Some drinks feel made for slow afternoons or relaxed holiday gatherings. The Apple Pear Spritz is one of those drinks that I enjoy. The mix of crisp apple brandy, soft pear liqueur, and chilled sparkling wine tastes fresh and bright, and I remember serving it at a quiet fall brunch where everyone kept asking for refills. It felt effortless, and sometimes that’s precisely what you want in a holiday cocktail.

This drink suits many moments because it offers fruit flavors without feeling overly sweet. The bubbles make it lively, the apple brandy adds depth, and the pear liqueur gives it a smooth finish that pairs well with almost any snack or brunch plate. It’s the type of easy spritz recipe that works for holidays, dinner parties, or simple nights at home when you want something light.

If you’re searching for a holiday cocktail that’s quick to mix but still looks pretty on the table, this one checks all the boxes. The garnish alone makes it feel special, and the taste stays clean from the first sip to the last. It has become one of my favorite simple spritz drinks to keep in rotation during cooler months.

Why You’ll Love This

The Apple Pear Spritz blends fresh fall flavors with sparkling wine, offering a refreshing drink that’s neither strong nor heavy. It’s easy to build in the glass, so you don’t need to prep ahead or pull out your shaker. I love it because it tastes balanced, and it works for guests who like fruit-forward cocktails without too much sweetness.

A few reasons people enjoy this drink

Fast to make, great when you’re hosting and need something simple
Light flavor that fits fall and winter brunch menus
Clean fruit taste from pear liqueur and apple brandy
Sparkling wine keeps each sip lively
Easy to scale for a group

Once you try it, you may find yourself making it during the holidays or any time you want an easy spritz that still feels thoughtful.

Ingredients

This drink uses just a few ingredients, so each plays a role in the final flavor. Apple brandy brings depth, pear liqueur adds a smooth sweetness, and sparkling wine ties it all together with bubbles. The garnish adds color and brings out the fruit notes in each sip.

You will need

1 ounce apple brandy
1 ounce pear liqueur
4 ounces Champagne sparkling wine
apple fan for garnish
edible flower for garnish

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

You don’t need expensive bottles for this recipe, but picking the right ones helps the drink taste clean and well-rounded. Apple Brandy comes in several styles, from bright and fresh to deeply aged. Pear liqueur varies in sweetness, and a lighter one usually mixes best with Champagne.

Here are a few good options

Laird’s Apple Brandy: a classic bottle that keeps the apple flavor sharp and clear.
Calvados: great if you want a deeper apple taste.
St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur: adds a warm pear flavor that pairs well with holiday drinks.
Mathilde Pear Liqueur: softer and slightly sweeter.
Prosecco: if you want a sweeter bubble instead of Champagne.
Non-alcoholic sparkling wine: for a zero-alcohol version.

If you can’t find pear liqueur, a splash of pear nectar can work, but it creates a softer and slightly sweeter drink. Just adjust the amount so it doesn’t overpower the bubbles.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need basic tools to make this drink. A stemmed wine glass works best because it provides enough room for both ice and bubbles. The ice will chill the drink without watering it down right away.

Helpful items

If you want to dress it up, choose a tall wine glass so the bubbles rise nicely and the garnish sits well on top.

How to Make It

This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for hosting. Building it in the glass keeps the prep simple, and the ice helps blend the apple and pear flavors without diluting the drink too fast.

Fill a wine glass with ice.
Pour 1 ounce of pear liqueur over the ice.
Add 1 ounce of apple brandy.
Top with 4 ounces of Champagne or sparkling wine.
Gently stir to combine the flavors.
Garnish with an apple fan and an edible flower.

Some people like to add the brandy first, but I’ve found that pouring the liqueur in first helps the drink mix more evenly as the bubbles rise.

Pro Tips

Small steps can make the Apple Pear Spritz shine. These tips help keep the drink cold, balanced, and visually appealing enough for any holiday table.

Try these ideas

Chill your sparkling wine before pouring
Keep the glass cold to help the drink stay crisp
Use clear ice for a cleaner look
Slice the apple just before serving so it stays fresh
Stir gently, so the bubbles stay high in the glass
Pick a dry sparkling wine if you want a cleaner finish
Use a wide wine glass if you love more aroma
Keep pear liqueur portions small, because it can take over the drink

Feel free to adjust the balance if you prefer your drinks on the drier or sweeter side.

Variations

This drink is easy to customize. You can change the flavor profile by switching fruit notes, adjusting sweetness, or playing with different sparkling wines. I like trying new versions when I have extra bottles open at home.

Ideas to try

Use pear cider instead of sparkling wine for a sweeter drink
Add a splash of lemon juice for a brighter taste
Try prosecco for a softer spritz
Make a zero alcohol version with non alcoholic sparkling wine
Add a cinnamon stick for a mild fall flavor

Each variation offers a unique twist, allowing you to choose the style that best suits your gathering.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Apple Pear Spritz fits a range of occasions. It works for holiday brunches, relaxed winter dinners, and even light afternoons when you want something fruity. It’s a great welcome drink because it’s not too strong and feels inviting from the first sip.

Serve it during

Thanksgiving brunch
Christmas morning spreads
Holiday parties
Fall gatherings
Relaxed dinners with friends

Pair it with

Soft cheese boards
Buttered toast or pastries
Roasted nuts
Fruit tarts
Light appetizers

For more pairing ideas, consider recipes like the Pear Moscow Mule, Sparkling Cranberry Punch, or Apple Cider Mimosa. Each one keeps the fruit theme going freshly.

Storage and Serving Notes

This spritz is best served immediately after mixing, as the bubbles fade quickly. You can prep the apple fan ahead of time, but keep it chilled until serving. If you’re planning a group gathering, consider setting up a small drink station with bottles on ice so guests can create their own spritzes.

If you want to batch it, mix the apple brandy and pear liqueur in a small pitcher. When guests arrive, pour the mixture over ice and top with sparkling wine. Only top individual glasses right before serving to keep the bubbles strong.

FAQs

Here are some common questions people ask about making an Apple Pear Spritz at home.

Can I use prosecco instead of Champagne?
Yes, prosecco works well and gives the drink a softer and slightly sweeter style.

What type of apple brandy works best?
A clean apple brandy with a fresh apple taste works best. Laird’s is an excellent choice for mixed drinks.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy fruit spritz drinks and holiday cocktails, here are a few more that fit the same vibe. They are light, refreshing, and easy to serve when you’re hosting.

Apple Brandy Rickey: a crisp drink with bright apple and fresh lime
Apple Cider Mimosa: a soft mix with sweet cider and lively bubbles
Champaguaro: a bright blend with crisp guaro and sharp bubbles
Cherry Bomb Mimosa: a sweet blend with cherry flavor and light fizz

Each one pairs well with brunch plates or party snacks, making them an excellent fit for any holiday menu.