The Apple-rol Spritz, a cocktail conceptualized and styled by the expertise of Greg Dupree and Chelsea Zimmer, with Thom Driver's impressive prop styling, brings a sophisticated twist to the common spritz. The cocktail's smooth, low-alcohol blend features Aperol, dry sparkling cider, and club soda brought together with flair and finesse in a wineglass.

The cocktail brings a fresh take to the traditional recipe by trading the typical Aperol-spritz ingredient, Prosecco, for cider. The swap gears the spritz towards crisp autumn afternoons; substituting the Prosecco's fruity, citrusy notes with the cider's refreshing apple flavor, perfect acidity and fizzy effervescence.

The fusion of Aperol, attributed for its bittersweet taste, and tangy, dry sparkling cider creates a spritz that perfectly encapsulates the progression from the warmth of summer to the crispness of fall. Created similar to wines, ciders carry dry, fruity, and tangy spins along with intricate complexity. To achieve optimum taste, it is recommended to use a dry cider with a hint of sweetness, negligible tannins, and abundant bubbles.

The Apple-rol Spritz adheres to the traditional 3:2:1 cocktail ratio to preserve the balance of bittersweetness, fruitiness, and tart punch. The generous quantity of cider beautifully offsets the Aperol's sweetness, while the inclusion of club soda adds a lightness and extra effervescence.

To ensure the best outcome, pre-chill the cider and club soda. Use large ice cubes to prevent over-dilution. Mix the ingredients in a large wineglass with a sizable bowl for an optimal mix.

Prepare your Apple-rol Spritz with 3 ounces of dry, sparkling cider, 2 ounces of Aperol, and 1 ounce of club soda. Combine the ingredients in a large wineglass. Add ice and stir gently to combine for about 10 seconds. Embellish your drink with an orange slice as a garnish, and enjoy.