Sour Apple Martini (Appletini)

The SOUR APPLE MARTINI, a.k.a. APPLETINI, originally started with just Ketel One vodka, DeKuyper Sour Apple Schnapps and sour mix. Its popularity quickly grew in the ’90’s because its alcohol content was hidden by the sweet/tart apple flavor., i.e., it went down very easily. It’s been altered in many ways that sometimes includes apple juice, apple cider or calvados liqueur. I arrived at a mix which is a bit more layered and complex, but nicely balanced in a not-so-innocent refreshing apple-flavored way. Though no version of the Appletini is really a martini in the traditional sense, this recipe will put a martini-strength delight in your hands.

Requirements: apple vodka (Smirnoff preferred*), standard vodka, apple schnapps, Cointreau or dry orange curacao, lemon & lime juice

• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. Smirnoff Green Apple Vodka
• .75 oz. sour apple schnapps (Boulaine or DeKuyper preferred))
• .75 oz. orange liqueur
• .75 oz. fresh lemon juice (or split 50/50 lemon/lime juice — my preference)
• 1 lemon or lime wheel for garnish

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until condensation forms on the shaker’s outside. Strain into a cold martini glass. Garnish with a lemon or lime wheel.

Comment: This mix is a carefully calibrated Keet’s Cocktails recipe. It’s been fine-tuned over several years and even recently introduced Pierre Ferrand Dry Orange Curacao as the orange liqueur that might work best as the orange liqueur in this mix by lessening the overall sweetness. Otherwise, Cointreau is recommended.

History: At the L.A. restaurant Lola’s in 1996, owner Loren Dunsworth worked with bartender Adam Karsten to create a vodka mix using a new DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker Schnapps. Their “Adam’s Apple Martini” became wildly popular. The name was changed as the drink’s popularity spread across the country.

Similar Cocktails:

Cosmopolitan — https://keetscocktails.com/cosmopolitan-cosmo/

French Martini — https://keetscocktails.com/french-martini/

Melon Ball Drop — https://keetscocktails.com/melon-ball-drop/

*FYI, the recommended Smirnoff brand is owned and operated by the British company Diageo.