I’m always on the lookout for new spins on classic cocktails, and the Harvest Moon Mojito has become one of my go-tos for autumn. There’s something about the way crisp apple, mint, and a pop of lime come together—it just feels right for the season.
This one’s simple, honestly. You get those autumn flavors in every glass, whether you’re hosting friends or just winding down after a long day.
If I’m craving something a little different but don’t want to fuss, this cocktail is usually my pick. The combo of apple cider and rum gives it that cozy, harvest vibe—without turning it into a project.
Want to see how easy it is? Let’s get into it.
Harvest Moon Mojito Cocktail Recipe
I’ll admit, the Harvest Moon Mojito is a treat because it balances apple juice, orange juice, and a hit of citrus with just enough sweetness. The mix of brandy, liqueur, and a dash of grenadine gives it a little something extra.
Equipment
- Collins glass for serving
- Cocktail shaker to chill everything
- Muddler for the fresh mint
- Measuring jigger to keep things accurate
- Bar spoon for a quick stir
- Fine mesh strainer to keep out the bits
- Long straw for sipping
- Small knife and cutting board for prepping fruit
- Ice scoop or, honestly, just clean hands
- I usually chill my glass ahead of time—it makes a difference.
Ingredients
- 1 oz brandy
- 1 oz apple liqueur
- 0.5 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh apple juice
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 0.5 oz grenadine syrup
- 6-8 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1-2 slices fresh apple (for garnish)
- 2-3 orange slices (for garnish)
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional, if you want it sweeter)
- Ice cubes
- Club soda or sparkling water, for topping off
- All these come together for a fruity, refreshing harvest moon cocktail.
Instructions
- Toss the mint leaves and sugar (if you’re using it) into the bottom of your Collins glass.
- Muddle gently—just enough to get those oils out, but don’t go overboard.
- Fill the glass about halfway with ice.
- In your shaker, combine brandy, apple liqueur, triple sec, apple juice, orange juice, and grenadine.
- Shake it up until it’s nice and cold.
- Strain that mix into your glass, right over the ice and mint.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water.
- Give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon.
- Add apple and orange slices, maybe a sprig of mint for good measure.
- Long straw goes in, and you’re ready to go.
Notes
- I usually go for freshly squeezed apple and orange juice—it just pops more.
- When I muddle the mint, I try not to mash it to bits; just enough pressure does the trick.
- Grenadine brings a deep red color and a little extra sweetness.
- Want it stronger? Add a touch more brandy or liqueur.
- For a booze-free version, skip the brandy, triple sec, and liqueur. Just add more juice and club soda.
- Collins glasses look great and keep the drink tasting right.
- Adjust the sugar or grenadine to fit your sweet tooth (or lack thereof).
- If I’m making these for a group, I’ll scale up in a pitcher and prep the mint in advance.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 oz brandy
- 1 oz apple liqueur
- 0.5 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh apple juice
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 0.5 oz grenadine syrup
- 6 –8 fresh mint leaves plus more for garnish
- 1 –2 slices fresh apple for garnish
- 2 –3 orange slices for garnish
- 1 –2 tsp sugar optional, if you like it sweeter
- Ice cubes
- Club soda or sparkling water for topping
Instructions
- Gently muddle to release the mint oils—don’t over-mash.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine brandy, apple liqueur, triple sec, apple juice, orange juice, and grenadine.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain over the ice and mint in your glass.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with apple and orange slices and a mint sprig.
- Insert a long straw and serve immediately.
Tasting Notes
First sip? The mint jumps out—it’s super fresh and wakes you up a bit. That scent alone makes me want to linger.
Then comes the sweet-tart apple cider. It’s not overly sugary, which I appreciate; keeps everything bright. The apple brings a gentle fruitiness, and it plays surprisingly well with the citrus.
The bubbles from the club soda make it lively. The rum (or brandy, in this twist) is smooth, just enough to warm things up, but it never steals the show.
Here’s how I’d break down the flavors:
| Flavor Note | Strength (1-5) | My Impression |
|---|---|---|
| Mint | 5 | Super fresh and cool |
| Apple Cider | 4 | Fruity, crisp |
| Sweetness | 3 | Nicely balanced |
| Lime | 3 | Tangy, sharp |
| Rum | 2 | Gentle, not overpowering |
Aromas I get:
- Mint, right up front
- Crisp apple
- Just a hint of lime zest
Every sip reminds me of a crisp fall afternoon. It’s light, never heavy—honestly, I could go for another.
Substitute
Sometimes I realize I’m missing an ingredient or two for the classic Harvest Moon Mojito. Honestly, it happens more often than I’d like to admit.
That’s totally fine—there are some easy swaps I reach for. If I’m out of fresh mint, I’ll grab basil or even cilantro.
It’s not exactly the same, but it gives the drink a new twist. No rum in the cabinet? I’ll use vodka or tequila instead.
Sure, it changes the vibe, but sometimes that’s the fun part. For fruit substitutions, I’ll swap apple cider with pear juice or white grape juice.
If I’m out of lime, lemon does the trick. It’s a little brighter, but still works.
When it comes to sweeteners, honey, maple syrup, or agave all do a solid job instead of simple syrup. I just use whatever’s handy.
Missing some equipment? No big deal. I’ll use the handle of a wooden spoon if I can’t find my muddler.
A jar with a tight lid? That’s my makeshift shaker on lazy days.
Easy Substitute Table:
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Mint | Basil, cilantro |
| White rum | Vodka, tequila |
| Apple cider | Pear or grape juice |
| Lime | Lemon |
| Simple syrup | Honey, maple syrup |
| Muddler | Spoon handle |
| Shaker | Jar with lid |
Whenever I’m using substitutes, I just taste as I go. That way, I can tweak things until it feels right.
Trying out new combos sometimes leads to the best surprises, honestly. Isn’t that part of the fun?
