3 Inspired Apple (Juice) Cocktails

Ever thought of using apple juice in your cocktail recipes? You will now! Sour Apple and Big Red need not apply - this roundup is for sophisticated cocktails only! Even though apple juice may not seem like the most grown up ingredient, once you try these autumnal beverages, you'll never look at a juice box the same way again. Fresh apple juice is a great sweetener and substitute for simple syrup - in the appropriate combination! Here are three of my favorite fall cocktails using apple spirits and fresh pressed juice.

Tofaha
Fresh apple juice and Løitens Linie Aquavit (a Norwegian spirit) make for a spicy, lightly sweet cocktail with all the flavors of autumn: cardmom, cinnamon, apple and clove.

Harvest Apple Cooler
With Lillet Blanc and apple-infused vodka, this cocktail tastes like a fresh, crisp apple. My favorite combination is to leave off the simple syrup, cut the gingerale in half and fill the rest with fresh pressed (non alcoholic) cider.

North by Northwest
A creation from bartender Evan Zimmerman, this super seasonal cocktail will have you begging for more! Apple brandy, apple juice and a dash of apple butter (?!) make for an unforgettable beverage.