Apples (and apple juice) can be difficult ingredients to incorporate into cocktails, as the subtle flavors of a fresh apple can be lost among the stronger flavors or spirits and liqueurs. We like drinks that call for the apple to be muddled in the shaker, skin and all.
Fresh-pressed apple juice is always best, but it can be difficult if you don’t have a heavy-duty juicer to make it with. If you must buy it in a bottle, look for brands with no added sugar – the juice from the bottle should taste exactly as sweet as a ripe apple, but no sweeter.