This Hot Aperol Cocktail will warm you right up during these cold winter months. Think of it as a winter Aperol spritz. This twist on the classic Aperol spritz recipe doesn't need to be limited to those hot days.
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In recent years I've enjoyed a classic summery Aperol spritz to cool off, but I wanted to be able to enjoy this Italian bitter apéritif all year long. I like to think of this hot Aperol recipe as an Aperol spritz's winter cousin or even an Aperol hot toddy. This wintry cocktail is a staple at the European Christmas Markets and is so simple to make at home.
Are you looking for more cocktails for this holiday season? I have a few, some of my favorites include a Cranberry Old Fashioned, Oat Milk Spiked Hot Chocolate, and my Espresso Martini with Tequila.
🌟Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Well balanced. A balance of bittersweet, sweet and spiced ingredients for the perfect cocktail.
- Warming. Fragrant mulling spices in the apple cider and cinnamon stick bring warmth to the chilly months.
- Easy cocktail. This cocktail is great for amateur bartenders with no cocktail shaker needed.
🥘Ingredients
- Aperol. This Italian liqueur brings bittersweet orange flavor with herbal and floral notes.
- Prosecco. Prosecco brings a light, crisp, and refreshing fizz.
- Apple cider. Apple cider brings warmth and complexity to this drink.
- Honey. The sweetness of honey balances the bitter flavor of the Italian aperitif Aperol.
- Cinnamon stick. Brings warmth and comfort with a yummy aroma.
- Orange. A slice of orange is a classic garnish for an Aperol-based cocktail.
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
📖Substitutions & Variations
- You can substitute prosecco for another sparkling wine like champagne or cava. An alternative to bubbles would be another dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
- If you're looking to reduce the alcohol content, top this cocktail up with a splash of soda water instead.
- Feel free to use apple juice instead of apple cider, just note that some apple juice will provide more sweetness and no fragrant mulling spices.
🔪Instructions
Step 1: In a small saucepan heat apple cider, Aperol, honey and cinnamon stick on the stove and bring to a simmer. Do not boil.
Step 2: Carefully pour into your mug. Top with prosecco. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice. Sip and enjoy!
💭Recipe FAQs
Yes! There are plenty of non-alcoholic aperitifs on the market right now. You can always use a sparkling non-alcoholic wine or soda water for fizz.
Aperol contains 11% ABV which is relatively low for a liqueur and means it's lower in alcohol than most wines.
Aperol is an apéritif. Aperitifs stimulate the appetite and are typically consumed before dinner.
👩🏻🍳Chef Tips
- Do not boil! Boiling can change the texture and evaporate the liqueur which isn't something we want for this cocktail.
- Glassware is important. Though I'd love to have this in a delicate wine glass, I'm afraid not all glass is created equal. Use a glass mug or something more festive and heat-resistant.
- The key to a great cocktail is balance. Ensure a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, bitter, and aromatic elements. Add more apple cider or honey as needed to suit your tastes.
- This hot Aperol recipe should be made and consumed immediately.
🥗Serving
Serve this hot Aperol cocktail on New Year's Eve or Christmas with family and friends. A little afternoon aperitivo is perfect to perk up after a filling meal full of yummy foods like my Red Wine Pot Roast or Christmas Glazed Ham.
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Ingredients
- 3 ½ ounces Aperol
- ½ cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup Prosecco
- 1 orange, sliced
Instructions
- Heat apple cider, Aperol, honey and cinnamon stick on the stove until just simmering. Do not boil, we just want to warm it up. Turn off the heat.
- Pour in cups or mugs and top with Prosecco.
- Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
Sarah's Tips
- Do not boil! Boiling can change the texture and evaporate the liqueur which isn't something we want for this cocktail.
- Glassware is important. Though I'd love to have this in a delicate wine glass, I'm afraid not all glass is created equal. Use a glass mug or something more festive and heat-resistant.
- The key to a great cocktail is balance. Ensure a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, bitter, and aromatic elements. Add more apple cider or honey as needed to suit your tastes.
- This hot Aperol recipe should be made and consumed immediately.
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