Hard Apple Cider Ginger Spritzer
Looking for a refreshing drink with a little fizz and no added sugar? This hard apple ginger spritzer is the perfect festive, refreshing cocktail for the fall and holiday season and Thanksgiving dinner.
Hard Apple Cider Ginger Spritzer Recipe
You know those drinks that just feel like a celebration in a glass? That’s this one. The apple ginger spritzer is zesty, bubbly, and delicious. Whether you’re having a fall potluck, birthday party, entertaining during the holiday season, or just want something fun for happy hour, this drink for sure delivers. All my friends love this drink.
Here in Colorado, we have an excellent hard apple cider brewery, and I like to have one from time to time, especially the real hard cider because it is not sweet. So I thought that I would make one fancy drink for a fall celebration since I love apples and cinnamon.
As a chef and nutrition consultant, I love crafting drinks that feel indulgent but still offer some healthful benefits, and this apple ginger spritzer does exactly that. While it’s definitely an alcoholic cocktail (hello, hard cider!), It’s made with real ingredients like fresh ginger juice, apple cider, orange juice, and a splash of orange bitters that support digestion and metabolism. It’s a far cry from the sugary cocktails loaded with artificial mixers.
If you’re looking to add more variety to your delicious sipping, you might also want to explore my favorites in this refreshing summer drinks ideas roundup for inspiration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally sweet with no added sugar
- Gut-friendly, thanks to fresh ginger and bitters
- Festive enough for a punch bowl but simple enough for a Tuesday night
- Can be made as a non-alcoholic spritzer or an adults-only happy hour treat
- Supports women’s health with warming spices and fruit juices
- Makes use of pantry staples like cinnamon sticks, apple cider, and ginger beer
Ingredients for Hard Apple Cider & Ginger Spritzer
This website may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through these links. As an affiliate, I only recommend products or services I genuinely use and love. Check the affiliate disclosure here.
Did you know?
Hard apple cider: it was once more popular than beer in early America! In the 18th and early 19th centuries, cider was the everyday drink, safer than water and made from the abundance of apples growing across the country. Even children drank a weaker version called “ciderkin.”
But Prohibition wiped it out almost entirely, and it’s only in the last couple of decades that hard cider has made a delicious comeback. Today, craft cideries are bringing it back with a modern twist, many use heirloom apple varieties and traditional fermentation methods that highlight the complexity and depth of real apples. It’s not just sweet and fizzy, some versions are dry, tart, even funky, like a good natural wine.
How to make Hard Apple Cider & Ginger Spritzer
- Simmer the cinnamon – Warm the apple cider with a cinnamon stick until fragrant, then let it cool.
- Mix your base – In a large cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine the cooled cider, ginger juice, orange juice, and bitters.
- Add fizz – Right before serving, pour over the hard dry apple cider or sparkling water or ginger beer to preserve the bubbles.
- Garnish – Thin slices of fresh apples and a cinnamon stick go a long way for presentation.
Ingredient Substitutions
- No ginger juice? Use a zesty honey-ginger syrup or grate fresh ginger and steep it in hot water.
- No bitters? A splash of ginger ale or soda water with citrus zest will bring complexity.
- Want it sweeter? Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, though I find the fruit juices sweet enough.
- Can’t find hard cider? Use sparkling apple juice or white wine.
Chef AngieTips
- Chill all your ingredients ahead of time to keep everything crisp without watering it down with ice.
- Want extra flavor? Let the apple cider steep with the cinnamon sticks and some orange peel for a few hours.
- Make a batch for a crowd and keep it in a punch bowl—just add the fizzy stuff at the last minute.
- Use a cocktail shaker if you want to feel fancy (or shake it with ice and strain for a chilled version).
Ways to Serve
- As an alcoholic spritzer in pretty glasses with fresh apple slices
- As a festive cocktail with a splash of rosé or white wine
- In a punch bowl for holiday gatherings
- With brunch, paired with a fall frittata or spiced muffins
- At happy hour with a charcuterie board and soft cheese
If you’re interested in other creative ways to use apple cider, I recommend checking out this tasty Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe. It’s a cozy reminder that cider isn’t just for drinking—it shines in main dishes, too. Or check out another fall mocktail Ginger Apple Moscow Mule Mocktail or Dragon Fruit Gin Spritz Recipe.
Storage
This spritzer base (everything except the fizzy stuff) keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just add sparkling water or ginger beer when you’re ready to serve. Don’t store it fully mixed or you’ll lose all that bubbly charm.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar
- Measuring cups or small pitcher
- Sharp knife for slicing fresh apples and oranges
- Glasses for serving
- Optional: punch bowl for parties
FAQ about Hard Apple Cider & Ginger Spritzer
Can I make this spritzer without alcohol?
Absolutely! Use sparkling apple juice or soda water instead of hard cider or wine for a refreshing drink that still feels fancy.
What’s the best way to add fizz?
Add sparkling water, club soda, or ginger beer just before serving for that little fizz we all love.
Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger juice?
Yes, but you’ll lose some of the heat and benefits of fresh ginger. Still, it works beautifully if that’s what you have.
Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger juice?
Yes!
Whether you’re raising a glass at a fall dinner party or just want a free cocktail on a random Tuesday, this apple ginger spritzer is your new go-to. It’s delicious and brings just the right amount of sparkle to your day. Cheers to sipping smart! 🍎✨
If you want to explore more fall-themed drinks that support wellness while tasting great, I recommend checking out these immune-boosting fall meals and drinks. It’s a great resource for shifting your spritzer skills into cooler seasons.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Hard Apple Cider Ginger Spritzer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cans Hard dry apple cider
- 1 1/2 cup Apple cider
- 1 Cinnamon stick large
- 1/2 cup Orange juice freshly squeezed
- 10 drops Aromatic bitters
- 10 drops Smoked orange bitters
- 2 tbsp Ginger juice optional
- Ice
- 1 Apple for garnish
Instructions
- Simmer the cinnamon – Warm the apple cider with a cinnamon stick until fragrant, then let it cool.2. Mix your base – In a large cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine the cooled cider, ginger juice, orange juice, and bitters.3. Add fizz – Right before serving, pour over the hard dry apple cider or sparkling water or ginger beer to preserve the bubbles.4. Garnish – Thin slices of fresh apples and a cinnamon stick go a long way for presentation.
Nutrition
More Fall Recipes
Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Balls
Easy Orange Cranberry Superfood Muffins
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake (no cheese, no flour)
The Best Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler
Pumpkin Ice Cream (Dairy-Free And Vegan)
Love My Content? Buy Me a Coffee!
Creating these resources for you is my passion, and I love hearing how they’ve helped you on your health journey. If you appreciate my content and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee to help fuel more tips, recipes, and inspiration. Every little bit means the world to me!
If you made this recipe, please leave a rating/comment. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you high-quality free recipes.
Don’t forget to sign in for my free recipe E-book, and follow me on Instagram to stay informed about all that is happening!