This fall Aperol spritz takes the classic summer cocktail and gives it a cozy, spiced upgrade with Chambord and ginger beer. It's ready in under five minutes, and it's the kind of drink that makes any fall gathering feel a little more festive, whether you're pouring for two or setting up a spritz bar for a crowd.
This post covers how to make a fall Aperol spritz, a seasonal twist on the classic Aperol spritz made with Aperol, Chambord, prosecco, and ginger beer. It's for anyone who loves an Aperol spritz in the warmer months and wants a version that feels right for fall, from Halloween parties through Thanksgiving. You'll find the full recipe, three fruit-forward variations using apple cider, pear, and pomegranate, garnish ideas, and answers to the most common questions about serving an Aperol spritz as a fall drink.
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Why this fall Aperol spritz works
It's easy. Four ingredients, a wine glass, and a few minutes are all you need. There's no shaker and no special bar tools required.
It's balanced. Aperol brings bitter citrus, Chambord adds a touch of berry sweetness, and ginger beer adds warmth and spice. Together they taste like fall without leaning on pumpkin spice.
It's festive. The deep orange-red color and blood orange garnish make it look right at home on a Halloween or Thanksgiving table.
What is Aperol?
Aperol is an Italian aperitif, a lower alcohol drink meant to be sipped before a meal to open up your appetite. It's made from bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona bark, which gives it that signature bittersweet, herbal flavor and bright orange red color. The classic way to drink it is a spritz, mixed with prosecco and a splash of soda water.
What is Chambord?
Chambord is a French black raspberry liqueur. It's rich and a little jammy, with layers of raspberry, vanilla, and citrus. In this cocktail, it rounds out Aperol's bitterness and adds the deeper, fruitier note that makes the drink feel right for fall.
Ingredients
Aperol. This one's easy to find these days. Most grocery stores with a decent liquor section carry it, and if not, any liquor store will.
Chambord. You may need to make a stop at a specialty liquor store for this one, but it's worth it. Look for the round bottle with the gold crown on top, that's how you know you have the right one.
Ginger beer. I like Bundaberg or Fever-Tree here. Both have enough spice and fizz to hold their own next to the Aperol and Chambord instead of getting lost.
Prosecco. I go with prosecco instead of champagne for this one. It's more affordable, and once it's mixed with everything else, you won't notice the difference.
How to make this fall Aperol spritz
- Garnish with a blood orange slice and serve right away.
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Pour in the Aperol, Chambord, prosecco, and ginger beer.
- Give it a gentle stir to combine.
Fall variations on this Aperol spritz
Apple cider version. Swap the Chambord and ginger beer for 2 oz apple cider and a splash of soda water. Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar and garnish with an apple slice or a sprig of thyme.
Pear version. Use 2 oz pear juice or hard pear cider in place of the Chambord and ginger beer, plus a splash of soda water. Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar and garnish with a thin pear slice.
Pomegranate version. Swap in 2 oz pomegranate juice and a splash of soda water. Skip the cinnamon sugar rim and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds instead.
Garnish ideas for your fall Aperol spritz
- Blood orange slice or wheel
- Regular orange slice, if you can't find blood orange
- Cinnamon stick
- Fresh cranberries on a skewer
- Sprig of thyme or rosemary
Can you make this into a batched cocktail?
Not really, and here's why. Prosecco and ginger beer are both carbonated, so if you mix a big batch ahead of time, it'll go flat before your guests even show up.
Instead, set up a spritz bar. Pour the Aperol and Chambord into a pitcher or a couple of bottles, set out the prosecco and ginger beer, and let everyone build their own glass. It's just as easy for you, and it keeps the drink fizzy.
FAQs
Is Aperol spritz a fall drink?
Yes. Aperol spritz is best known as a summer drink, but the bittersweet, citrusy flavor works year-round. Adding Chambord and ginger beer gives it a deeper, spiced flavor that feels right for fall.
What can I use instead of Chambord?
Try another berry liqueur, like crème de cassis, or leave it out entirely and add a little extra ginger beer for a more traditional spritz with a spiced kick.
Does an Aperol spritz taste good in cold weather?
Yes, especially with warming add-ins like ginger beer and blood orange. It's lighter than a hot toddy or mulled wine, but the spice still makes it feel seasonal.
Can I make a fall Aperol spritz ahead of time?
Not the full drink, since the prosecco and ginger beer will go flat. You can measure the Aperol and Chambord into a pitcher ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, then add the bubbly ingredients right before serving.
How many calories are in a fall Aperol spritz?
It depends on your exact pour, but a standard Aperol spritz runs around 130 calories. This fall version with Chambord and ginger beer lands a bit higher, at 180-200 calories.
What food pairs well with a fall Aperol spritz?
Salty, savory snacks work best against the bittersweet flavor. Think a cheese board, roasted nuts, or a charcuterie spread. It's also a nice match for baked brie.
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Want more fall cocktail recipes?
Fall Aperol Spritz
This fall Aperol spritz takes the classic summer cocktail and gives it a cozy, spiced upgrade with Chambord and ginger beer. It's ready in under five minutes, and it's the kind of drink that makes any fall gathering feel a little more festive, whether you're pouring for two or setting up a spritz bar for a crowd.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Aperol
- 1.5 oz Chambord
- 3 oz prosecco
- 1.5 oz ginger beer
- Blood orange slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add the Aperol, Chambord, prosecco, and ginger beer.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a blood orange slice and serve.
Notes
What is Aperol?
Aperol is an Italian aperitif, a lower alcohol drink meant to be sipped before a meal to open up your appetite. It's made from bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona bark, which gives it that signature bittersweet, herbal flavor and bright orange red color. The classic way to drink it is a spritz, mixed with prosecco and a splash of soda water.
What is Chambord?
Chambord is a French black raspberry liqueur. It's rich and a little jammy, with layers of raspberry, vanilla, and citrus. In this cocktail, it rounds out Aperol's bitterness and adds the deeper, fruitier note that makes the drink feel right for fall.
Fall variations on this Aperol spritz
Apple cider version. Swap the Chambord and ginger beer for 2 oz apple cider and a splash of soda water. Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar and garnish with an apple slice or a sprig of thyme.
Pear version. Use 2 oz pear juice or hard pear cider in place of the Chambord and ginger beer, plus a splash of soda water. Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar and garnish with a thin pear slice.
Pomegranate version. Swap in 2 oz pomegranate juice and a splash of soda water. Skip the cinnamon sugar rim and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds instead.
