Apple Cooler Highball — Rum & Apple Juice Refresher
Bright, crisp, and lightly sparkling — the Apple Cooler Highball blends smooth rum with fresh apple juice and bubbly club soda. It’s the easygoing cocktail you’ll crave for sunny afternoons or casual get-togethers.
A laid-back, fruit-forward highball that keeps things simple and refreshing. Rum provides warmth, apple juice adds natural sweetness, and a splash of club soda delivers the fizz that makes it irresistibly drinkable. Use unsweetened apple juice for the best balance.
Background
Fruit coolers date back to early 20th-century highballs, when bartenders lightened spirits with sparkling water and seasonal juices. The Apple Cooler carries that same tradition into the modern glass — bright, crisp, and perfect for easy sipping.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Rum – the mellow, tropical backbone.
- Apple Juice – fresh and unsweetened keeps sweetness in check.
- Club Soda – adds lift and sparkle without extra sugar.
- Ice Cubes – to chill and dilute lightly.
- Garnish – apple slice or lime wedge for aroma and color.
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Bar spoon
Why You’ll Love It
Simple, clean, and crowd-pleasing — this drink fits any mood. Its balance of rum depth and apple brightness makes it ideal for brunch, barbecues, or low-effort evening cocktails.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap in dark rum for a rounder, caramel note.
- Add ½ oz fresh lime juice for a tangier profile.
- Use sparkling water or lemon-lime soda to tweak sweetness.
- Muddle mint leaves for a subtle herbal twist.
Helpful Tips
- Chill your glass beforehand for a frosty presentation.
- Stir gently to preserve carbonation.
- Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp tacos, or sharp cheddar snacks.
- For a mocktail, skip the rum and double the apple juice — still deliciously refreshing.
Conclusion
The Apple Cooler Highball is proof that less is more — just rum, apple, and fizz coming together for pure, crisp refreshment. A five-minute build, endless enjoyment.
Apple Cooler Recipe
Type of Glass
Highball Glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 3 oz. Apple Juice
Directions
- Fill a highball glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Pour in the Rum, then add the Apple Juice.
- Top with Club Soda to your desired level of fizz.
- Stir gently once or twice to mix without losing carbonation.
- Garnish with a fresh apple slice or a lime wedge before serving.
The Apple Cooler Highball is proof that less is more — just rum, apple, and fizz coming together for pure, crisp refreshment. A five-minute build, endless enjoyment.
