Apple and mint make the perfect pairing in this fall-inspired Apple Mojito cocktail. Light and refreshing, this twist on the traditional mojito is perfect for the autumn apple season and makes a great addition to any mojito flight board.
In a 13 oz glass, crush the mint leaves into the sugar. The mint leaves should only be bruised to release the essential oils and should not be shredded. [See Note 6]
Add the vodka and stir to dissolve the sugar.
Top with ice and apple juice and stir.
. Garnish with apple slices and a spring of mint. Serve immediately.
Notes
Fresh Mint - If you don't have this herb in your patio garden, look for it in the produce section of your local grocer. There you will usually find either live plants or blister packs containing fresh clippings.
Sugar - Typically the recipe calls for superfine sugar, but this is not a requirement. If you do not have superfine sugar, substitute granulated sugar in its place. As far as alternate sugar sources, Monkfruit, works well here in a 1:1 replacement. I have not tried this recipe with Truvia, Stevia, or Splenda. Honey and agave may also work but you may need to muddle the mint leaves in the glass before adding the honey or agave syrup to avoid the mess.
Apple Juice or Apple Cider - What's the difference? Well, apple cider tends to be unpasteurized and unfiltered, while apple juice is pasteurized and filtered. Apple cider may contain pulp, while apple juice doesn't. These factors affect flavor, expiration, and composition. Apple juice provides a clean, crisp flavor while apple cider has a more full-bodied flavor profile. Apple cider is sometimes sold without extra flavoring, but usually contains spices or other ingredients. Choose the one that appeals to you. Both are great choices.
Rum or vodka - Traditionally, mojitos are prepared with rum but if you only have vodka on hand, use that instead. Rum is a sweeter liquor because rum is made with sugarcane, which imparts a sweeter flavor to the spirit. Vodka, on the other hand, is made from potatoes or grains such as wheat or rye. This gives the vodka a more neutral flavor that some people prefer. Despite being distilled from wheat and grains, Vodka is gluten-free as is Rum. Apple rum or Apple Vodka may also be used.
Apple slices - use your favorite apple variety for the apple garnishes. That will always be the best apple for the recipe. I prefer Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith apples.
Select a glass - A tall bar glass is traditional but if you do not have a 13 oz Highball glasses, use whatever glass you have on hand. I prefer the 15 oz stemless wine glasses but a 16 oz Pilsner or pint glass will also work just fine.