Candy Apple Cooler Cocktail Recipe (3-Ingredient Only)

I’m always hunting for easy drinks that taste good without a ton of fuss. If you’re after something sweet and refreshing, you should try this Candy Apple Cooler.

You only need three simple ingredients, so honestly, anyone can pull this off—even if you’ve never mixed a drink in your life.

I like bringing this out at get-togethers since it looks so pretty and always gets a few “oohs” from friends. Each sip? It’s got that nostalgic candied apple vibe.

It comes together fast, so you can make it for a chill night or a little celebration.

Candy Apple Cooler Cocktail Recipe (3-Ingredient Only)

This fruity cocktail mixes sweet apple flavor with just a few easy ingredients. I stick to three, but it still packs a surprising punch.

You don’t need to overthink it.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring cup
• Tall glass (highball works)
• Strainer (if your shaker’s missing one)
• Spoon
• Ice cubes

I try to keep things simple. The shaker makes everything cold and blended, and the jigger helps with not over-pouring.

Ice is a must—nobody wants a lukewarm cocktail.

No shaker? A mason jar with a tight lid does the trick. If you’re missing a strainer, just pour slow and steady.

A spoon’s handy if you want to add club soda at the end.

Ingredients

• 2 oz apple vodka (or regular vodka plus a splash of apple juice)
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 2 oz club soda
• Optional: 0.5 oz simple syrup (if you want it sweeter)

I love how you can just focus on the flavor here. The apple vodka brings that crisp apple taste, cranberry juice adds a bit of tartness, and the club soda keeps things light and fizzy.

Craving a little more citrus? A squeeze of lemon juice is nice.

If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the club soda for orange liqueur, but honestly, I usually stick with the classic version.

Instructions

• Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
• Pour in the apple vodka, cranberry juice, and simple syrup if you’re using it.
• Shake for about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
• Top off with club soda.
• Stir gently.
• Garnish if you feel like it.

I always shake first to get everything icy cold. When I add the club soda, I stir gently—nobody wants to lose those bubbles.

You can play with the sweetness by adding more or less syrup, or just use a bit more juice if you like.

Notes

I usually top mine with thin apple slices or a few cranberries. Sometimes I’ll go for a lemon wheel or orange twist if I’m feeling fancy.

Want it sweeter? Try flavored club soda like cranberry, or just add a splash more syrup.

If I’m making drinks for a group, I just multiply the ingredients and mix everything in a pitcher with ice. No need to shake each one.

Tasting Notes

First sip, and the crisp apple flavor jumps out. It’s bright, slightly tart, and honestly reminds me of biting into a fresh apple.

There’s sweetness, but it never gets heavy.

The bubbles give it a light, sparkly finish. It’s especially refreshing when it’s really cold.

Sometimes I taste a hint of smooth caramel in the aftertaste, which is a fun nod to those old-school candy apples from fairs.

Main Flavors Noticed:

• Crisp apple
• Gentle caramel
• Sweetness with a tart edge
• Lightly fizzy texture

The color’s a pretty reddish gold, especially in a clear glass with ice. I like that the flavors blend together without any one thing taking over.

Drink Texture Quick View:

Aspect	Notes
Sweetness	Medium
Acidity	Mild to moderate
Fizziness	Noticeable, uplifting
Finish	Smooth, not sticky

It goes down easy, which makes it a fun pick for parties or just a lazy afternoon.

The apple and caramel notes play off each other, so every sip feels balanced and smooth.

Substitute

Sometimes I run out of one of the main ingredients, or maybe I just want to shake things up a bit. Here are a few quick substitutes for each part of the Candy Apple Cooler.

If I don’t have apple juice:

• Pear juice brings a soft, mellow sweetness that works surprisingly well.
• White grape juice is another option—it’s lighter, but still tasty.

If I need a vodka replacement:

• Swapping in white rum adds a little twist to the drink.
• For a non-alcoholic drink, I just skip the vodka and pour in extra apple juice or maybe a splash of club soda.

If I can’t find grenadine:

• Cranberry juice gives a pop of color and a bit of sweetness.
• Or, a dash of pomegranate juice adds a nice red hue and a little tartness.

Substitute Table

Original Ingredient	Substitute Options
Apple juice	Pear juice, white grape juice
Vodka	White rum, leave out for mocktail
Grenadine	Cranberry juice, pomegranate juice

Honestly, I like mixing things up to see what works best for me. It’s kind of fun to experiment and find new favorites.