Harvest Apple Ginger Spritz.

Kicking off the Thanksgiving cocktail season. Fresh apple juice combined with vodka, orange liquor, and lemon, along with a sweet honey, ginger, and sage syrup. Mix everything together to create a simple, but super delicious, pitcher style cocktail that will make entertaining this Thanksgiving stress free. When guests arrive, simply top each drink off with sparkling water to add a little fizz. Everyone will love this seasonal and festive cocktail!

Welcome to the first cocktail Saturday of November! Today marks the official start of the “holiday” drinks. I have a lineup of fun and festive cocktails that I’m very exited to share over the next couple of months. And today is just the start! If you have any cocktails you’d like to see this holiday season, leave me a comment (email or DM me on Instagram)!! I have many drinks already planned. But I always try to make room for a couple of last-minute inspirations…as those recipes often tend to end up as personal favorites!!

Alright, so this spritz. It’s deliciously good. Super simple. And pretty much perfect for Thanksgiving. Because it’s a pitcher drink, this means no mixing up of cocktail after cocktail. No, no, no, none of that.

One of my main goals this Thanksgiving is easy, breezy entertaining. Last Thanksgiving was spent back in Cleveland after my Nonnie’s passing. It wasn’t one of my greatest. Especially not being able to work out of my own kitchen. So I’m determined to make this year’s Thanksgiving beyond good. And that means planning make-ahead recipes, and some really dang good cocktails.

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick, no-fuss build right in the glass; festive without the fuss.
• Flexible: works as a cocktail or mocktail, single-serve or pitcher.

To make this spritz, start with the syrup. It’s mix of honey, ginger, and sage. It’s all things sweet and savory, and adds an extra special touch to this drink.

Once you have the syrup, mix that together with vodka, orange liqueur, apple juice (be sure to use a good, high quality apple juice or cider), and lemon. Store the spritz in the fridge until ready to serve. I love letting the spritz sit in the fridge a few hours, or even overnight, to really let the ginger and sage flavor the entire drink.

Just before serving add the sparkling water, and done.

I love the zesty orange flavors with the sweet apple and hints of ginger and sage. It’s kind of fancy, just a little sweet, citrusy, and spiced up with ginger. Truly the ultimate fall cocktail that no one can turn down!

FAQ Block

Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes—use club soda or a dry NA sparkling in place of prosecco and skip the spirit. Taste and brighten with extra lemon if it leans sweet.

What’s the best bubbly to use?
Go drier (brut/extra brut prosecco or cava) if your apple base is sweet. If using ginger beer, balance with more citrus.

How do I batch this for a crowd?
Stir the apple + ginger + citrus in a pitcher and chill. Add ice and top with bubbles just before pouring so it stays fizzy.

Apple cider vs. apple juice—does it matter?
Cider is richer and cozier; juice is lighter and brighter. Start with cider in fall, then tweak sweetness and lemon to taste.

If you make this harvest apple ginger spritz please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!