Apple Martini Cocktail Drink

Apple Martini

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

This Apple Martini recipe provides all the ingredients for an exceptional cocktail. It’s easy to make and always ensures a crisp, refreshing beverage.

Apple Martini Cocktail Recipe

Dive into this Apple Martini recipe for an exhilarating taste sensation! Combining vodka, apple schnapps, and a hint of citrus, this vibrant cocktail promises to be the highlight of your evening.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

168 kl

Ingredients

  • 1½ oz Vodka
  • ½ oz apple Schnapps
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Apple slice or lemon zest, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Martini Glass
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer

Instructions

  • Chill the Glass: Place your Martini glass in the freezer for a few hours or fill it with ice cubes to chill.
  • Pour Vodka: In a cocktail shaker, measure and pour 1½ oz Vodka
  • Add Apple Liqueur: Add ½ oz apple Schnapps.
  • Add Simple Syrup: Measure ½ oz simple syrup and add it to the mix.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Measure and add 1 oz lemon juice.
  • Shake Well: Fill your shaker three quarters full of ice and shake the mixture vigorously until the shaker feels cold.
  • Strain: Fine strain the mixture into the chilled Martini glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a fresh apple slice or a lemon zest.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Vodka: I often use gin for a more botanical edge if I run out of vodka. A clean white rum also does the trick without overshadowing the apple flavor.
  • Apple Schnapps: Pear schnapps can serve as an alternative, giving a different yet delightful fruity twist.
  • Simple Syrup: Try out with Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup, for a more complex note.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, use 12 oz of vodka, 4 oz of apple schnapps, 4 oz of simple syrup, and 8 oz of fresh lemon juice.
  • Mix: Combine the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir gently.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled Martini glasses, garnish with an apple slice, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Vodka Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic brand available on the market.
  • Apple Schnapps Substitute: Use non-alcoholic apple syrup or intensified apple juice.
  • Follow the Original Steps: Use the non-alcoholic substitutes and proceed with the original instructions to enjoy a refreshing non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

Ensure your apple schnapps or apple pucker doesn't contain animal-derived products or byproducts. Some liquors might use animal-based clarifying agents, so checking labels or contacting manufacturers is essential. Always choose cruelty-free and vegan-friendly options.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
168
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
9
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
15
g
5
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
14
g
16
%
Potassium
 
39
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
2
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
 
4
mg
0
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%

 

Apple Martini Cocktail Drink

Apple Martini Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Dive into this Apple Martini recipe for an exhilarating taste sensation! Combining vodka, apple schnapps, and a hint of citrus, this vibrant cocktail promises to be the highlight of your evening.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 168

Ingredients
 

  • 1½ oz Vodka
  • ½ oz apple Schnapps
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Apple slice or lemon zest - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Martini Glass
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer

Instructions

  • Chill the Glass: Place your Martini glass in the freezer for a few hours or fill it with ice cubes to chill.
  • Pour Vodka: In a cocktail shaker, measure and pour 1½ oz Vodka
  • Add Apple Liqueur: Add ½ oz apple Schnapps.
  • Add Simple Syrup: Measure ½ oz simple syrup and add it to the mix.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Measure and add 1 oz lemon juice.
  • Shake Well: Fill your shaker three quarters full of ice and shake the mixture vigorously until the shaker feels cold.
  • Strain: Fine strain the mixture into the chilled Martini glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a fresh apple slice or a lemon zest.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Vodka: I often use gin for a more botanical edge if I run out of vodka. A clean white rum also does the trick without overshadowing the apple flavor.
  • Apple Schnapps: Pear schnapps can serve as an alternative, giving a different yet delightful fruity twist.
  • Simple Syrup: Try out with Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup, for a more complex note.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, use 12 oz of vodka, 4 oz of apple schnapps, 4 oz of simple syrup, and 8 oz of fresh lemon juice.
  • Mix: Combine the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir gently.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled Martini glasses, garnish with an apple slice, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Vodka Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic brand available on the market.
  • Apple Schnapps Substitute: Use non-alcoholic apple syrup or intensified apple juice.
  • Follow the Original Steps: Use the non-alcoholic substitutes and proceed with the original instructions to enjoy a refreshing non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

Ensure your apple schnapps or apple pucker doesn't contain animal-derived products or byproducts. Some liquors might use animal-based clarifying agents, so checking labels or contacting manufacturers is essential. Always choose cruelty-free and vegan-friendly options.

What is an Apple Martini?

An Apple Martini is a vodka-based cocktail that combines apples and premium spirits. Known for its vibrant green hue and unmistakable apple flavor, this drink has gained popularity in many modern bars and lounges. People often refer to it as the “Appletini” for short. While its origins aren’t as ancient as some classic cocktails, its taste has made it a favorite for many. Ordering an Apple Martini at a bar means expecting a blend of sharp apple notes with the clean finish of vodka.A side shot of an Apple Martini cocktail in a martini glass on a brown coaster with three apple slices and a lemon on the side, placed on a white marmol table.

What is an Apple Martini made of – The ingredients

To whip up an Apple Martini, gather the following ingredients:

  • Vodka: The primary spirit that provides a clean and neutral base.
  • Apple Schnapps: Imparts the distinctive apple flavor and often gives the drink its signature green color.
  • Simple Syrup: Complements the sweetness of the apple liqueur.
  • Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness of the other ingredients with a citrus zing.
  • Ice Cubes: Chills the drink, ensuring it’s served cold.
  • Apple slice (optional for garnish): Adds a visual appeal and a hint of fresh apple aroma when sipped.

Vodka, apple schnapps and simple syrup laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make an Apple Martini?

Craft a perfect Apple Martini with our easy instructions:

1
<p>Place the glass in the freezer or fill it with ice cubes to ensure your drink stays cold.</p>

Place the glass in the freezer or fill it with ice cubes to ensure your drink stays cold.

2
<p>Add the vodka to the shaker. This will serve as the primary base for the cocktail.</p>

Add the vodka to the shaker. This will serve as the primary base for the cocktail.

3
<p>Pour in the Apple Schnapps. This ingredient infuses the cocktail with its distinctive apple flavor.</p>

Pour in the Apple Schnapps. This ingredient infuses the cocktail with its distinctive apple flavor.

4
<p>Introduce the Simple Syrup. This will enhance the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.</p>

Introduce the Simple Syrup. This will enhance the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.

5
<p>Splash in the fresh Lemon juice. This boosts the acidic flavor.</p>

Splash in the fresh Lemon juice. This boosts the acidic flavor.

6
<p>Fill the shaker with ice cubes, ensuring enough to chill the drink effectively.</p>

Fill the shaker with ice cubes, ensuring enough to chill the drink effectively.

7
<p>Shake the mixture well. Ensure you shake it until the outside of the shaker feels cold.</p>

Shake the mixture well. Ensure you shake it until the outside of the shaker feels cold.

8
<p>Remove the ice cubes from the chilled Martini glass.</p>

Remove the ice cubes from the chilled Martini glass.

9
<p>Strain the cocktail into the chilled Martini glass.</p>

Strain the cocktail into the chilled Martini glass.

10
<p>Optionally, garnish with a lemon zest or an apple slice. This adds a touch of elegance and enhances the drinking experience.</p>

Optionally, garnish with a lemon zest or an apple slice. This adds a touch of elegance and enhances the drinking experience.

11
<p>Enjoy your cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your cocktail!

Best Vodka for an Apple Martini

Diving into the world of Apple Martinis means ensuring the vodka you choose complements the apple’s crispness without overshadowing it. Your vodka pick lays the foundation. Ketel One and Grey Goose are renowned for their ultra-smooth finishes, ensuring a seamless blend with apple flavors. But don’t overlook Tito’s Handmade Vodka—this American gem boasts a clean taste and offers value for money. I’d recommend giving Tito’s a whirl for the perfect Apple Martini. It pairs quality with affordability, letting the Apple notes sing without breaking the bank.

A close-up side shot of an Apple Martini cocktail in a martini glass on a brown coaster with three apple slices and a lemon on the side, placed on a white marmol table.

Variations

Ready to experiment with different flavors? We’ve handpicked a few favorites:

  • Caramel Apple Martini: This creation mixes the lusciousness of caramel with the crispness of apples, striking a delectable balance between sweet and tart. The caramel’s velvety texture melds seamlessly with the apple, creating a dessert-like experience. I love how the caramel sweetness perfectly complements the apple’s tartness, making it a comforting and indulgent treat.
  • Sour Apple Martini: This option brings a zesty and refreshing edge, thanks to the sour apple liqueur. Its tangy punch excites the taste buds, offering a lively and invigorating experience. The contrast between the sourness and the underlying sweetness is genuinely tantalizing.
  • Green Apple Martini: Featuring green apple schnapps, this presents a vibrant hue and a tangy, crisp apple flavor. Its bright color and refreshing taste make it a visually appealing and palate-cleansing choice, perfect for those who enjoy a sharper apple profile.
  • Apple Pie Martini: This mirrors the heartwarming flavors of a classic apple pie. Infused with vanilla vodka and a hint of cinnamon, it’s like sipping on a liquid dessert. The cinnamon’s warmth and the vanilla’s smoothness create a cozy, nostalgic feel.
  • Red Apple Martini: This leans towards a deeper, slightly sweeter apple flavor, thanks to red apple schnapps. Its richer apple tones are ideal for those who prefer a more robust apple essence, reminiscent of ripe, juicy red apples.
  • Cran-Apple Martini: Merging cranberry juice with apple, this blend combines the tartness of cranberries with apple’s crispness. The cranberry’s sharpness adds a refreshing twist, making it a vibrant and palate-pleasing option.
  • Spiced Apple Martini: Infused with hints of cinnamon or nutmeg, this evokes autumnal warmth. Its spice elements bring a comforting and aromatic quality, perfect for chilly evenings or as a festive treat.
  • Pear Apple Martini: Combining pear liqueur or juice, this introduces a delightful harmony of orchard fruits. The pear’s soft sweetness balances the crispness of the apple, creating a smooth and subtly complex profile. I’m particularly fond of this gentle, sweet blend; it’s like a gentle embrace of autumn’s best flavors.
  • Ginger Apple Martini: With the addition of ginger liqueur or fresh ginger juice, this brings a spicy undertone. The ginger’s warmth complements the fresh apple notes, adding a unique and invigorating kick. The spicy twist of ginger is something I really appreciate; it adds a zesty spark that makes every sip exciting and memorable.

History and Origin

The Apple Martini, commonly referred to as the “Appletini,” burst onto the scene in the 1990s and quickly cemented its place as a staple in the modern cocktail landscape. Its origins trace back to Los Angeles, where many believe a creative bartender wanted to offer a twist on the traditional martini using the popular apple-flavored liqueur of the time.

As vodka’s popularity surged in the 1980s and 1990s, bartenders sought innovative ways to craft trendy, flavored martinis. The Apple Martini fit this trend perfectly, combining smooth vodka with apples’ crisp, tart taste. Its bright green hue, stemming from green apple schnapps or apple pucker, further added to its appeal, making it visually striking.

Soon after its introduction, Hollywood and popular television shows, notably Scrubs with frequent Appletini references, helped propel the drink to nationwide fame. As a result, the Appletini became synonymous with the burgeoning martini culture of the late 20th century, holding its own alongside more traditional martini variations.

While the drink may have faced some critique from martini purists for its departure from the classic gin-vermouth combination, its widespread appeal and refreshing taste have ensured its lasting presence on cocktail menus around the world. Over the years, bartenders have introduced numerous variations, tweaking the original recipe to cater to evolving tastes and trends.

A side shot of an Apple Martini cocktail in a martini glass on a brown coaster with three apple slices in front and a lemon behind, placed on a white marmol table.

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FAQ

How many calories are typically in an Apple Martini?
On average it contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and proportions.
What's the ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of an Apple Martini?
The ABV usually ranges between 20-25%, depending on the vodka and other liqueurs used.
What's the proof of an Apple Martini?
Given its ABV, typically has a proof ranging from 40 to 50.
What alcohol serves as the base for the Apple Martini?
Vodka is the primary alcohol used.
In which type of glass should an Apple Martini be served?
The drink is best served in a martini or cocktail glass.
What does an Apple Martini taste like?
It has a crisp and tangy apple flavor, often with a hint of citrus and a smooth vodka finish.
How do you serve an Apple Martini with ice?
The drink is usually served "up," meaning it's shaken or stirred with ice and then strained into a glass without ice.
What is a Midori Apple Martini?
This cocktail blends the sweet melon flavors of Midori liqueur with the crispness of apple, typically made with vodka, Midori, and apple liqueur or apple juice.
What is a Frozen Apple Martini?
A Frozen Apple Martini is a chilled cocktail blending apple-flavored ingredients with vodka and ice until it achieves a slushy consistency.

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