Today I’m joining a fun group of bloggers to host an autumn progressive dinner. I’m kicking off the evening with Apple Cider Aperol Spritz’ on the patio … come on in!
Do you love a progressive dinner?
I love a progressive dinner.
And I’m thrilled to join Annie, Mary Ann, Cindy, and Sheri to host an Autumn Progressive Dinner.
Here’s what’s on the menu.
Oh my, doesn’t it all sound scrumptious?!
And perfect for an autumn evening with friends.
Since I’m in California, weather permitting, we’ll kick things off with spritzers on the patio.
Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
Images by Monica Vargas Photography
When serving a crowd, batched drinks are the way to go.
And this spritz can be mixed in a pitcher shortly before guests arrive.
More on that later .
Let’s get to the recipe.
Apple Cider Aperol Spritz for 10
You’ll need hard cider, Aperol, Club Soda and ice.
For garnish, thyme sprigs and apple slices.
Up level your presentation by rimming the glasses with cinnamon sugar.
(If you’d like to make single spritzers: 4 oz hard cider, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz Club Soda)
Apple Cider Aperol Spritz for a Party (Serves 10)
Ingredients
- 5 cups Hard Apple Cider
- 2 1/2 cups Aperol
- 1 1/4 cup Club Soda Or top glasses with a free pour. About 1 oz each.
- Ice
- 10 Thyme sprigs For garnish.
- 10 Apple slices For garnish.
Cinnamon Sugar for Rim
- 4 tbsp Sugar
- 3 tbsp Cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine Aperol and cider in a large pitcher and stir.
- Pour into prepared glasses (rimmed with cinnamon sugar and filled with ice) to about 1" below rim.
- Top glasses with Club Soda.
- Garnish each glass with a sprig of thyme and slice of apple.
Cinnamon Sugar Rim
- Thorough combine sugar and cinnamon in shallow bowl or ramekin that is wider than the mouth of serving glass.
- Pour a little hard cider or apple cider in a second bowl.
- Dip top of glass into cider, then dip it into cinnamon sugar until the rim is evenly coated.
Shortly before your guests arrive, combine cider and Aperol in a pitcher and stir.
When ready to serve, pour into ice filled, cinnamon sugar rimmed glasses.
Leave room at the top to add the Club Soda.
Garnish with a thyme sprig and apple slice.
And you’re ready welcome guests!
There will be lots of wonderful food throughout the evening.
But I always offer something to nibble while sipping cocktails.
Something simple, easy and fun that you can buy or throw together quickly.
I made Ina Garten’s Chipoltle & Rosemary Roasted Nuts from her How Easy is That? cookbook.
I substituted thyme for rosemary because I was using it to garnish the drinks.
You could also offer potato chips, cheese straws, or how about truffled popcorn.
Brief aside –
Years ago we lived in a fun Sonoma county neighborhood (read about a day in Sonoma here).
Every December we got together for a holiday progressive dinner.
No surprise, Jim and I hosted cocktails.
One year I made pitchers of Cosmos (in addition to a huge appetizer spread).
One of our neighbors, who hadn’t eaten all day, enjoyed a couple Cosmo’s but no food.
And didn’t make it to the next stop.
There was a lot of gentle teasing in the years that followed.
But seriously, there by the grace of god …
As the first stop on the autumn progressive dinner trail, I want to set a fun vibe.
We’ll be cocktailing on the patio with fire pit going and twinkle lights overhead.
And fun, upbeat music.
A great playlist is essential.
And I’ve been relying on upbeat Yacht Rock to set a festive mood.
Yes, it sounds cheesy.
But it seems to put everyone happy.
Including me.
I’ve only recently delved into Spotify.
I know.
This is my go-to Yacht Rock playlist.
Maggie and Pippa are excited to welcome you.
Hope you didn’t wear black!
Let’s get this party started!
Shop the Spritz ~
So there you have it.
Apple Cider Aperol Spritz on the patio.
The first stop on our Autumn Progressive Dinner.
Next stop, Harvest Charcuterie & Wine at Cindy’s.
Be sure to visit each and every house for amazing recipes and entertaining ideas!
Are you inspired to host an Autumn Progressive Dinner?
I hope so.
As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
See you on Saturday when I join Kim and Elizabeth for Weekend Meanderings.
Cheers from Snowberry!
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