Sour Apple Martini (Appletini)

The SOUR APPLE MARTINI, a.k.a. APPLETINI, originated in the ’90s with Ketel One vodka, DeKuyper Sour Apple Schnapps, and sour mix. Its sweet/tart apple flavor masked the alcohol content, leading to its rapid popularity. While often modified with apple juice, cider, or calvados, this recipe offers a more complex yet balanced appletini. Though not a traditional martini, it delivers a martini-strength drink.

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

• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. Cîroc Apple vodka (or Smirnoff Green Apple Vodka)
• .75 oz. sour apple schnapps (Boulaine or DeKuyper preferred)
• .75 oz. orange liqueur
• .75 oz. fresh lemon juice (or 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. Strain into a cold martini glass. Garnish with a lemon or lime wheel.

Comment: This Keet’s Cocktails recipe has been fine-tuned over several years. Pierre Ferrand Dry Orange Curacao is recommended for a less sweet profile; otherwise, Cointreau works best. French Cîroc Apple vodka is preferred because it helps create the rich, rewarding balance between sweet & tart.

History: In 1996, Lola’s restaurant in L.A. created the “Adam’s Apple Martini” using DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker Schnapps. Its popularity led to the name change and widespread adoption.

Similar Cocktails:

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

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

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

Cheeky Peach — https://keetscocktails.com/cheeky-peach-2/

Cape Codder — https://keetscocktails.com/cape-codder-2/