Fall cocktails don’t have to be heavy or overly sweet—sometimes you want something light, fizzy, and still full of cozy autumn flavor. Enter the Aperol Pumpkin Fizz, a unique seasonal cocktail that combines Aperol’s bittersweet citrus notes with spiced pumpkin syrup and sparkling wine. The result? A bubbly orange drink that’s festive, refreshing, and perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or even a cozy night in.
Aperol Pumpkin Fizz
Equipment
- large wine glasses or tumblers
- jigger
- bar spoon
- small saucepan (for homemade syrup, optional)
- fine strainer (for homemade syrup, optional)
Ingredients
- 3 oz Aperol
- 2 oz pumpkin spice syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 oz Prosecco (or cava/champagne), chilled
- 2 oz soda water (club soda or sparkling water)
- ice cubes
- garnish: cinnamon stick, star anise, or orange slice
- 1 cup water (for homemade syrup, optional)
- 1 cup sugar, white or brown (for homemade syrup, optional)
- 0.25 cup pumpkin purée (for homemade syrup, optional)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (for homemade syrup, optional)
Instructions
- Fill two large wine glasses or tumblers with ice cubes.
- Pour 1.5 oz Aperol and 1 oz pumpkin spice syrup into each glass. Stir gently.
- Top each glass with 3 oz chilled Prosecco and 1 oz soda water. Stir gently again.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or an orange slice. Serve immediately.
Notes
What is an Aperol Pumpkin Fizz?
An Aperol Pumpkin Fizz is a fall-inspired sparkling cocktail made with Aperol, pumpkin spice syrup, sparkling wine (Prosecco, cava, or champagne), and soda water. It’s a playful mashup of autumn flavors and Italian aperitivo style, with a balance of bitter, sweet, spicy, and fizzy notes. Think of it as the fall cousin of the Aperol Spritz—seasonal, colorful, and perfect for sipping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 2 cocktails.
- 3 oz Aperol
- 2 oz pumpkin spice syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 oz chilled Prosecco (or cava/champagne)
- 2 oz soda water (club soda or sparkling water)
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: cinnamon stick, star anise, or orange slice
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar (white or brown)
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Simmer ingredients in a saucepan for 5 minutes, strain, and cool before use.
Substitutions
- Swap Aperol with Campari for a stronger bitter flavor.
- Use ginger beer instead of soda water for a spicier kick.
- Make it non-alcoholic with sparkling apple cider and zero-proof Aperol alternatives.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Fill glasses
Fill two large wine glasses or tumblers with ice cubes.
Step 2: Add Aperol and pumpkin syrup
Pour 1.5 oz Aperol and 1 oz pumpkin spice syrup into each glass. Stir gently.
Step 3: Add bubbles
Top with 3 oz chilled Prosecco and 1 oz soda water per glass. Stir gently again.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or orange slice. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Aperol Pumpkin Fizz
- Always chill sparkling wine before making the cocktail.
- Use clear ice cubes for a prettier presentation.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less pumpkin spice syrup.
- Serve in large wine glasses for the perfect fizz.
Variations
- Creamy Pumpkin Fizz: Add a splash of cream or half-and-half for richness.
- Apple Pumpkin Fizz: Replace soda water with sparkling apple cider.
- Spicy Pumpkin Fizz: Add a slice of fresh ginger or extra cinnamon.
- Frozen version: Blend ingredients with ice for a slushy-style fall drink.
Food Pairings
The Aperol Pumpkin Fizz pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory fall dishes:
- Pumpkin patch brownies
- Spooky skull potatoes
- Roasted butternut squash
- Charcuterie with sharp cheeses
- Cinnamon sugar donuts
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare pumpkin spice syrup in advance—it keeps in the fridge for 1 week.
- Pre-chill Aperol, sparkling wine, and soda for quick assembly.
- For parties, batch Aperol and syrup in a pitcher, then add bubbles before serving.
Nutrition Breakdown
One cocktail contains around 200–230 calories, depending on syrup and sparkling wine used. It’s lighter than creamy fall cocktails, making it a refreshing seasonal option.
When to Serve Aperol Pumpkin Fizz
- Halloween parties
- Friendsgiving gatherings
- Autumn weddings
- Cozy fall dinners
- Thanksgiving cocktail hour
Conclusion
The Aperol Pumpkin Fizz is a sparkling, seasonal twist on the classic spritz. With Aperol’s citrusy bitterness, pumpkin spice sweetness, and Prosecco’s bubbles, it’s a cocktail that’s festive yet refreshing. Perfect for fall holidays, Halloween, or any night you want something cozy yet fizzy, this drink will quickly become your go-to autumn aperitif.
FAQs
Can I make this cocktail alcohol-free?
Yes, use sparkling apple cider and a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif.
Do I need Prosecco?
No, cava, champagne, or even sparkling white wine works well.
Can I use store-bought pumpkin spice syrup?
Yes, but homemade syrup tastes fresher and lets you control sweetness.