Aperol spritz lighter and bubblier.

This cocktail is perfect for so many fall occasions, from Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving to a fall brunch, girls’ night, football Sunday, or even a casual evening at home.

I especially love it for entertaining because it looks so pretty without requiring much prep.

What Does an Apple Cider Aperol Spritz Taste Like?

An Apple Cider Aperol Spritz has such a nice balance of sweet, tart, slightly bitter, and bubbly flavors.

The apple cider brings that familiar fall sweetness and fresh apple flavor, while Aperol adds its signature citrusy bitterness. Prosecco keeps everything light and crisp so the drink never feels too heavy.

Then a splash of sparkling water gives it an extra bubbly finish.

If you’ve ever thought a traditional Aperol Spritz was a little too bitter, you may actually prefer this version. The cider softens the Aperol just enough without covering up its flavor.

The Perfect Fall Spritz Cocktail

Fall cocktails can get rich very quickly. Between pumpkin, caramel, espresso, Irish cream, and RumChata, there are so many creamy and decadent drinks this time of year.

And I love those too.

But sometimes I want something crisp, light, and refreshing, especially before dinner or when I’m serving appetizers.

That’s where this apple cider spritz is perfect.

It still feels completely seasonal, but it is much lighter than a dessert-style cocktail.

If you’re planning a full fall drink menu, you could pair this with something richer like my Pumpkin Spice White Russian Punch or Brown Sugar RumChata Espresso Punch so guests have a few very different options to choose from.

Choosing the Best Apple Cider

Since apple cider is one of the main flavors in this drink, use one you genuinely enjoy drinking on its own.

I prefer fresh refrigerated apple cider because it usually has a deeper, more natural apple flavor than regular apple juice.

Give the cider a good shake before using it, especially if it’s a fresh or unfiltered cider that tends to settle.

Apple juice can work in a pinch, but cider gives you much more of that unmistakable fall flavor.

Don’t Skip the Prosecco

Prosecco is what keeps this cocktail crisp and bubbly.

I like using a dry or brut Prosecco because the apple cider already adds sweetness. A sweeter sparkling wine can sometimes make the finished drink taste a little too sugary.

Make sure your Prosecco is really cold before making the cocktail.

Since spritzes use only a few ingredients, keeping everything chilled makes a noticeable difference.

How to Garnish an Apple Cider Aperol Spritz

You really don’t need to overdo the garnish.

A thin fresh apple slice looks beautiful and immediately gives the drink a fall feel.

An orange slice also works really well because it complements the citrus flavor in Aperol.

You can also add a cinnamon stick for an extra seasonal touch. I personally like using cinnamon mostly as a garnish rather than adding ground cinnamon directly into the drink because I want the spritz to stay light and refreshing.

If you’re making these for guests, a mix of apple slices, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks looks gorgeous on a tray.

Can You Make This Cocktail Ahead of Time?

Because Prosecco and sparkling water are such an important part of this drink, I recommend making each spritz shortly before serving.

You don’t want the bubbles disappearing while everything sits.

You can still do most of the prep ahead of time.

Keep the Aperol, apple cider, Prosecco, and sparkling water chilled in the refrigerator, and slice your fruit before guests arrive.

That way, each cocktail only takes a minute or two to assemble.

A Pretty Thanksgiving Cocktail

This is such a good option if you’re looking for an easy Thanksgiving cocktail that still feels special.

The warm orange color works beautifully with a fall table, and the apple flavor pairs so naturally with Thanksgiving foods.

It’s also light enough to serve before dinner without feeling overly filling.

You could even set up a simple fall spritz station with glasses, ice, apple slices, oranges, and everything guests need to make their own drink.

Make This Apple Cider Aperol Spritz This Fall

If you already love a classic Aperol Spritz, this seasonal version is definitely worth making while apple cider is everywhere.

It’s bubbly, crisp, lightly sweet, slightly bitter, and full of fresh apple flavor without being too heavy.

Best of all, this easy Apple Cider Aperol Spritz comes together right in the glass, which makes it perfect for entertaining.

Serve it at Thanksgiving, make one for a fall girls’ night, or enjoy it on a cozy weekend afternoon.

It’s simple, festive, and one of those cocktails that instantly feels like fall.