Apple Martini (Appletini)

Here’s a bright green apple martini recipe that tastes just like Granny Smith apples, and requires only 3 ingredients. It’s a fun and delicious cocktail for celebrations, to enjoy with a group of friends, or as a treat after a long day at work.

What is an Apple Martini (Appletini)?

The apple martini originated in Los Angeles back in 1996 at Lola’s, a restaurant located in West Hollywood. Owner Loren Dunsworth was looking for a way to get rid of cases of Ketel One vodka and DeKuyper’s recent line of Pucker Sour Apple Schnapps, which weren’t selling. That’s when bartender Adam Karsten decided to combine the two and use a granny smith apple soaked in lemon juice as a garnish. The result was a cocktail that tasted like an apple Jolly Rancher, which became a restaurant favorite until it closed in 2013. The original name of the cocktail was called Adam’s Apple Martini, but over time just became known as the apple martini.

It should be noted that an apple martini isn’t considered a true martini because it doesn’t contain any of the original ingredients.

What Makes A Martini A Martini?

The traditional cocktail recipe for a martini consists of gin and vermouth served in a martini glass and garnished with either an olive or a lemon twist. Even though it is common to see vodka based martinis, like this one, the classic version should always be made with gin.

What Makes A Martini Dry?

A dry martini refers to how much vermouth you use in your martini. For a dry martini, you want to use less vermouth. A wet martini will have more vermouth and is generally a little sweeter in flavor.

Apple Martini Ingredients

• Vodka: I like to use unflavored vodka that’s smooth to drink so the alcohol taste isn’t too overwhelming. My favorites vodkas are Skyy, Tito’s, and Grey Goose.
• Sour apple schnapps: Because the apple martini was invited using DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple Schnapps, that’s the one most bartenders like to stick to.
• Sweet and sour mix: A sweet and sour mix combines simple syrup with lemon and lime juice. You can of course make it from scratch but I personally don’t mind (and actually enjoy) the premade mix.
• Green apple slices: Adding a thin granny smith apple slice as garnish adds style to this simple cocktail, and a nice refreshing crunch.
• Ice cubes: Ice cubes are used to chill the glass and the drink itself.

Ingredient Variations

While some bartenders will use a mix of Triple Sec or Cointreau, which are orange liqueurs, lemon juice, and simple syrup to make an apple martini, mine is a stripped down version, only using three ingredients. But it’s just as delicious, I promise!

Here are several other ways to tinker with this delicious drink:

• To cut down on alcohol or to make this a virgin apple martini, you can use apple juice.
• Instead of plain vodka, use flavored vodka such as caramel vodka to turn this cocktail into a caramel apple martini, or green apple vodka, or a splash of calvados to intensify the apple flavor.
• Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top to give it an old school apple pie taste.

How To Make An Apple Martini (Appletini)

1. Start by chilling a martini glass by adding a little water along with some ice cubes. Gently swirl and when the glass becomes frosted, drain and set aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker, add a few ice cubes and top with the vodka, sour apple schnapps, and sweet and sour mix. Close tightly with the lid and shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds.
3. Take the cap off the lid – do not take the entire lid off as you don’t want the ice cube to fall in the glass – and pour the drink into a martini glass, other chilled cocktail glass.
4. Top with a sliced apple and serve.

This is a very easy cocktail to prepare which makes it ideal for celebrations such as a baby shower, a birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the list goes on. Just make sure you have a freezer full of ice since you’ll be doing a lot of shaking!

Did you like this apple martini recipe? Are there changes you made that you would like to share? Share your tips and recommendations in the comments section below!

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