Cinnamon-Apple Simmered Spritz

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warmly spiced drink that captures the essence of apple harvest, lightly effervescent and soothing. This recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, brings together apple juice, apple cider, cinnamon stick for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 130 calories and feeds 2, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Cocktails cuisine 130 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 cup apple juice, 1/2 cup apple cider, and 1 cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat, add 1/4 cup chopped fresh apple, and let steep for 10 minutes to soften the fruit.
  3. Step 3: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, discarding the cinnamon stick and apple pieces.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups chilled sparkling water to the pitcher and stir gently until bubbles form. Serve over ice in tall glasses.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Apple Simmered Spritz take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Apple Simmered Spritz?

Refrigerate any leftover cinnamon-apple simmered spritz in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Apple Simmered Spritz?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cinnamon-Apple Simmered Spritz for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cinnamon-Apple Simmered Spritz?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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