Oh my gosh, you have to try these Simple Apple Cider Spritzers! They’re my go-to drink every fall when the leaves start turning and I’m craving something crisp and refreshing. I’ve been making this exact recipe for years—ever since my neighbor brought over a jug of fresh-pressed cider and we accidentally discovered how amazing it tastes with a splash of bubbly water. Now? I whip up a pitcher in literally five minutes flat whenever friends drop by. There’s something magical about that sweet-tart apple flavor dancing with the fizz—it’s like autumn in a glass! Trust me, once you try this ridiculously easy combo, you’ll be hooked just like I am.
Why You’ll Love Simple Apple Cider Spritzers
This drink checks all the boxes—it’s as easy to make as it is delicious to sip. I can’t count how many times this recipe has saved me when unexpected guests show up! Here’s what makes it so special:
Quick and Easy
Five minutes—that’s all you need! No cooking, no fancy equipment. Just pour, stir gently, and you’re done. Seriously, my six-year-old niece could make these (and has, under supervision). It’s the perfect solution when you need something impressive fast.
Perfect for Any Occasion
I’ve served these at everything from Thanksgiving feasts to lazy Sunday brunches. They feel fancy enough for holiday tables but simple enough for casual porch-sipping. Last Halloween, we even made a batch in plastic cups for trick-or-treating parents—total hit!
Customizable Sweetness
Too sweet? Add more sparkling water. Want extra zing? Squeeze in more lemon. I love playing with different sparkling waters—lime-flavored adds a fun twist. And the garnishes? Oh, the possibilities! Cinnamon sticks, orange slices, even a sprig of rosemary if you’re feeling fancy.
Ingredients for Simple Apple Cider Spritzers
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to spritzer success—and trust me, quality matters here! Here’s exactly what you’ll need (I’ve learned the hard way that substitutions can change everything):
- 2 cups fresh-pressed apple cider – Don’t even think about that shelf-stable stuff! The cloudy, unfiltered kind from the farmers’ market makes all the difference with its natural sweetness.
- 1 cup sparkling water – I’m partial to plain, but lemon-lime or ginger-flavored can add fun twists. Just make sure it’s cold!
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice – About half a medium lemon. Bottled juice? Nope—we want that bright, zesty punch only fresh gives.
- Ice cubes as needed – Big cubes melt slower and keep your drink chilled without watering it down too fast.
- Apple slices for garnish (optional) – Thinly sliced and fanned out makes it look like you tried way harder than you actually did!
How to Make Simple Apple Cider Spritzers
Alright, let’s get mixing! I’ve made these spritzers so many times I could probably do it in my sleep—but don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step so yours turn out perfectly fizzy and refreshing every time.
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
First things first—pop your glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before mixing. Nothing ruins a good spritzer faster than a warm glass! If you’re in a hurry (we’ve all been there), just fill them with ice water while you prep the other ingredients. Trust me, that extra chill makes all the difference when you take that first crisp sip.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now the fun part! Fill your frosty glass about ¾ full with ice cubes—I like using one big cube if I have them. Pour in the apple cider first, leaving about an inch at the top. Then slowly add the sparkling water—you’ll see those beautiful bubbles dancing up through the cider! Finally, drizzle in the lemon juice. Here’s my pro tip: stir gently just once or twice with a long spoon to mix without losing all that precious fizz.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
The finishing touch! Slide a couple thin apple slices onto the rim—I like to cut a small slit in each slice so they perch perfectly. For special occasions, I’ll add a cinnamon stick swizzler or even a sprig of fresh thyme. Then serve immediately while it’s still icy cold and bubbling away. Watch how fast these disappear at your next gathering—I always have to make a second batch!
Tips for the Best Simple Apple Cider Spritzers
After making these spritzers more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take them from good to “Oh my gosh, what’s in this?!” levels of amazing. First—always, always chill your cider first! Room temp cider melts your ice too fast and dulls the flavors. And for the love of bubbles, don’t over-stir! Just a gentle swirl mixes everything without killing the fizz. My secret weapon? I keep a bottle of sparkling water in the fridge just for these—warm bubbles taste flat and sad. Oh, and pro tip: wide-mouth glasses show off those gorgeous layers better!
Variations for Simple Apple Cider Spritzers
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (which is perfect as-is, don’t get me wrong!), it’s time to play! My friends and I have experimented with all sorts of fun twists over the years. For a spicy kick, swap half the sparkling water with ginger ale—it adds this warm zing that pairs amazingly with the apple. Feeling fancy? A splash of bourbon turns it into an autumnal cocktail that’ll warm you right up. And during the holidays, I love mixing in a bit of cranberry juice for a festive ruby-red hue. The best part? You can’t mess it up—just taste as you go!
Serving Suggestions for Simple Apple Cider Spritzers
These spritzers shine brightest when paired with cozy autumn flavors! I love serving them alongside a rustic cheese board—sharp cheddar and crisp apples are absolute perfection. For dessert? A warm slice of spiced pear cake or cinnamon doughnuts turns this simple drink into a full fall experience. Bonus points if you serve them in mason jars for that extra farmhouse charm!
Storing Simple Apple Cider Spritzers
Let’s be real—these spritzers are absolutely best served fresh when the bubbles are at their peak! But if you must prep ahead (hey, I get it—hosting is hectic), mix everything except the ice and sparkling water. Keep the cider-lemon blend chilled, then add bubbles and ice right before serving. Stored this way in the fridge, your base stays fresh for about 24 hours—just give it a quick stir before finishing. Pro tip? Never store leftovers with ice already in—you’ll end up with sad, watered-down cider!
Simple Apple Cider Spritzers Nutritional Info
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in each glass of this deliciousness! Based on the ingredients I use, one serving has about 120 calories and 25g of sugar (thanks to that natural cider sweetness). You’re looking at roughly 30g carbs—but hey, zero fat or cholesterol! Of course, these numbers can change depending on your cider’s sweetness or if you add extras like ginger ale. My philosophy? Life’s too short not to enjoy the little fizzy pleasures—just sip mindfully!
Questions About Simple Apple Cider Spritzers
I get asked about these spritzers all the time—here are the questions that pop up most often at my gatherings (along with my tried-and-true answers)!
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Oh honey, I wouldn’t! Apple juice lacks that rich, spiced depth real cider brings. But if you’re truly in a pinch, add a pinch of cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon to juice—it’s not the same, but it’ll do in a crisis.
How can I make these alcoholic?
Now we’re talking! My favorite grown-up version adds 1 oz bourbon per glass—just enough warmth without overpowering the apple. For a crowd, I’ll float a splash of spiced rum on top. Bonus: the alcohol cuts the sweetness perfectly!
How many does this recipe serve?
The standard mix makes 2 generous glasses (my definition of “generous” might be questionable). For parties, I multiply everything by the number of guests—trust me, you’ll want extras! These disappear faster than pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving.
Try this recipe and share your twist in the comments—I’m always looking for new ways to jazz up my favorite fall sip! If you are looking for other festive, non-alcoholic options, check out this non-alcoholic spiced apple cider punch recipe.
Print5-Minute Simple Apple Cider Spritzers for Epic Fall Flavor
A refreshing drink made with apple cider and sparkling water, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Apple slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour apple cider over the ice.
- Add sparkling water and lemon juice.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with apple slices if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly pressed apple cider for the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sparkling water.
- For a festive touch, add a cinnamon stick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
