Apple Pie Aperol
My AFBA 2025 recipe for the “Signature Drink” category
…when summer slowly says goodbye and the first colourful leaves fall, that’s when my favourite time of year begins: autumn. Inspired by an unforgettable holiday in Croatia, where we enjoyed what was probably the best Aperol of our lives right by the sea, I wanted to take that feeling with me – and turn it into an autumnal version.
The idea behind it
For many, Aperol is the symbol of summer. But why should you only drink it in summer? My Apple Pie Aperol brings the flavours of Austrian autumn to your glass: apple, cinnamon, vanilla and nuts – like a liquid apple strudel with a sparkling finish.
A drink that brings back memories of your last summer holiday while also making you look forward to the golden season.
That’s how my Signature Drink for the Austrian Foodblog Award 2025 was born: the Apple Pie Aperol. A cocktail that combines Aperol’s fruity, pleasantly bitter lightness with the warm, spicy flavours of apple strudel.
Why this drink is perfect for the AFBA
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Creativity: A well-known classic reimagined
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Seasonal connection: Apple, cinnamon & walnut as an autumn signature
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Storytelling: From Croatia by the sea to Austrian autumn cooking
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Innovation: Perfectly chilled & served thanks to Liebherr
Specially for the Austrian Foodblog Award – AFBA 2025 in the “Signature Drink” category, and with the support of “Liebherr”, I developed a special recipe.
An autumnal reimagining of the classic: Aperol meets organic cloudy apple juice, cinnamon, vanilla and a hint of date syrup, finished with Prosecco and a crunchy walnut rim. Inspired by the best Aperol I drank this year by the sea in Croatia – now as a liquid apple strudel in a glass, perfect for the golden season.
Ingredients for 1 glass:
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8 cl Aperol
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10 cl organic cloudy apple juice
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1 pinch of cinnamon
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½ tsp date syrup
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1 tsp bourbon vanilla extract
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10 cl Prosecco
For the walnut rim:
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Moisten ½ cm of the rim (inside & outside) with an orange slice
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Put ground walnuts on a small plate
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Dip the rim into it
Preparation:
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Prepare the glass
Moisten the rim with the orange slice and dip it into the ground walnuts – this creates the crunchy walnut rim with a wow effect. -
Shake it!
Add Aperol, apple juice, cinnamon, date syrup and vanilla extract to a shaker with plenty of ice cubes. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. -
Pour & finish
Strain the drink carefully into a large, chilled wine glass. Slowly top up with Prosecco and briefly stir gently with a bar spoon. -
Garnish
Garnish with a thin apple slice – and serve immediately.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Apple Pie Aperol
What is Apple Pie Aperol?
Apple Pie Aperol is a fruity, spicy cocktail or aperitif with apple, Aperol and a sparkling component. The drink tastes slightly reminiscent of apple pie and is especially great in autumn.
What does Apple Pie Aperol taste like?
Apple Pie Aperol tastes fruity, slightly bitter, mildly sweet and pleasantly sparkling. The apple note and the aromatic rim make the cocktail feel especially autumnal and unusual.
What occasions is Apple Pie Aperol suitable for?
This cocktail is ideal as an aperitif for guests, for autumn evenings, brunch, celebrations or special moments of indulgence. Apple Pie Aperol is also a lovely idea for festive occasions in the cooler season.
Can you prepare Apple Pie Aperol in advance?
You can prep individual ingredients and decorations in advance. However, Apple Pie Aperol is best mixed fresh and served right away so it stays nicely sparkling.
What garnish goes well with Apple Pie Aperol?
Apple slices, a cinnamon-sugar rim or a lightly spiced glass decoration work especially well. This gives the drink an autumnal touch not only visually, but also in flavour.
Is Apple Pie Aperol more of a summer or autumn drink?
Apple Pie Aperol is mainly an autumn drink because apple and warm spices pair especially well with the cooler season. Still, it’s also great for transitional seasons or special celebrations.
Can you serve Apple Pie Aperol to guests?
Yes, Apple Pie Aperol is perfect for guests. The cocktail looks decorative, feels special, and can be served very stylishly with an apple slice and a beautiful rim.
What foods pair well with Apple Pie Aperol?
Apple Pie Aperol pairs well with small starters, finger food, autumn snacks or festive menus. It’s also ideal for brunch or as an aperitif before a special meal.
With my Apple Pie Aperol, I want to show that signature drinks can be more than just recipes – they’re stories in a glass, full of emotion and memories.
Thank you, dear AFBA, for this wonderful stage. I’m thrilled to be competing with this recipe in the Signature Drink category – and I wish all participants the best of luck & lots of enjoyment!
I hope you try this recipe and enjoy it just as much as we do. Stay tuned for more culinary creations on Letsdocooking.com!
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👉 Follow @letsdocooking – there you’ll find regular new recipes, ideas, and creative serving tips.
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Apple Pie Aperol
Ingredients
Für den Aperol:
- 8 cl Aperol
- 10 cl Bio-Apfelsaft naturtrüb
- 1 MS Zimt
- ½ TL Dattelsirup
- 1 TL Bourbon-Vanille-Extrakt
- 10 cl Prosecco
Für den Walnuss-Rand:
- 1 Stk. Bio Orangenscheibe
- 50 g Walnüsse gerieben
Zum Dekorieren:
- 1 Stk. Bio Apfelspalte
Instructions
Für den Walnussrand:
- ½ cm des Glasrands (innen & außen) mit einer Orangenscheibe befeuchten, geriebene Walnüsse auf einen kleinen Teller geben - Glasrand hineintunken
Für den Aperol:
- Aperol, Apfelsaft, Zimt, Dattelsirup und Vanille-Extrakt mit viel Eiswürfeln in einen Shaker geben. Für ca. 10 Sekunden kräftig shaken.Den Drink vorsichtig in ein großes, gekühltes Weinglas abseihen. Mit Prosecco langsam aufgießen und mit dem Barlöffel kurz und sanft verrühren.Mit einer dünnen Apfelspalte dekorieren – und sofort servieren.
