This spiced cider spritz is a fall spin on your favorite bubbly cocktail, and it has no Aperol. It's built on apple cider, dark rum, and ginger beer instead, so you still get that light, fizzy spritz energy, just with warm fall flavor in place of Aperol's bitter orange bite. It comes together in one glass in under five minutes, no shaker required.
A spiced cider spritz swaps the classic Aperol spritz base for apple cider, dark rum, and ginger beer, finished with a splash of lemon juice for balance. This recipe is for anyone who loves the light, bubbly format of a spritz but wants a fall-flavored version without Aperol's bitter orange taste, whether you're hosting a fall get-together, tailgating, or just want something cozy to sip on a crisp evening. It's built right in the glass with no shaker needed, scales up easily for a crowd, and includes garnish ideas, substitutions, and a big batch method so you can serve it at your next party.
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You'll love this Spiced Cider Spritz
It's all fall flavor with none of the bitterness. Aperol has a bright, bitter orange bite that isn't for everyone. This version leans on apple cider and dark rum instead, so you get the same spritz energy with warm spice and a little natural sweetness.
It's a one-glass cocktail. There's no shaker, no strainer, and no cleanup beyond one glass. Just build it over ice and stir.
It looks festive without any extra effort. A cinnamon stick or fanned apple slice makes this look like a seasonal specialty drink, even though it takes only four ingredients.
Ingredients
Apple Cider. This is the drink's base and where most of that cozy fall flavor comes from. Use fresh-pressed apple cider if you can find it at a local orchard or farmers market. It's less sweet and more full-flavored than shelf-stable cider, though store-bought cider works perfectly fine too.
Dark Rum. Dark rum brings the warm, spiced backbone that Aperol usually provides in a classic spritz. I like Kraken or Gosling's here because they both have molasses and spice that play well with the cider.
Ginger Beer. Ginger beer gives this drink its fizz, plus a little heat that ties it all together. Reach for a real ginger beer like Fever-Tree or Bundaberg rather than ginger ale, since ginger ale is much milder and sweeter and won't give you the same kick.
Lemon Juice. Always use fresh lemon juice, never bottled. It's a small amount, but it's what keeps this drink from tasting one-note sweet and gives it that spritz-like brightness.
How to make a Spiced Cider Spritz
- Fill a wine glass or a rocks glass with ice.
- Add the apple cider, dark rum, and lemon juice, then stir briefly.
- Top with ginger beer and stir once more, gently, so you don't lose the fizz.
- Garnish and serve right away.
Spiced Cider Spritz Substitutions and Variations
White Rum or Spiced Rum. White rum makes this drink lighter and less spiced, while spiced rum leans even further into the cinnamon and clove flavors already in the cider. Either is an easy one-for-one swap.
Lime Juice. If you don't have a lemon on hand, lime juice works just as well and gives the drink a slightly sharper citrus note.
Make it a mocktail. Leave out the rum and add a splash more apple cider instead. You'll still get all the fizz and spice, just without the alcohol.
Garnish ideas for a Spiced Cider Spritz
- A cinnamon stick, for stirring and sipping
- A fanned apple slice on the rim of the glass
- A star anise pod floating on top
- A fresh rosemary sprig tucked in like a little branch
How to make a big batch of this Spiced Cider Spritz
This drink scales up easily, which makes it a great choice for a fall party or a tailgate. Here's how to make it for a crowd of 8 to 10.
In a large pitcher, combine 4 cups apple cider, 2 cups dark rum, and ½ cup fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
When your guests arrive, fill glasses with ice, pour in the cider mixture, and top each glass individually with ginger beer. Adding the ginger beer glass by glass, right before serving, is what keeps every pour fizzy instead of going flat in the pitcher.
Spiced Cider Spritz FAQs
What is a spritz cocktail?
A spritz cocktail is a light, bubbly drink traditionally made with prosecco, a bittersweet liqueur like Aperol, and a splash of soda water. This spiced cider spritz keeps the bubbly, easy-drinking format but swaps in apple cider, dark rum, and ginger beer instead.
Can I make a cider spritz ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can mix the apple cider, dark rum, and lemon juice ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Just wait to add the ginger beer until you're pouring each glass so the drink stays fizzy.
Is ginger beer alcoholic?
No, ginger beer is a non-alcoholic, carbonated ginger drink, despite the name. It's stronger and spicier than ginger ale, which is what gives this cocktail its kick.
What's the best rum for a cider cocktail?
A dark rum with notes of molasses and spice works best, since it echoes the warm flavors already in the cider. Spiced rum is a good substitute if you want even more cinnamon and clove flavor.
Can I make this drink without alcohol?
Yes, leave out the rum and replace it with a little extra apple cider. You'll still get the same fizzy, spiced spritz in every other way.
Pin it for later!
Want more fall cocktails?
Apple Cider Spritz
This spiced cider spritz is a fall spin on your favorite bubbly cocktail, and there's no Aperol anywhere in the glass. It's built on apple cider, dark rum, and ginger beer instead, so you still get that light, fizzy spritz energy, just with warm fall flavor in place of Aperol's bitter orange bite. It comes together in one glass in under five minutes, no shaker required.
Ingredients
- 2. oz dark rum
- 2 oz apple cider
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 1-2 oz ginger beer
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass or a rocks glass with ice.
- Add the apple cider, dark rum, and lemon juice, then give it a quick stir.
- Top with ginger beer and stir once more, gently, so you don't lose the fizz.
- Garnish and serve right away.
Notes
Substitutions and variations
White Rum or Spiced Rum. White rum makes this drink lighter and less spiced, while spiced rum leans even further into the cinnamon and clove flavors already in the cider. Either one is an easy one for one swap.
Lime Juice. If you don't have a lemon on hand, lime juice works just as well and gives the drink a slightly sharper citrus note.
Make it a mocktail. Leave out the rum and add a splash more apple cider in its place. You'll still get all the fizz and spice, just without the alcohol.
Garnish ideas
- A cinnamon stick, for stirring and sipping
- A fanned apple slice on the rim of the glass
- A star anise pod floating on top
- A fresh rosemary sprig tucked in like a little branch
How to make a big batch of this Spiced Cider Spritz
This drink scales up easily, which makes it a great choice for a fall party or a tailgate. Here's how to make it for a crowd of 8 to 10.
In a large pitcher, combine 4 cups apple cider, 2 cups dark rum, and ½ cup fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
When your guests arrive, fill glasses with ice, pour in the cider mixture, and top each glass individually with ginger beer. Adding the ginger beer glass by glass, right before serving, is what keeps every pour fizzy instead of going flat in the pitcher.
