This Apple Cider Mojito is a cozy fall take on the classic mojito. We combine crisp apple cider and apple brandy with light rum, fresh apple slices and aromatic garnishes for a refreshing, seasonal cocktail.
If you enjoy fall-flavored drinks, try serving this at brunch or happy hour. It’s also a great companion to warmed cocktails on chilly nights.
What Is a Mojito?
A mojito is a classic rum cocktail made with fresh mint, lime and a sweetener, finished with sparkling water. Traditional recipes call for simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water) to avoid any grainy texture. The result is a bright, balanced drink where the sweetness complements the citrus and mint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Apple cider is abundant in the fall, and when you have extra on hand it’s perfect for cocktails. For this recipe we pair cider with light rum and a touch of apple brandy for depth. Below are the primary components and a few notes to help you choose the best options:
- Light rum: Any white rum you enjoy will work well.
- Apple brandy: Look for an apple brandy that isn’t overly sweet so it adds flavor without cloying the cocktail.
- Apple cider: Use fresh apple cider when possible. If cider isn’t available, unfiltered apple juice is a fine substitute.
- Seltzer: Plain, unflavored seltzer is ideal, but a lightly flavored seltzer (apple or lime) can be delicious too.
How to Make an Apple Cider Mojito
This recipe simplifies the traditional mojito. Because apple cider brings natural sweetness, we skip added sugar or simple syrup. We also forgo muddling the mint; instead we use whole mint sprigs as a garnish so the mint aroma is present without dominating the drink.
To make the cocktail: combine cider, light rum and apple brandy over ice, stir gently, then top with seltzer. Finish with aromatic garnishes—apple slices, a cinnamon stick and fresh mint—to enhance both scent and presentation.
More Fall Cocktail Ideas
If you like apple-forward cocktails, here are a few similar drinks to consider making alongside this mojito:
- Sparkling apple sangria with warming spices
- Cocktails made with apple liqueurs or crown-style spirits
- Shot-style drinks that combine caramel and apple flavors
- Cold cider martini variations for a crisp, chilled option
Apple Cider Mojito
- Author: Dan
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
A fall-forward twist on the mojito that balances cider, rum and apple brandy. Garnish generously for aroma and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces light rum
- 3/4 ounce apple brandy
- 4 ounces apple cider
- Seltzer, to top
- For garnish:
- Apple slices
- Cinnamon stick
- Star anise
- Fresh mint
Instructions
- Add the rum, apple brandy and apple cider to a mug or glass filled with ice. Stir gently to combine.
- Top with seltzer to your preference for fizziness.
- Garnish with apple slices, a cinnamon stick, star anise and fresh mint leaves before serving.
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Stir
- Cuisine: American