Ingredients
- 2 oz White Rum
- 2 oz Cream
- .5 oz Orange Liqueur
- .5 oz Herbal Liqueur
- 1 Dashes Grenadine Syrup
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice, pour 2 oz (60 ml) white rum, 2 oz (60 ml) cream, .5 oz (15 ml) orange liqueur, .5 oz (15 ml) herbal liqueur, and 1 dash of grenadine syrup.
Shake Well:
- Shake the ingredients vigorously until well chilled.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain the mixture into a 5 oz champagne saucer or glass.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The exact origins of the Apollo 13 are a bit hazy. No one's quite sure who mixed this creamy, potent concoction first, but it feels like a product of the late 20th century, probably from a bartender who had access to a full back bar and a sense of humor.
This drink sits comfortably in the dessert cocktail family, a boozy milkshake for grown-ups. It's got the creaminess of a White Russian but trades the coffee notes for a brighter orange and mysterious herbal complexity. Think of it as a distant, more adventurous cousin to the Piña Colada, but without the beach vibes.
You'd order this at a place that doesn't take itself too seriously, or make it at home when the dinner party needs a sweet, strong finish. It's a conversation starter, especially if you're explaining what that herbal liqueur actually is.
What it tastes like
First sip gives you that rich, smooth creaminess, quickly followed by the sweet citrus of the orange liqueur. Then the white rum comes through, clean and direct, backed by a subtle, almost mysterious herbal whisper. The grenadine adds just a touch of berry sweetness and that signature pinkish hue.
Don't let the creamy texture fool you. With 2 oz of rum, plus two other liqueurs, this drink clocks in around 23% ABV. That's about the same as a strong fortified wine, or roughly four standard beers in one glass. Treat it with respect, or you might find yourself needing a rescue mission.
The technique
Building the Apollo 13 is straightforward: dump everything into a shaker with ice. You'll need a good, hard shake to get that cream properly emulsified and chilled. Strain it into a chilled champagne saucer, because a drink this smooth deserves a proper stage.
The key here is the shake. Don't just give it a lazy rattle. Really go for it until the shaker is frosty cold. You want that cream silky smooth, not curdled or separated. A proper vigorous shake makes all the difference.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
White Rum
- Use
- Light, unaged rums like Bacardi Carta Blanca or Havana Club 3 Años.
- Skip
- Dark, spiced, or heavily aged rums. They'll overpower the other delicate flavors.
- Why
- Provides a clean, potent base without adding too much character that clashes with the herbal notes.
Herbal Liqueur
- Use
- Green Chartreuse, Benedictine, or a similar complex, slightly sweet herbal liqueur.
- Skip
- Any syrupy, one-note sweet liqueur.
- Why
- This is where the drink gets its unique, intriguing depth. It cuts through the sweetness and adds a sophisticated edge.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Houston, We Have a Problem
- A darker, richer journey
- Swap the white rum for an aged dark rum to add notes of caramel and oak. It changes the mission profile entirely.
Lunar Landing
- Swap the cream for coconut cream
- For a slightly tropical twist, use coconut cream instead of dairy. It adds a different kind of richness and a subtle island vibe.
Mission Control
- A citrus kick
- Increase the orange liqueur to 1 oz and reduce the herbal liqueur slightly for a brighter, more zesty profile.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use vodka for a neutral base, or light gin for a botanical twist.
Coconut cream works for a dairy-free option, but expect a different texture.
Triple sec, Cointreau, or even a good quality orange marmalade shaken with a splash of water.
A dash of Angostura bitters and a touch more orange liqueur can add some complexity.
A coupe glass or even a small rocks glass will do the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Apollo 13?
White rum, cream, orange liqueur, herbal liqueur, and a dash of grenadine syrup.
How do you make an Apollo 13?
Shake all ingredients with ice until well chilled, then strain into a champagne saucer and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
What does an Apollo 13 taste like?
It's creamy and sweet, with bright orange notes, a clean rum base, and a subtle, complex herbal finish.
Is the Apollo 13 a strong drink?
Yes, it's quite potent, typically around 23% ABV, similar to a fortified wine.
Where did the Apollo 13 cocktail originate?
Its exact origin is unknown, but it likely emerged in the late 20th century as a playful, dessert-style drink.
What kind of glass should I use for an Apollo 13?
A champagne saucer or a coupe glass is traditional, but any small stemmed glass works.
What's a good garnish for an Apollo 13?
A maraschino cherry is the classic choice, adding a pop of color and extra sweetness.
What's similar to an Apollo 13?
If you like creamy, sweet drinks, try a White Russian, a Piña Colada, or a Grasshopper.
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