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Cranberry Apple Cider Spritz - A Bright, Bubbly Fall Refresher

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Apple cider (unfiltered, chilled)
  • 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened preferred)
  • Fresh lime juice (or lemon)
  • Simple syrup or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
  • Club soda or sparkling water (chilled)
  • Ice
  • Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
  • Apple, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Cinnamon sticks or star anise (optional garnish)
  • Optional alcohol: Prosecco, dry sparkling wine, vodka, or gin
  • Optional flavor boosters: Fresh rosemary, orange peel, or ginger slices

Method
 

  1. Chill everything: For the best spritz, make sure your cider, cranberry juice, and club soda are cold. Cold ingredients keep the bubbles lively.
  2. Mix the base: In a pitcher, combine 2 cups apple cider, 1 cup cranberry juice, and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice. Taste. If you prefer sweeter, stir in 1–2 tablespoons simple syrup or maple syrup.
  3. Add ice to glasses: Fill 4–6 glasses with ice. Add a few fresh cranberries and apple slices to each for color and aroma.
  4. Pour and top with bubbles: Divide the cider-cranberry mix among the glasses, filling each about two-thirds full. Top with chilled club soda or sparkling water.
  5. Optional alcohol: For a boozy version, add 1–1.5 ounces vodka or gin per glass before topping with bubbles. Or swap club soda for Prosecco.
  6. Garnish: Add a cinnamon stick, a sprig of rosemary, or a twist of orange peel. These add fragrance without overpowering the drink.
  7. Serve immediately: Spritzes are best fresh so the bubbles stay crisp.