Spiced Apple Spritz
This is the alcohol-free spritz that finally feels like a proper grown-up drink in the cooler months. Cloudy apple juice does the heavy lifting, fresh lemon keeps it from going sweet, and a pinch of cinnamon brings the whole thing into Autumn-and-Winter territory. Built over Terps & Co Vodka {Vibe} and Whiskey {Feel}, it lands somewhere between an apple highball and a soft, spiced old fashioned. Long, refreshing, and a little bit moody.
It's the drink to make when the days are getting shorter, the Sunday roast is in the oven, and you want something with a bit more depth than a glass of wine. Three minutes, one glass, no shaker required.
Why you'll love this spritz
A non-alcoholic spritz with proper Autumn-Winter character, not just a summer holdover. Made in one glass, no shaker required. Uses ingredients you probably already have at home. Pairs beautifully with roast pork, pumpkin soup, cheese boards and slow Sundays. Scales up easily into a jug for entertaining.
You’ll Need:
- 30ml Vodka {Vibe}
- 30ml Whiskey {Feel}
- 90ml cloudy apple juice
- 10ml fresh lemon juice
- Pinch cinnamon
- 60–90ml soda water
- Ice
To Make:
- Fill a tall glass with ice
- Add Vodka {Vibe} + Whiskey {Feel}
- Pour in apple juice + lemon juice
- Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon
- Stir gently
- Top with soda water
- Quick stir again, garnish if you want
Tips & variations
For more depth, swap the pinch of ground cinnamon for a cinnamon stick stirred through the glass. A small piece of fresh thyme or rosemary in the garnish picks up the warm spice notes beautifully. Hosting a crowd? Batch it as a jug: 200ml Vodka {Vibe}, 200ml Whiskey {Feel}, 600ml cloudy apple juice, 70ml lemon juice and a generous pinch of cinnamon. Top each glass with soda as you pour so it stays lively. For a cosier winter version, build it warm: heat the apple juice gently with a cinnamon stick, take off the heat, then add the spirits and a squeeze of lemon. Skip the soda.
FAQ
Is this spritz alcohol-free? Yes. Vodka {Vibe} and Whiskey {Feel} are both fully alcohol-free spirits, so this drink is suitable for designated drivers, dry months, pregnancy, and anyone simply choosing not to drink.
What kind of apple juice works best? Cloudy, unfiltered apple juice. It carries more apple character and the texture sits better on the palate against the spirits. A NZ-pressed cloudy apple juice (Phoenix or a farmers' market bottle) is ideal.
Can I make this ahead? Yes. Mix everything except the soda water up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. Top with soda just before serving so the drink stays sparkling.
Where can I buy Terps & Co in New Zealand? Shop the full range online at drinkterps.co.nz or find us at stockists across NZ. See our stockist page for your nearest.
If you're into warm-spiced serves like this one, try our Pear, Vanilla & Ginger Spritz next, or shop Vodka {Vibe} and Whiskey {Feel} to stock up before your next Sunday roast.
