Close your eyes. Picture an island breeze gently rustling through the palm trees, the scent of ripe fruit in the air, and waves crashing nearby. Now imagine sipping that experience in a glass. That’s what Apple Island Splash is all about. A cocktail that fuses the tart freshness of green apple with tropical notes like pineapple and coconut, it’s a sweet, tangy, refreshing burst of island paradise. Perfect for summer parties, beachside sipping, or anytime you want to be mentally transported to your favorite getaway, this drink is vacation in a glass. With its bright color, crisp fruitiness, and lush island undertones, it’s quickly becoming a new favorite in the fruity cocktail scene.
Why Is This Recipe So Popular?
In a world where cocktails are often either too sweet or too strong, Apple Island Splash strikes the perfect balance. Its base of sour apple liqueur gives it a signature tartness, while tropical mixers like pineapple juice and coconut water mellow it into something both refreshing and easy to sip.
It’s especially popular because:
-
🍏 It’s visually stunning—bright, light green with hints of gold
-
🌞 It’s super refreshing, not overly sugary or syrupy
-
🍹 It uses easy-to-find ingredients
-
🍍 It’s versatile—can be served over ice, blended, or even made into a mocktail
-
🍸 It’s a crowd-pleaser at brunches, pool parties, BBQs, and tropical-themed nights
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
-
🍏 Bold green apple flavor for a crisp, tart punch
-
🍍 Sweet pineapple and coconut create a tropical backdrop
-
❄️ Super refreshing—perfect for hot days or vacation vibes
-
🍹 Easy to customize—boozy, light, or non-alcoholic
-
🌿 Great with fresh garnishes like mint or citrus slices
-
🧊 Ideal for pitcher drinks or single-serve cocktails
-
🌈 Visually appealing—vibrant and bright with a clean finish
Ingredients:
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
-
🍏 1½ oz sour apple liqueur (like Apple Pucker) – tart and fruity base
-
🍍 1 oz pineapple juice – balances tartness with tropical sweetness
-
🥥 1 oz coconut water or coconut rum – smooth island flavor
-
🍋 ½ oz fresh lemon juice – adds zesty brightness
-
🍸 1 oz vodka (plain or citrus) – for extra kick
-
🍯 ½ oz simple syrup (optional) – if you like it sweeter
-
🧊 Ice cubes – for shaking or serving
-
🌿 Mint sprig or apple slice – garnish
-
✨ Optional: splash of soda water or lemon-lime soda – for bubbles
-
🥭 Optional: mango puree – for a deeper tropical vibe
Preparation:
Step 1: Chill the glass
Pop a highball or hurricane glass in the freezer, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
Step 2: Combine in shaker
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
-
1½ oz sour apple liqueur
-
1 oz pineapple juice
-
1 oz coconut water (or coconut rum for stronger version)
-
1 oz vodka
-
½ oz lemon juice
-
Optional: ½ oz simple syrup
Step 3: Shake it up
Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold.
Step 4: Prepare your glass
Dump any ice water from your glass. Add fresh ice cubes.
Step 5: Strain & pour
Strain the cocktail over ice. Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda or soda water for bubbles, if desired.
Step 6: Garnish & enjoy
Garnish with a sprig of mint, a green apple slice, or a tiny tropical umbrella. Serve with a straw or cocktail stirrer.
Variation:
-
🍏 Frozen Apple Island Splash – Blend ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy version.
-
🥥 Creamy Island Splash – Add a splash of coconut cream for a velvety twist.
-
🍹 Mocktail Version – Replace alcohol with apple juice and use sparkling coconut water or soda.
-
🍊 Citrus Boost – Add orange juice or triple sec for more citrusy flair.
-
🍓 Berry Island Splash – Muddle in strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
-
🌶️ Spicy Island Splash – Add a dash of jalapeño syrup or muddled chili for a spicy-sweet finish.
COOKING Note:
These types of tropical fruit-forward cocktails work best when you follow a few small but mighty tips:
-
Use fresh juice wherever possible—especially lemon
-
Don’t skip the ice—this drink should be served cold and refreshing
-
Adjust sweetness to your liking—if your pineapple juice is extra sweet, skip the syrup
-
Coconut water makes the drink lighter; coconut rum makes it stronger—choose based on your crowd
-
Always shake hard enough to melt a little ice—this adds balance to the flavor
Serving Suggestions:
-
🍹 Serve in tall glasses with a bamboo straw at summer parties
-
🍉 Pair with tropical fruit platters or grilled shrimp skewers
-
🍧 Make a boozy popsicle version by freezing in molds
-
🏝️ Use for tiki night alongside mai tais and piña coladas
-
🎉 Serve in mini bottles with straws for a fun twist at events or bachelorettes
-
🍍 Garnish with a pineapple wedge, apple fan, or mint bouquet
Tips:
-
For a greener drink, add a drop of green food coloring (optional)
-
Add a rim of tajín or coconut sugar for a fun contrast
-
Keep ingredients chilled if serving in batches
-
To prep ahead, mix base liquids without ice and refrigerate; shake individual servings on demand
-
Want to add depth? Infuse the vodka with green apple slices for a day or two
Prep Time:
- 5 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 0 minutes
Total Time:
- 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving):
-
Calories: 190
-
Protein: 0g
-
Sodium: 15mg
-
Carbohydrates: 14g
-
Sugars: 11g
-
Fat: 0g
-
Alcohol by volume (ABV): ~15–18% depending on your mix
FAQs:
Q: Can I make Apple Island Splash in a pitcher?
A: Absolutely! Scale up all ingredients, mix them (without ice), and store chilled. Shake or stir individual servings over ice when ready to serve.
Q: What can I use instead of sour apple liqueur?
A: Green apple schnapps or apple vodka will work in a pinch. Or use green apple juice for a mocktail.
Q: How do I make this drink blue or pink?
A: Add a small amount of blue curaçao for a sea-blue effect, or use dragon fruit puree or grenadine for a pink hue.
Q: Can I use fresh apples?
A: Yes! Try muddling a few thin slices of green apple in the shaker before adding the liquids.
Q: What’s the best glassware for this cocktail?
A: A highball, hurricane, or even a stemless wine glass works well. Clear glass shows off the drink’s beautiful color.
Conclusion:
Apple Island Splash is one of those drinks that just gets it. It’s bold but smooth, tropical but tart, elegant yet playful. Whether you’re soaking up sun poolside or just dreaming of your next vacation, this cocktail brings the island to you, one crisp, fruity sip at a time. Its striking green hue and perfectly balanced tropical flavors make it a star at any gathering. And with so many ways to customize it, frozen, bubbly, spicy, or even virgin—there’s no limit to the fun you can have with this splash of paradise.
Shake one up, garnish boldly, and let the flavor waves carry you away!
Print
Apple Island Splash
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
-
🍏 1½ oz sour apple liqueur (like Apple Pucker) – tart and fruity base
-
🍍 1 oz pineapple juice – balances tartness with tropical sweetness
-
🥥 1 oz coconut water or coconut rum – smooth island flavor
-
🍋 ½ oz fresh lemon juice – adds zesty brightness
-
🍸 1 oz vodka (plain or citrus) – for extra kick
-
🍯 ½ oz simple syrup (optional) – if you like it sweeter
-
🧊 Ice cubes – for shaking or serving
-
🌿 Mint sprig or apple slice – garnish
-
✨ Optional: splash of soda water or lemon-lime soda – for bubbles
-
🥭 Optional: mango puree – for a deeper tropical vibe
Instructions
Step 1: Chill the glass
Pop a highball or hurricane glass in the freezer, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
Step 2: Combine in shaker
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
-
1½ oz sour apple liqueur
-
1 oz pineapple juice
-
1 oz coconut water (or coconut rum for stronger version)
-
1 oz vodka
-
½ oz lemon juice
-
Optional: ½ oz simple syrup
Step 3: Shake it up
Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold.
Step 4: Prepare your glass
Dump any ice water from your glass. Add fresh ice cubes.
Step 5: Strain & pour
Strain the cocktail over ice. Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda or soda water for bubbles, if desired.
Step 6: Garnish & enjoy
Garnish with a sprig of mint, a green apple slice, or a tiny tropical umbrella. Serve with a straw or cocktail stirrer.
Notes
These types of tropical fruit-forward cocktails work best when you follow a few small but mighty tips:
-
Use fresh juice wherever possible—especially lemon
-
Don’t skip the ice—this drink should be served cold and refreshing
-
Adjust sweetness to your liking—if your pineapple juice is extra sweet, skip the syrup
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 0g