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When autumn rolls around, we love to gather with friends for a cozy late-afternoon sunset on the porch or a casual evening around the coffee table. But as hosts, we often get caught up in elaborate menus that keep us tucked away in the kitchen instead of enjoying our own gathering.
Today, we’re sharing one of our go-to fall hosting combinations: Apple Cider Spritz paired with Prosciutto-Wrapped Pear & Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini.
This cocktail-and-bite combination balances warm spice with crisp, bubbly notes – and best of all, the entire setup takes less than 15 minutes to assemble.
The Signature Drink: Apple Cider Spritz
While a cool spritz is a summer essential, bringing a touch of warm cinnamon spice and sparkling Prosecco together creates the ultimate autumn welcome drink.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups local spiced apple cider
- 1 cinnamon stick + 2 whole cloves (for simmering)
- 1 bottle chilled Prosecco or dry sparkling white wine
- 1/2 cup ginger beer or sparkling water
- Thinly sliced fresh red apples and rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Cinnamon sugar for rimming glasses (optional)
Instructions
- Infuse & Warm: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the apple cider with the cinnamon stick and cloves for about 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prep the Glasses: Wet the rim of your cocktail glasses or lowball glasses with a slice of apple, then dip into cinnamon sugar. Fill each glass halfway with ice.
- Build the Spritz: Pour 1/4 cup of the warm infused apple cider over the ice. Top with 1/2 cup chilled Prosecco and a splash of ginger beer for fizz.
- Garnish: Stir gently with a cinnamon stick, add a thin apple slice, and top with a fresh rosemary sprig.
Hosting Tip: Keep the infused cider warm in a small slow cooker so guests can pour their own cider base and top with bubbly throughout the evening.
The Perfect Pairing: Prosciutto-Wrapped Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini
A good hosting appetizer should be savory, slightly sweet, and effortless. This crostini pairing compliments the warm fruit notes of the cider spritz without overwhelming your palate.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 4 oz soft goat cheese (whipped with 1 tbsp honey)
- 2 ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears, thinly sliced
- 4 oz prosciutto, torn into bite-sized strips
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Toast the Baguette: Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, lightly brush with olive oil, and bake at 400 degrees F for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Spread & Layer: Spread a generous layer of honey-whipped goat cheese onto each warm crostini. Top with 1-2 pear slices and a fold of prosciutto.
- Finish & Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
How to Style the Table
To pull this simple pairing together with effortless coastal luxury:
- Use Warm Wood Tones: Serve the crostini on a long teak or acacia wood serving board to ground the neutral colors.
- Elevate the Glassware: Serve spritzers in heavy-bottomed ribbed glassware or short crystal tumblers.
- Add Touches of Texture: Lay down a neutral linen runner, light a couple of subtle amber-glazed soy candles, and drop a stem of dried eucalyptus nearby for an inviting autumnal scent.
Shop the Look
- Stemless Ribbed Cocktail Glasses [view on Amazon]
- Acacia Wood Long Serving Platter [view on Amazon]
- Amber Glass Votive Candle Holders [view on Amazon]
