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Equal parts fun and delicious, these Sour Apple Liqueur Cocktails are the perfect mix of tart, sweet, and everything in between. Featuring smooth tequila, sour apple pucker, crisp green apples, a touch of agave, and a hint of fizzy effervescence, this gorgeous green drink is perfect for any occasion – from casual happy hours at home to festive celebrations, like St Patricks and Halloween. 

“Amazing drink idea! I tweaked this based on what I had on hand and it turned out great! I used 99 apples, 1800 tequila, squirt, and lime juice. Followed your recipe and substituted what I had. Great summer shot/cocktail!”

– STEVE
Straight on photo of a sour apple liqueur drink made with tequila, pucker, and fresh lime juice.

Update: This recipe was originally published in March 2017. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making drinks with sour apple pucker at home.

Table of Contents

About these sour apple liqueur cocktails

Pretty in green, this sour apple liqueur cocktail is all about balancing the tartness of sour apple pucker liqueur with the smooth slight-sweetness of tequila to create a cocktail that’s *almost* too easy to drink. With just a few simple ingredients, this drink recipe comes together in 10 minutes or less, but packs a delicious punch when it comes to taste.  

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just relaxing by the pool or on the couch, this vibrant and refreshing sour apple cocktail is a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to put a delightful pucker on everyone’s pout. It’s a super easy drink recipe that will have you feeling like a mixologist in no time! 

If you’re looking for more easy fruity cocktail recipes, check out these reader favorites next: Pineapple Juice Tequila Cocktail, St. Germain Vodka Cocktails, Tequila Kiwi Cocktail, Strawberry Basil Cocktail, and this Rum Runner Cocktail Recipe.

Why you’ll love this recipe

These green apple mixed drinks offer just the right balance of boozy delight with sweet and sour flavor – perfect as a relaxed sundowner or party cocktail! Here’s why you’ll love this drink:

  • Eye-catching. If you’re looking to impress your party guests, this pretty green cocktail with garnish is a must-try! It’s also perfect for St Patrick’s day or Halloween.
  • Refreshing flavor! The sweet and sour apple flavor in this sour apple tequila cocktail is a refreshing option to quench your thirst at the end of a hot day.
  • Easily customizable. Adjust the flavor, fizz, strength of drink, and sweetness with easy ingredient adjustments that I’ve outlined below.
  • Simple and quick! Whip up this green apple tequila with only a handful of ingredients in 5-10 minutes!
Straight on photo of sour apple pucker liqueur, tequila, a Granny Smith apple, and a lime neatly organized on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients for apple sour cocktail

These sweet and sour green apple alcoholic drinks look super appealing and taste even better! With just a handful of ingredients, here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

  • Tequila – Use high-quality tequila for best flavor. Something like Blanco or Silver Patron tequila works well, but you can always use your preferred brand. 
  • Sour apple liqueur – DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker (sour apple schnapps) is great, but you can use another sour apple liqueur as well. 
  • Lime juice – Freshly squeezed is best, although you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch.  
    • Substitution: Lemon juice works too.
  • Agave – This is optional, although I love the added sweetness in this apple sours drink to offset the sour apple. Omit it you prefer or add more for a sweeter-tasting sour apple drink. 
    • Substitution: You can swap in a simple syrup – just use less as simply syrup is much stronger in sweetness.
  • Sprite – Add to taste and adjust to suit your preferences. Increase the sprite for a weaker drink and reduce it for a stronger drink. 
    • Substitution: The sprite is great for adding fizz to this apple tequila drink too. Good alternatives include Lemon-Lime soda or lime-flavored seltzer. 

Recipe variations

  • Strength of drink. For a stronger sour apple alcohol drink, increase the tequila or reduce the Sprite. Likewise, for a weaker drink, decrease the tequila, increase the Sprite, or serve over ice cubes which will dilute the cocktail.
  • Green Apple Margarita. Add a little triple sec to turn this into a sour apple margarita! Just don’t forget to add a little salt on the rim of your glass for that classic touch.
  • Sour Apple Martini. Swap the tequila for vodka or green apple vodka, nix the soda fizz, and serve in a martini glass for a stronger drink.
  • Presentation. This apple sours cocktail can be enjoyed as a sophisticated cocktail in a martini glass with garnish and a sugar rim. It’s also perfect as an adult beverage that you could serve at Halloween! Add black food coloring to sugar (or black sanding sugar) and use this to rim each glass for a spooky presentation!  
Straight on action photo of sour apple liqueur cocktail being poured into a glass with ice.

follow these Chef expert tips for the best sour apple liqueur drinks

  • Use Quality Ingredients. It might seem obvious, but always use good-quality ingredients when making simple recipes, like drinks and cocktails. That means using a solid brand of tequila, fresh lime, and a good-quality sour apple liqueur. It’ll make a huge difference in the taste and elevate your apple cocktails from “ho-hum” to “oh-yum!”
  • Fresh Lime Juice is Best. Just in case you missed the note above, don’t reach for that bottled lime juice. Fresh lime juice packs way more flavor and brightness – giving your cocktail the zesty kick it needs. 
  • Taste and Balance. Everyone’s taste preferences vary, so be sure to give the drink a sip and adjust the cocktail to suit your taste buds. If you like your drinks a little sweeter, add an extra dash of agave. Or, add more lime if you want to keep it more tart. The beauty of making cocktails at home is that you can customize them to suit your palate.
  • Shake, Then Top. Shaking your cocktail is key to blending the flavors together. And it also chills your drink to perfection, but don’t overdo it! A 20 second shake – or until the shaker feels cold to the touch – will get everything mixed and frosty without diluting it too much.
  • Keep Your Glassware Chilled. A Cold glass makes all the difference when serving a cocktail, especially this green apple alcohol drink. Stick your glasses in the freezer for at least a few minutes before pouring – that way your drink stays cooler for longer. Plus, it gives a nice, polished presentation!
  • Don’t Skip the Garnishes. A garnish is more than just a decoration – it enhances the overall drinking experience. A few crisp green apple slices or a lime wheel adds a pop of color and a touch of extra freshness to your drink.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 

What is sour apple pucker liqueur?

Sour apple liqueur is a sweet, tart spirit flavored with green apples. It delivers that signature tangy apple taste with just the right amount of sweetness. And, it’s also what gives this drink its vibrant, fun color. 

The most popular brand is DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker Liqueur and it’s pretty readily available.

Does apple pucker have alcohol in it?

Yes. Sour Apple Pucker is a liqueur which means that it does contain alcohol in addition to other ingredients, such as sugar, flavorings, and coloring. 

Sour Apple Pucker contains a 15% ABV (Alcohol By Volume) which is considered the expected percentage for hard alcohol and spirits. While this percentage of ABV is higher than most beers and some wine, keep in mind that the recipe only calls for ½ ounce of the liqueur which is diluted by other ingredients, such as Sprite and lime juice. 

Can I use a different type of alcohol for this cocktail? 

Sure! You can absolutely swap out the tequila for another base spirit like vodka if you prefer for a more mellow vibe, or rum if you want something a little sweeter and smoother. Each will change the flavor profile slightly, but they’ll all pair beautifully with the sour apple liqueur.

How do I make the drink less sweet? 

If you’re looking to dial down the sweetness, simply reduce the agave or leave it out all together. You can also add more fresh lime juice to add more tart flavor which will balance out the sour apple liqueur’s sweetness as well.

What type of glass is best for this cocktail? 

For a classic look, serve your sour apple liqueur cocktail in a cocktail glass, or use a highball glass for a more casual vibe. But you can also use a martini glass if you’re looking for a touch of refinement. Regardless of the glass you choose, make sure it’s chilled to keep your drink extra refreshing!

Can I make this cocktail with sour apple pucker non-alcoholic? 

You sure can! If you want to go alcohol-free, swap sour apple pucker for a green apple drink mix. And then swap the tequila for more sprite or use  sparkling water or club soda. You may want to consider using a little more fresh lime juice to boost the taste. 

Can I make a batch of this cocktail in advance? 

While this drink is best served fresh to enjoy that bubbly effervescence. However, you can mix the tequila, sour apple liqueur, and agave ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge until ready to serve. Then, add the fresh lime juice, shake the cocktail, top with lemon-lime soda, and enjoy.

Straight on photo of a sour apple cocktail made with tequila in a rocks glass.

Serving sour apple pucker cocktails

  • Chilled Glass. Serve the sour apple drink in a chilled highball glass for a classic presentation. Serve over ice to keep it chilled and super-easy to drink, or serve straight up to avoid dilution
  • Garnishes Galore. For an aesthetically pleasing drink, garnish each cocktail with lime wedges and thin slices of green granny smith apples. And, if you want to get extra fancy, garnish the cocktail rim with lime-flavored sugar or green sanding sugar. 
  • Pair with Light Appetizers. This refreshing drink pairs great with light bites like bruschetta crostinis, smoked salmon appetizer, and air fryer shrimp. Or try a fresh veggie platter with whipped ricotta cheese dip for a quick snack pairing.
  • Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. With its vibrant green hue this pucker drink is especially perfect for any St. Paddy’s holiday gathering. Serve with your Irish favorites like corned beef and cabbage or stick to a green theme with green goddess hummus and salsa verde along with homemade pita chips.

Storing leftovers

  • Store leftover sour apple mixed drinks in a jug with a sealable lid or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the fizz from the Sprite will go flat after a few hours. Sour apple cocktails are best enjoyed immediately after assembling.  
  • Make the sour apple tequila mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge, ready to add the Sprite to the drinks with ice and garnish just before serving. 

Freezing instructions

These drinks with Sour Apple Pucker are best enjoyed immediately after assembling. You could make adult boozy frozen lollipops with leftover cocktail mixture by pouring the mixture into lollipop molds and storing these in your freezer for up to 3 months. Take them out and enjoy them on hot days as a delicious alternative to a regular cocktail.   

Close-up photo of a green drink made with sour apple pucker in a short glass with ice.

This sour apple liqueur cocktail is the drink you’ve been waiting for—tart, refreshing, and oh-so apple-tizing! Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, this drink will add just the right touch of fun and flavor.

Now, grab your ingredients, shake up some fun, and enjoy this beautiful, green apple masterpiece! Cheers!

Cheyanne

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More apple cocktails!

Straight on photo of a sour apple cocktail made with tequila in a rocks glass.

Sour Apple Liqueur Cocktail

5 from 5 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Equal parts fun and delicious, these Sour Apple Liqueur Cocktails are the perfect mix of tart, sweet, and everything in between. Featuring smooth tequila, sour apple pucker, crisp green apples, a touch of agave, and a hint of fizzy effervescence, this gorgeous green drink is perfect for any occasion – from casual happy hours at home to festive celebrations, like St Patricks and Halloween. 

Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ oz Tequila
  • 1 ½ oz Sour Apple Liqueur
  • 1 oz Lime Juice
  • ½ oz Agave (optional)
  • to taste Sprite (optional)
  • optional garnishes: Lime Wheel and Thin Slices of Granny Smith Apples

Instructions

  • Add Drink Ingredients to Cocktail Shaker: Fill the cocktail shaker half full with ice cubes. Then, add the tequila, sour apple liqueur, lime juice, and agave.
  • Shake Cocktail and Adjust to Taste: Add the top to the shaker to seal closed and then shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, or until shaker is cold to the touch.
    Use a straw to lift a little of the sour apple liqueur drink from the cocktail shaker and give it a taste. Then adjust the cocktail to suit your tastebuds.
  • Garnish and Serve Sour Apple Cocktail: Add a few slices of Granny Smith apples and a lime wheel to a chilled high ball glass. Then, strain the apple cocktail from the shaker into a chilled high ball glass. Top off with sprite for effervescence and then enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Making Cocktails at Home: As with any libation, I suggest you make this drink to taste and use the recipe as a mere suggestion. If you want a stronger drink you can 86 the sprite and serve it in a martini glass. If you want a weaker drink, serve your apple sour cocktail over ice in a highball glass and top it off with a decent amount of sprite.
  • The agave in the recipe is optional, but I like how the sweetness offset the sour apple. You can leave the agave out completely if you’d like. Or, if you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can use more or swap in a simple syrup which is sweeter in flavor.  
  • I use silver patron tequila and sprite in my cocktail, but you can use any tequila and any type of lemon-lime soda or soda water you would like.
  • Garnishes: The wedges of lime and slices of apple are both optional garnishes. However, I liked the extra squeeze of fresh acidic lime in my cocktail. And, the slices of apples give this libation a little pizazz. To get my slices of apples paper thin I used a mandolin.
  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 1 serving. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 306kcal    Carbohydrates: 30g    Protein: 0.1g    Fat: 0.1g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g    Sodium: 2mg    Potassium: 35mg    Fiber: 0.1g    Sugar: 27g    Vitamin A: 14IU    Vitamin C: 11mg    Calcium: 4mg    Iron: 0.1mg
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

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