Description
A festive, easy-to-make holiday drink that captures the essence of autumn with spiced apple cider, sparkling water, and optional alcohol. Perfect for Rosh Hashanah or any fall gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 64 ounces (2 liters) 100% apple cider (refrigerated or high-quality bottled)
- 32 ounces (1 liter) plain sparkling water or club soda
- 12 ounces (350ml) vodka or white rum (optional)
- 3–4 large cinnamon sticks
- 3–4 star anise pods
- 2 oranges, sliced into rounds
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- Prep the spices: If cinnamon sticks are long, break them in half. Slice oranges into thin rounds.
- Combine the base: Pour apple cider into a large pitcher. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, and alcohol (if using). Stir gently to submerge spices.
- Chill and infuse: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours (or overnight) to allow flavors to infuse.
- Add the fizz: Just before serving, pour in the sparkling water. Stir gently to avoid losing carbonation.
- Garnish and serve: Add orange slices to the pitcher. Fill glasses with ice, pour the mixture over ice, and garnish with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks.
Notes
Do not add sparkling water too early or the drink will go flat. Use fresh cinnamon sticks for best flavor. The base can be made up to 3 days in advance. For a non-alcoholic version, omit alcohol and increase sparkling water to 48 ounces.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 20
- Carbohydrates: 22
Keywords: Rosh Hashanah, apple cider spritzer, holiday drink, fall cocktail, easy party drink, Jewish New Year, non-alcoholic option