Cocktail Recipes

Sour Apple Shamrock

Millie Pham

This Sour Apple Shamrock is the perfect fun and festive drink for St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀 It’s sweet, tangy, and has that perfect green glow that kids (and adults!) will love.

It’s made with simple ingredients, comes together in minutes, and is super refreshing. Whether you’re celebrating big or just want a little something special, this drink is a winner!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

  • 1 cup green apple juice (chilled)
  • ½ cup lemon-lime soda (chilled)
  • ¼ cup sour apple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 scoop lime sherbet
  • Ice cubes
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Green sanding sugar (for rim, optional)
  • Green apple slices (for garnish)

Tools

  • Tall glass
  • Small plate (for rimming the glass)
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Straw (optional)

Pro Tips

  1. Chill Everything – The colder the ingredients, the better! Stick your juice, soda, and even your glass in the fridge before making the drink.
  2. Make It Extra Fancy – Dip the glass rim in lime juice, then coat it with green sanding sugar for a fun, festive touch.
  3. Go Easy on the Sherbet – A little goes a long way! It adds creaminess, but too much can overpower the tart apple flavor.
  4. Make It a Float – Add more sherbet on top instead of mixing it in for a fun soda float twist.
  5. For a Less Sour Version – Skip the lime juice and use a little more soda for a sweeter taste.

Substitutions & Variations

  • No sour apple syrup? Use green apple Kool-Aid powder mixed with a little water and sugar.
  • Want it sweeter? Use a splash of white grape juice instead of lime juice.
  • Make it a slushie! Blend everything with ice for a frozen version.
  • For adults? Add a splash of sour apple schnapps for a fun cocktail twist.

Instructions

1. Rim the Glass (Optional)

Pour a little lime juice onto a small plate. Dip the rim of your glass into the juice, then into the green sanding sugar. Set aside.

an empty rock glass lightly rimmed with vibrant lime green sanding sugar

2. Add Ice

Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes, leaving some space at the top.

3. Pour in the Apple Juice and Sour Apple Syrup

Add 1 cup of green apple juice and ¼ cup of sour apple syrup over the ice.

vibrant green apple juice being poured into a short, ridged rock glass filled with ice, its rim lightly coated with vibrant lime green sanding sugar

4. Add Lime Juice & Soda

Pour in the freshly squeezed lime juice, then top it off with lemon-lime soda.

5. Stir & Add Sherbet

Gently stir the drink with a spoon, then add a scoop of lime sherbet on top.

a spoon stirring the bright green drink in a short, ridged rock glass with a lightly rimmed edge of vibrant lime green sanding sugar.

6. Garnish & Serve

Top with whipped cream (if using), a green apple slice, and a fun straw!

 Sour Apple Shamrock drink in a short, ridged rock glass with a lightly rimmed edge of vibrant lime green sanding sugar

Leftovers & Storage

This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prep ahead, you can mix the apple juice, sour apple syrup, and lime juice in a jar and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add soda, ice, and sherbet when ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

The Sour Apple Shamrock is a fun, festive, and easy treat for St. Patrick’s Day (or anytime you want a sweet-and-tangy green drink)! Kids love the fizz, the color, and the sherbet surprise. Try it out and let me know how you liked it—drop a comment below with your thoughts or any fun variations you tried! 🍏💚☘️

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!