Autumn Aperol Spritz

$- 3 oz Aperol syrup (non-alcoholic version or homemade) - 3 oz sparkling apple cider - 2 oz soda water - 1 orange, thinly sliced - 1 apple, cored and sliced into thin wedges - Ice cubes To create the perfect Autumn Aperol Spritz, you need a mix of fresh flavors. The Aperol syrup gives a sweet and herbal note. Sparkling apple cider adds a crisp and bubbly texture. Soda water lightens the drink and enhances the fizz. Fresh fruit like orange and apple adds color and flavor, making this drink visually appealing. - Additional spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) - Alternative garnishes (cinnamon sticks, star anise) You can play with your drink by adding spices. Cinnamon or nutmeg can warm it up for fall. For garnishes, try a cinnamon stick or star anise. These options can change the taste and look of your drink. - Large wine glass or highball glass - Saucepan for making syrup - Ice cubes For this recipe, you need a large wine glass or highball glass. A saucepan helps you make the homemade Aperol syrup. Don't forget ice cubes to keep your drink cool and refreshing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need some simple ingredients for your syrup. Here’s what you'll need: - 1 cup water - 1 cup sugar - 1 tablespoon orange zest - 1 tablespoon gentian root (optional) 1. In a saucepan, mix the water and sugar together. 2. Add the orange zest and gentian root, if using. 3. Heat over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. 4. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. 5. Let the syrup cool down. 6. Strain it into a jar and refrigerate. This homemade syrup brings a fresh taste to your drink. Now, let’s mix your drink. Here’s how to do it: 1. Grab a large wine glass or highball glass. 2. Fill it with ice cubes. 3. Pour 3 oz of your homemade Aperol syrup over the ice. 4. Slowly add 3 oz of sparkling apple cider. 5. Pour in 2 oz of soda water. 6. Gently stir to combine. This mix will give you a refreshing fizz. Now for the fun part—garnishing your drink! 1. Take thin slices of orange and float them on top. 2. Add apple wedges for color and flavor. 3. Finally, place a sprig of fresh rosemary on top. This adds a nice aroma and makes your drink look beautiful. Enjoy your Autumn Aperol Spritz! To make a great Autumn Aperol Spritz, stick to the right amounts. Use 3 oz of Aperol syrup, 3 oz of sparkling apple cider, and 2 oz of soda water. This mix gives a nice balance of flavors. For fizz, pour your sparkling cider and soda water slowly. This helps keep the bubbles intact. If you pour too fast, you lose that lovely sparkle. To boost flavor, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Just a pinch can change the drink. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a unique twist. When sourcing fresh ingredients, look for local markets. They often have the best apples and oranges. Choose fruits that are firm and fragrant. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. For a fun serving idea, use a wooden board. Place the glasses on it with extra fruit slices around. This makes your drink look inviting. Choose decorative glassware. Tall glasses or pretty wine glasses add charm. You can also add colorful straws or fun drink stirrers. Make your drink a feast for the eyes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest fruits and herbs to enhance the flavor and aroma of your drink. Chill Your Glass: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranates for a unique twist on the classic recipe. Presentation Matters: Use a clear glass to showcase the vibrant colors of the drink and garnish beautifully for an impressive visual. {{image_2}} You can change the fruit in your Autumn Aperol Spritz to suit your taste. Try adding fresh pears for a sweet touch. Cranberries add a tart kick, while pomegranate seeds offer a pop of color. If you want to make a glittery autumn spritz, use edible flowers. They make your drink look stunning. You can easily make this drink with or without alcohol. For the non-alcoholic version, use homemade Aperol syrup. The flavor stays rich and bright. If you add prosecco instead of sparkling cider, it gives a fun fizz. Some people prefer the lighter taste, while others love the bold taste of alcohol. Spices can add a warm touch to your drink. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg works great. You can also use ginger for a spicy twist. Fresh herbs like mint or thyme can add a unique flavor. They work well for garnishing your drink too. These spices and herbs enhance the fall vibe. To store your homemade Aperol syrup, pour it into a clean, airtight container. Glass jars work best. Seal it tightly. Place the jar in the fridge. Properly stored, it lasts up to two weeks. Signs of spoilage include a change in color or a strange smell. If you notice any of these, it is safer to discard it. You can pre-mix the syrup and sparkling apple cider ahead of time. Just keep them separate from the soda water. Mix the syrup and cider in a pitcher. This way, you save time for serving. To maintain the fizz, add soda water right before serving. This keeps the drink light and bubbly. If you have leftover drink, think about repurposing it. You can use it as a base for a fruit salad dressing. Just add a touch of vinegar or olive oil. To avoid waste, store any remaining ingredients. Keep fruits like orange and apple in the fridge. Use them in smoothies or salads later. An Autumn Aperol Spritz is a bright, refreshing cocktail. It blends the bitter-sweet taste of Aperol with sweet apple cider. The drink has vibrant colors and hints of orange, apple, and herbs. You can enjoy it on a crisp fall day. Yes! You can change the flavors based on what you like. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. You can also swap apples for pears or other fruits. For a fun twist, use different herbs like mint instead of rosemary. To serve many guests, just scale up the recipe! For example, use 12 oz of Aperol syrup, 12 oz of apple cider, and 8 oz of soda water. Mix these in a big pitcher. Prepare fruit and ice in each glass when serving. This keeps drinks fresh and fizzy! The Autumn Aperol Spritz is a delightful drink filled with fun flavors. We crafted a simple recipe, using key ingredients like Aperol syrup, apple cider, and fresh fruits. You can customize this drink by adding spices or different fruits. Use tips on serving and presentation for gatherings. As you try making this drink, remember it can be tailored for anyone. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family, and get creative with personal touches. The Autumn Aperol Spritz is a refreshing way to celebrate the season.$

A refreshing non-alcoholic drink perfect for autumn gatherings.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

3 oz Aperol syrup (non-alcoholic version, or homemade)
3 oz sparkling apple cider
2 oz soda water
1 whole orange, thinly sliced
1 whole apple, cored and sliced into thin wedges
1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish)
as needed ice cubes

Instructions

Start by preparing your non-alcoholic Aperol syrup (if using homemade): In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon orange zest, and 1 tablespoon gentian root (if available) over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved and simmer on low for 10 minutes. Let cool, then strain and refrigerate.
Fill a large wine glass or a highball glass with ice cubes.
Pour the 3 oz of the non-alcoholic Aperol syrup over the ice.
Slowly add the sparkling apple cider and soda water, creating a gentle fizz.
Gently stir the ingredients together to combine.
Float the orange slices and apple wedges on top of the drink.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic touch.

Notes

For a festive touch, serve on a wooden board with additional fresh fruit slices and rosemary sprigs around the drinks for an inviting autumn feel.

Keyword aperol, autumn, cocktail, non-alcoholic, spritz