We now present to you a list of the best cocktails made from two main ingredients: Apple juice and any alcohol of your choice. Apple juice has been a staple in many kids’ lunchboxes, and with good reason — Apple juice is packed with so many nutrients and is very healthy for you. But grown-ups may prefer their apple juice drinks with a bit of a kick, so here are the best kinds of liquor to combine with apple juice if you’re in the mood.
To prepare and finalize our collection, we collected and analyzed the opinions of our peers and active members we trust across our social media communities, Web forums, and local organizations of alcohol lovers. Many of us are bartenders and chefs, as well as others who really enjoy apple juice with or without alcohol.
Apple juice is known to have a sweet and tangy flavor, which makes it excellent to be combined with plenty of alcoholic beverages out there. So, without further ado, here are the best ones:
6 Best Types of Alcohol to Mix with Apple Juice for a Fruity Finish
1. Vodka
One of the most classic apple juice-based cocktails that you can drink is the Appletini. This is comprised of apple juice, vodka, syrup, and occasionally with a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s a drink that you can find on any martini bar menu and has a sweet or sour flavor depending on the type of apple that you use. You can garnish your Appletini with several apple slices after you’re done making it.
Pros
- Vodka is a versatile liquor that you can add to any juice
- Flavorless and odorless
Cons
- When not measured correctly, you can add too much to your drink
2. Whiskey
When mixed together, apple juice and whiskey result in a cocktail known as the Applejack. The “jack” comes from Jack Daniels, the most common whiskey brand used in this drink. It’s a fruity, sweet, and delicious cocktail that’s perfect for gatherings with friends.
Pros
- Very nice and refreshing
- The caramelly flavors of the whiskey go together with the tanginess of the apple juice
Cons
- The final taste of the drink will depend on how long the whiskey has been aged
3. Schnapps
There’s actually another version of the Appletini that you can make, which incorporates apple-flavored schnapps into the drink. However, you are also free to add other flavors of schnapps into your beverage, such as butterscotch schnapps — This produces a heavenly beverage that’s reminiscent of caramel apples that you can snack on at fairgrounds. You can also add in some cinnamon powder or even a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Pros
- Schnapps come in dozens of flavors, allowing you to experiment with various tastes
Cons
- They’re quite expensive and hard to find
4. Cider
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Since cider itself comes from apples, it’s only natural that it goes well with apple juice. Adding apple cider to apple juice sounds a bit redundant, but it still works in the end. The difference between these two, aside from the alcohol content, is that cider is a bit sour in taste, while apple juice has a sweeter finish to it.
Pros
- If you love apple beverages, then this combination is for you
Cons
- None
5. Bourbon
Bourbon is a drink that warms you up, so combining it with apple juice is best for fall nights. Bourbon in itself already has a strong, deep flavor, and apple juice will further enhance that. You can combine these two ingredients as is or create a cocktail based on the two drinks by adding lime juice, a dash of syrup, or even grated cinnamon or nutmeg.
Pros
- Bourbon, like whiskey, has a robust caramel flavor that works together with apple juice
- A wonderful drink that works well during the cold season
Cons
- It can result in high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and long-term illnesses like heart disease
6. Brandy
This is another type of hard liquor that’s similar to bourbon and whiskey. Brandy is a frequently-used ingredient in most cocktails, and apple juice-based ones are no exception. Apple brandy is an actual product, and this is the best kind of brandy to use if you’re making a refreshing alcoholic-based apple drink.
Pros
- Apple brandy is distilled from real apples, which makes it perfect to pair with apple juice
- Also has a warming effect when drank, so it’s a great beverage for cold evenings
Cons
- Long-term effects include heart disease, inflammation in the blood vessels, and high cholesterol
FAQs About the Best Alcohol to Go with Apple Juice
Can Apple Juice Make You Gain Weight?
Yes — Apple juice contains natural sugars, and if you drink it every day, this can lead to weight gain. Since apple juice is consumed faster than a regular apple, it means that you’re ingesting a high amount of sugar in a short span of time. And juice, despite what these fad diets might say, will not help you feel full for a long period of time, even if enriched with fiber or nutrients.
What Are the Nutritional Values of Apple Juice?
Apple juice’s nutritional values outweigh the negative effects of drinking it. Several advantages of chugging down apple juice include protection from heart disease and prevention from long-term illnesses such as diabetes. It can also protect your nerves from being damaged and reduce inflammation in the body.
A Summary of the Best Alcohol to Go with Apple Juice
Despite it being all-natural and unprocessed, you must still be cautious when drinking too much apple juice. Believe it or not, unpasteurized apple juice can cause harm to breastfeeding or pregnant women due to the amount of bacteria found in it. So, when buying apple juice for whatever reason, be it mixing with alcoholic drinks or chugging it down plain, be sure to purchase from a known brand and check to see if it’s pasteurized.
Out of all our selections, many of us voted for vodka as the best one to try out with apple juice. The lack of flavor or odor found in this hard liquor goes really well with all kinds of beverages, including juices like apple juice. As such, it allows you to make dozens of apple juice-based cocktails for whatever occasion you like.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
