Walk into any shisha cafe, anywhere in the world, and Double Apple is on the menu. More than that — it's probably the most ordered item on the menu. From Cairo to Beirut to Istanbul to London, Double Apple is the universal language of the hookah world.
But what is it, exactly? The name is misleading. And understanding what you're actually smoking changes how you order it.
What Is Double Apple Actually?
"Double Apple" does not mean two types of apple. The name comes from the traditional Arabic shisha tobacco blend "Tuffahatayn" — meaning "two apples" — which referred to the combination of apple flavoring with anise (star anise or aniseed).
The "two apples" are apple and anise — not red apple and green apple, as many first-timers assume. The anise gives Double Apple its distinctive, slightly licorice-like warmth underneath the sweetness. It's what makes the flavor complex rather than just sweet.
Modern tobacco brands have adapted the traditional recipe in different ways — some emphasize the apple sweetness, some lean into the anise depth, and some add mint or other modifiers. This is why Double Apple tastes noticeably different depending on the brand.
Why It Dominates Every Menu
- →Universal appeal — sweet enough for beginners, complex enough for experienced smokers
- →Cultural roots — it's the traditional flavor of Middle Eastern shisha culture going back centuries
- →Session length — the anise-apple combination performs well over long sessions without losing flavor
- →Pairs well with almost any drink — coffee, mint tea, or cocktails
- →Safe social choice — ordering Double Apple in a group is never wrong
Brand-by-Brand: Which Double Apple?
| Brand | Apple Balance | Anise Level | Tobacco Base | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revoshi | Sweet, prominent | Medium | Blonde | Beginners, long sessions |
| Darkside | Dark, rich | High | Black | Experienced, maximum intensity |
| Blackburn | Balanced | Medium-high | Blonde/Black | Complex palate seekers |
| Musthave | Bright, fresh | Low-medium | Blonde | Those who prefer apple over anise |
The Classic Choice: Revoshi Double Apple Blonde
If you want the definitive contemporary Double Apple experience — well-balanced, long-running, smooth — Revoshi Blonde is the benchmark. It's what most experienced smokers compare others against.
The Intense Choice: Darkside Double Apple Black
Darkside Black takes the traditional profile and amplifies everything. More anise, more depth, more nicotine, denser smoke. It's a completely different experience — same flavor foundation, different dimension. Experienced smokers only.
Pairing Double Apple
Double Apple's anise-apple combination pairs exceptionally well with strong Arabic coffee (the bitterness contrasts beautifully), fresh mint tea (the mint extends the cooling notes in the anise), and still water (the neutral palate reset between draws keeps the flavor clean).
First time at Loco's? Order Revoshi Double Apple Blonde. It's the most consistent, universal starting point in our menu. From there we can navigate to anything.
Can You Blend Double Apple?
Yes — and some of the best combinations involve Double Apple as a base. Double Apple + Mint amplifies the cooling notes and brightens the sweetness. Double Apple + Grape adds sweetness and depth. Double Apple + Lemon adds a citrus edge that cuts through the anise richness.
At Loco's, custom blends are part of the service. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll build it.
