I’m a die-hard Aperol spritz enthusiast. But the minute Chicagoans put away the patio umbrellas and pull out the parkas, I feel like folks start giving me the side-eye when I reach for the Prosecco and bright orange Aperol bottle. Like white pants, are spritzes supposed to be retired after Labor Day? Not on my watch. I say it’s time for swimsuits to meet snowsuits with this apple cider Aperol spritz, which we affectionately named Sweater Weather spritz.
This fall-themed spritz keeps the bittersweet orange sparkle I can’t quit and includes a pour of crisp, chilled apple cider, so it tastes less like a beach vacation and more like an afternoon of corn mazes. Apple cider softens Aperol’s bitter edge, and a splash of soda keeps things bright and bubbly. It’s made for Friendsgiving, bonfire nights, football Sundays or any evening that calls for a cozy blanket and bubbly sip.
Best of all, it’s just as simple to make as its summery sister cocktail. No shaker, no muddler, no simmering syrup on the stove while your guests hover in the kitchen. Just pour four ingredients into a wine glass and give it a gentle stir.
Sweater Weather Spritz Ingredients
- Prosecco or sparkling wine: Prosecco is the classic spritz base, and its light, fruity bubbles cozy right up to apple. No need to splurge; you can use any dry sparkling wine you’d happily sip on its own, as long as it’s nice and cold.
- Apple cider: Skip the apple juice and grab unfiltered apple cider from the refrigerated section. Better yet, pick it up from your local farm stand. Cider has more body and a tangier, more complex flavor that can actually hold its own next to the Aperol.
- Aperol: This Italian aperitivo brings bittersweet orange flavor, a hint of herbs and an unmistakable sunset glow. It’s lower in alcohol than most spirits, which is exactly why a spritz feels like an easy second-round drink.
- Lemon-lime soda or ginger ale: You have a choice here, and both options add a little bit of fizz and a touch of sweetness. Choose lemon-lime soda to keep things zippy, sweet and citrusy. Or, go with ginger ale (or ginger beer) for a touch more complexity, a spicier kick and a hint of warming spice.
- Fresh rosemary and apple slices: These are optional garnishes, but they’ll take the drink up a notch. Sliced apples and a sprig of herbs make your spritz smell amazing and look like it came from a fancy cocktail bar.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
Fill a wine glass with ice and add the chilled Prosecco, apple cider, Aperol and soda. Give it a gentle stir to combine, just enough to swirl the cider and Aperol through the bubbles.
Editor’s Tip: You can always skip the ice if you pre-chilled your ingredients ahead of time.
Step 2: Garnish and serve
If you like, tuck a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few apple slices into the glass. Serve your spritz right away while it’s cold and fizzy.
Editor’s Tip: If rosemary feels too woodsy and wintry for you, swap in mint to add a fresh, cooling finish.
ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME
Sweater Weather Spritz Variations
- Swap in brandy: Use brandy instead of Aperol and finish the drink with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top. It’ll lose its spritzy character but gain a bolder, warmer taste that’ll feel like apple pie got dressed up for a party.
- Use hard cider: For a drier, slightly funkier spritz with a little extra oomph, use hard apple cider. A rosé cider would work particularly well.
- Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar: Dip the rim of your glass in apple cider, then into a mix of cinnamon and sugar. It’s the cocktail version of a cider doughnut, and no one can say no to that flavor combo.
- Make it a mocktail: Use a nonalcoholic bitter aperitivo instead of Aperol and sparkling cider or a spirit-free sparkling wine instead of Prosecco. The spirit-free options are so good these days you may not even taste the difference.
How to Store a Sweater Weather Spritz
Like bubbly Champagne cocktails, this spritz is best enjoyed the minute you mix it because those bubbles wait for no one. If you have leftover Prosecco, seal the bottle with a sparkling wine stopper and refrigerate it for a day or two. Keep opened apple cider in the fridge for about a week.
Can you make a Sweater Weather spritz ahead of time?
You can stir together the apple cider and Aperol up to a day ahead and stash it, covered, in the fridge. When guests arrive, pour the cider mixture into glasses and top each one with chilled Prosecco and soda so every spritz stays perky and fizzy.
Sweater Weather Spritz Tips
ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME
Do I have to add soda to this apple cider spritz?
You can make an apple cider spritz with or without soda. We like it because it adds a little extra sparkle and sweetness, but the drink holds up just fine without it. Skip it for a more cider-forward, slightly less sweet spritz, which is my move when my cider is already on the sugary side.
Can I make an apple cider spritz without using Aperol?
You can make an apple cider spritz with any type of spirit. Try Campari for a bolder, more bitter version that’ll speak to the Negroni lovers in the crowd, or go with an orange liqueur like Cointreau to lean into citrus and omit any bitterness at all. For a zero-proof option, a nonalcoholic bitter aperitivo will add the same gorgeous color and bittersweet bite without any alcohol. If you’re feeling experimental, steer away from the classic orange flavor profile found in many spritz recipes and try bourbon or brandy.
What are the best flavors for a cozy fall spritz?
If you want to experiment and create your own spritz recipe, look for cozy fall flavors from orchard fruits and warm baking-type spices. Apple, pear and cranberry all shine next to sparkling wine, and a touch of ginger, cinnamon or maple adds instant sweater-weather warmth. For garnishes, woodsy herbs like rosemary and thyme are your best friends.
