Apple Cider Aperol Spritz

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The ultimate fall cocktail that will fit perfectly on your Thanksgiving table, Apple Cider Aperol Spritz is sweet, sparkly, and has a touch of cinnamon spice!

three glasses filled with an orange/red cocktail with a cinnamon stick and thyme leaf sitting next to a small floral arrangement and a dish with cinnamon sugar

Setting the table for Thanksgiving is always so special! Whether you are hosting a small or medium crowd, there is so much to be thankful for. I know that when I prepare my menu and plan for my place setting, a fall cocktail is always the best way to add one last special touch. The Apple Cider Aperol Spritz is the ultimate fall cocktail: slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness, and full of bubbles. It's a lovely fall adaptation of the Classic Italian Aperol Spritz. The flavor is outstanding, and with a cinnamon sugar rim, the presentation is just as beautiful.

This cocktail is quick and easy but has a wow factor that you will love for your fall celebration. Apple cider, Aperol, champagne, and a splash of club soda, all come together to make a gorgeous red/orange cocktail. To take it to the next level, garnish the Apple Cider Aperol Spritz with a thinly sliced apple, a cinnamon stick to stir, and a fresh sprig of thyme. Adding a touch of cinnamon spice really makes this cocktail stand out. I hope you'll enjoy sipping on this during fall as much as I do!

Ingredients

Aperol & Champagne- Whatever brands you like
Spiced Apple Cider- You can also use classic apple cider, depending on what flavor you're going for!
Club Soda- Just a splash for a bit more carbonation
Garnish- Thin apple slices, cinnamon sticks, thyme leaf
Cinnamon Sugar- For a beautiful and delicious touch to the glass

Directions

Close up of a glass of apple cider aperol spritz with a cinnamon stick and thyme in the glass

Rub the rim of a stemless wine glass with a slice of lemon and dip the glass in cinnamon sugar mixture; set aside until ready to use
Add ice to the glass until it is almost full
Pour the spiced apple cider, Aperol, and champagne into the glass
Top off the mixture with a splash of club soda to fill the glass to the top
Stir the Apple Cider Aperol Spritz together and garnish with a slice of apple, cinnamon stick, and a thyme leaf
Enjoy with your Thanksgiving meal or any fall occasion!

three glasses of a red orange colored cocktail with a cinnamon stick and thyme leave in each glass

Tips and FAQs for Apple Cider Aperol Spritz

Adding the cinnamon sugar to the rim of the glass really adds a great spiced fall flavor while sipping on your cocktail
Apple cider can be classic or spiced depending on how much flavor you want to add
Champagne or Prosecco works great in this recipe
Use the cinnamon stick to stir your cocktail, it adds a great spiced flavor!

What Is Aperol?

Aperol is an Italian bitter aperitif that is a bright orange color. An aperitif is typically dry rather than sweet and a cocktail only needs a small amount to get the flavor you are looking for.

Can I use Campari instead of Aperol?

Aperol and Campari are similar, but Campari is much more bitter and will change the taste of the drink, so I don't recommend it.

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