There are a few types of alcoholic beverages that resemble apple juice in color and consistency. However, it is important to always drink responsibly and be aware of what you are consuming, as the similarities in appearance can be deceiving.
Apple Flavored Malt Beverages
Some malt beverages are designed to imitate the taste of apple juice. Brands like Mike’s Hard Lemonade make different fruit flavors, including apple. These drinks contain around 5% alcohol by volume, similar to beer. They are carbonated and come in a clear glass bottle, making them appear very similar to apple juice or cider.
Apple Vodka Cocktails
Vodka mixed with apple juice or cider can also look a lot like the non-alcoholic version. A vodka apple martini, for example, combines vodka with apple cider or juice, sometimes with other apple flavors added. The resulting cocktail resembles cloudy apple juice. Drinks like apple pie martinis also blend vodka with apple cider and spices for a dessert-like cocktail.
Apple Wine Coolers
Wine coolers came into popularity during the 1980s and usually combine inexpensive wine with fruit juice. The most common flavors are citrus fruits or berries, but apple wine coolers use apple juice. These drinks have around 4-7% alcohol. The mixture of juice and wine gives apple wine coolers the same golden color as pure apple juice.
Hard Apple Cider
While regular apple cider is non-alcoholic, hard cider does contain alcohol. Hard cider ranges from 4-6% alcohol and is made by fermenting fresh-pressed apple juice until it turns alcoholic. It is a common fall drink, especially popular in regions known for apple orchards. Hard apple cider looks identical to apple juice or non-alcoholic sweet cider.
Apple Liqueurs
Certain liqueurs and schnapps also imitate the taste and appearance of apple juice. Brands like DeKuyper Pucker sell sour apple liqueur, which has 30% alcohol content. The vibrant green color and tart apple flavor resembles that of apple juice. There are also clear apple liqueurs that look even more like apple juice when mixed into cocktails.
How to Tell the Difference
Here are some tips for being able to spot the difference between alcoholic apple drinks and regular apple juice:
- Smell – Alcoholic drinks will have a boozy aroma while juice smells fruity and sweet.
- Taste – Take a small sip to detect the presence of alcohol, which causes a warming sensation.
- Color – Some liqueurs and cocktails will appear neon green or overly cloudy compared to apple juice.
- Carbonation – Apple juice and cider does not have bubbles like malt beverages or wine coolers.
- Label – Read the label closely to look for information about alcohol percentage and volume.
- Location – Apple juice would not be expected at a bar or cocktail event.
Dangers of Confusion
It’s important to train yourself and your children to recognize the difference between apple juice and alcoholic apple drinks. Accidentally drinking alcohol when expected juice can be dangerous:
- Impaired judgement and motor skills from alcohol affecting ability to perform daily activities
- Dehydration and malnutrition if apple juice nutrition is expected but not received
- Alcohol poisoning if a non-drinker consumes a large quantity unintentionally
If too much alcohol is consumed, especially by a child, seek medical help immediately. The similar appearance reinforces the need for caution and awareness when apple beverages are present.
How to Serve Responsibly
Adults serving apple juice and alcoholic apple drinks at the same event should take extra precautions:
- Always label beverages clearly, don’t assume appearances make it obvious
- Pour apple juice and alcoholic drinks into different style glasses
- Make a separate kid’s table and drink station away from adult beverages
- Add a garnish like an apple slice to alcoholic drinks but not the juice
- Tightly regulate the alcoholic drinks station to prevent access by those under 21
Conclusion
It is easy to see how apple malt beverages, cocktails, wine coolers and ciders could be mistaken for apple juice by both children and adults. Paying attention to appearance, aroma, taste and your surroundings can help identify drinks containing alcohol. Consuming these beverages accidentally or in excess can be very dangerous. Anyone serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic apple drinks should take steps to differentiate them for safety.