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Kicking off the Thanksgiving cocktails with this Harvest Apple Ginger Spritz. 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!

side angle photo Harvest Apple Ginger Spritz with apples and sage in photo

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.

raw apples

overhead photo of ginger sage syrup

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 liquor, 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!

overhead photo of Harvest Apple Ginger Spritz

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!

Harvest Apple Spritz.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories Per Serving: 359 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 inch fresh ginger,
  • 6 fresh sage leaves, plus more for serving
  • 8 ounces vodka
  • 4 ounces orange liquor
  • 1 1/2 cups high quality apple juice or apple cider
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4-6 cans (12 ounces) sparkling water
  • orange zest and apple slices, for serving

Instructions

  • 1. In a small pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the honey, and ginger, to a boil over high heat. Boil 5 minutes, add the sage, then remove from the heat. Let cool. Remove the sage and ginger, if desired.
    2. In a large pitcher, combine the sage, ginger syrup mix, vodka, orange liquor, apple juice, and lemon juice. Chill until ready to serve.
    3. Add the sparkling water just before serving. Garnish each drink with an apple slice and orange zest, if desired. 
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horizontal photo of Harvest Apple Ginger Spritz

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