The Rum and Apple Juice cocktail is a simple yet flavorful drink that highlights the natural sweetness of apple juice paired with the warming spice of rum. Easy to make with just two main ingredients, it’s refreshing while still carrying a cozy, autumn-inspired character. Served over ice and stirred with a cinnamon stick, it develops a subtle spiced note that complements the fruitiness of the apple. Garnished with fresh apple slices, this cocktail is both quick to prepare and visually appealing perfect for casual sipping, seasonal gatherings, or when you want a straightforward drink with comforting flavors.
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Tasting Notes
Rum and Apple Juice is a simple yet flavorful cocktail that balances sweetness, spice, and fruit. Spiced rum provides warming notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and clove, while apple juice offers crisp sweetness that softens the spirit’s intensity. Served over ice, the drink is light, refreshing, and easy to sip, with subtle spice lingering on the finish. Garnishes of fresh apple slices or a cinnamon stick add both aroma and visual appeal, reinforcing the drink’s seasonal character. Straightforward but satisfying, this cocktail is versatile enough for casual evenings, fall gatherings, or a quick seasonal drink at home.
Equipment and Glassware
This Rum and Apple Juice requires almost no special tools, making it approachable for any home bartender. A jigger ensures accurate measurement of the spiced rum and apple juice. A mixing spoon—or a cinnamon stick helps blend the flavors evenly. For serving, a rocks glass or highball glass is ideal, offering enough space for ice, liquid, and garnish. A paring knife is useful for slicing fresh apple for garnish, while large ice cubes work best to keep the drink chilled without watering it down too quickly. With minimal equipment and a quick preparation process, this cocktail is both easy and efficient.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces spiced rum
- 4-5 ounces apple juice
- Cinnamon stick or apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
- Pour in the spiced rum and apple juice.
- Stir the drink with a cinnamon stick to infuse the flavors and blend the ingredients.
- Garnish with fresh apple slices for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of this simple, refreshing cocktail.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly pressed apple juice for richer flavor.
- Opt for large ice cubes to slow dilution.
- Stir with a cinnamon stick for extra spiced aroma.
- Garnish with thin apple slices for clean presentation.
- Adjust apple juice quantity to match your strength preference.
- Try dark rum for a deeper, molasses-like variation.
- Add a squeeze of lime for brightness if desired.
When to Serve
Rum and Apple Juice is a versatile cocktail suited for year-round enjoyment, but it shines in autumn and winter when spiced flavors feel most fitting. It’s an excellent option for casual evenings, festive holiday gatherings, or as a simple drink to prepare for guests at short notice. Light and refreshing, it works well as a pre-dinner drink, while its sweetness makes it equally suitable as a dessert pairing. Its approachable character ensures it appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a dependable cocktail for both casual and festive occasions.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Spiced Rum: Captain Morgan, Sailor Jerry, or Kraken.
- Apple Juice: Martinelli’s, R.W. Knudsen, or fresh orchard-pressed.
- Cinnamon Sticks: McCormick or Simply Organic.
- Apples for Garnish: Honeycrisp or Gala for crisp, sweet slices.
Similar Cocktails
- Spiced Apple Prosecco
- Brandy-Pecan Flip
- Apple Pie on the Rocks
- Sparkling Apple Pie Cocktail
- Apple Maple Dark and Stormy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces spiced rum
- 4-5 ounces apple juice
- Cinnamon stick or apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
- Pour in the spiced rum and apple juice.
- Stir the drink with a cinnamon stick to infuse the flavors and blend the ingredients.
- Garnish with fresh apple slices for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of this simple, refreshing cocktail.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use freshly pressed apple juice for a crisper, more natural flavor.
- For added depth, swap spiced rum with dark rum.
- Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra warmth.