Harvest Spritz Recipe - A Sparkling Fall Cocktail

This Harvest Spritz is the perfect fall cocktail for an autumn girls night, festive gathering or Thanksgiving pairing! Made with elderflower liqueur, spiced pear syrup, prosecco, and ginger beer, it’s bubbly, cozy, and perfect for the transition into fall.

A Cozy, Sparkling Fall Cocktail

If you enjoy a Hugo Spritz in the summer, you’ll love this Harvest Spritz come fall!  A sparkling pear cocktail infused with warm spices, floral elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, bubbly prosecco and ginger beer. It’s equal parts refreshing but warming with all of the fall spices.

While I love seasonal cocktails any time of year,  fall cocktail recipes like the Apple Bourbon Cocktail, Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini, and Frozen Honey Apple Cider Margaritas are some of my favorites. This spritz fits right in with the lineup. Elegant, seasonal, and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Harvest Spritz

• Seasonal & Flavorful – The pear spice syrup is infused with cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, and clove for cozy fall vibes.
• Effortlessly Elegant – Elderflower liqueur gives this drink a floral, slightly sweet finish that balances beautifully with spice.
• Bubbly & Refreshing – Finished with prosecco and ginger beer for the perfect effervescent sip.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – The pear spice syrup can be made days in advance.

How to Make Pear Spice Syrup

The secret to this cocktail’s warm spiced flavor is the homemade pear spice syrup. It’s easy to make and your kitchen will smell amazing while it simmers as well! This recipe can easily be doubled if you are making more than two cocktails.

Ingredients

• ½ cup pear juice
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 2 cinnamon stick
• 3 star anise
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Pinch of clove

Directions

1. Combine pear juice, sugar, and spices in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the spices.
4. Strain out the solids and allow the syrup to cool.

Pro Tip: Store your syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Harvest Spritz Ingredients

• Elderflower liqueur - I like to use St Germain.
• Pear spice syrup - the recipe for this homemade syrup is in the blog post or in the printable recipe card!
• Lemon juice - always use fresh squeezed if possible.
• Prosecco - any dry sparkling wine will do.
• Ginger beer - use a brand of spicy, not too sweet ginger beer such as Fever Tree. (Ginger Ale will be too sweet.)
• Ice
• Garnish: pear slices, sprigs of thyme, cinnamon-sugar rim.

How to Make a Harvest Spritz 

1. Rim a wine glass with lemon and dip in cinnamon sugar.
2. Fill with ice.
3. Add elderflower liqueur, pear spice syrup, and lemon juice.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Top with chilled prosecco and ginger beer.
6. Garnish with a thin pear slice and a sprig of thyme.

Tips for the Perfect Fall Spritz

• Chill – Chilling your prosecco and ginger beer are a must! Also cool your spiced pear syrup well before using in the drink.
• Fresh Lemon Juice Only – It brightens the drink and balances sweetness.
• Garnishes – Fall garnishes really make this drink festive! A cinnamon sugar rim, thinly sliced pear and thyme sprigs add so much. Or switch it up by adding a cinnamon stick, rosemary sprig, or dried orange slice for extra visual appeal.
• Make It a Batch Cocktail – Mix the elderflower liqueur, pear spice syrup, and lemon juice ahead of time, then add in prosecco and ginger beer right before serving.

Perfect for Thanksgiving & Fall Entertaining

The Harvest Spritz is a show-stopping cocktail for:

• Thanksgiving dinners
• Cozy fall brunches
• Friendsgiving celebrations
• Pumpkin carving parties
• Any fall get together!

If you’re planning a fall cocktail menu, pair this spritz with one or two of my seasonal favorite appetizers:

• Fig and Honey Baked Brie
• Pear, Prosciutto and Blue Cheese Puffed Pastry
• Fall Cheese Board

The Perfect Fall Spritz

This Harvest Spritz is the perfect balance of cozy and refreshing, making it my new go-to fall cocktail. It’s easy enough for casual evenings but special enough to serve when entertaining.

If you make it, don’t forget to tag me @freutcake — I love seeing your fall cocktail creations!