Autumn Bellini

Name: Autumn Bellini
Prep time: PT0D0H0M
Cook time: PT0D0H0M
Total time: PT0D0H0M
Yield: 2 cocktails
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider; ½ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg; 4 whole cloves; 2 green cardamom pods; 2 cinnamon sticks; 2 whole star anise; 1 oz. vodka; 12 oz. chilled prosecco

Prosecco marries with richly spiced mulled cider and a splash of vodka in this seasonal take on the classic.

Makes
2 cocktails
Time
10 minutes, plus chilling time

PHOTO: MURRAY HALL • FOOD STYLING: JESSIE YUCHEN

By SAVEUR Editors

Updated on September 23, 2024

Prosecco marries with richly spiced mulled cider and a splash of vodka in this seasonal take on the classic Bellini served at the now-closed Caffè Storico in New York City. While the original recipe called for a fig-flavored vodka such as Figenza, regular vodka works just as well in this fall cocktail. The mulled cider—a fragrant brew spiced with cardamom, star anise, clove, and nutmeg—lends the drink the tawny hue of an autumn leaf. The fresh apple flavor preserves the integrity of the Bellini name, which calls for orchard fruit, while the dash of vodka is a sly warning against venturing too far away into uncharted cocktail territory. Though it’s easy to love a Bellini, an Autumn Bellini could inspire an obsession.

Ingredients

For the mulled cider syrup:

1 cup apple cider
½ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
4 whole cloves
2 green cardamom pods
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole star anise

For the Bellini

1 oz. vodka
12 oz. chilled prosecco

Instructions

Step 1

Make the mulled cider syrup: In a small pot, bring the cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cider is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add the nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Strain the syrup into an airtight container and refrigerate. (You should have about ½ cup of syrup.)

Step 2

Make the cocktail: To a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add the vodka and 2½ ounces of the mulled cider syrup. Shake until chilled, then strain into two champagne glasses, top each with prosecco, and serve.

Make the mulled cider syrup: In a small pot, bring the cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cider is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add the nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Strain the syrup into an airtight container and refrigerate. (You should have about ½ cup of syrup.)
Make the cocktail: To a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add the vodka and 2½ ounces of the mulled cider syrup. Shake until chilled, then strain into two champagne glasses, top each with prosecco, and serve.