About Apple Martinis

The apple martini, otherwise known as the appletini, has no resemblance whatsoever to a traditional martini, but neither do most of the other martini concoctions popular at trendy bars today. It's delicious, however, and a fun change of pace. People who love the taste of apples will appreciate this drink, and it's simple to make too.

Types

The most basic apple martini includes 1 or 2 oz. of your favorite vodka, and 1 oz. of apple schnapps. Adding a shot of apple juice or cider enhances the apple flavor. Beyond this simple recipe, you can try numerous tasty variations. The most popular is the sour apple martini, which substitutes sour apple schnapps or other sour apple liqueur for the regular apple schnapps. You also can add a shot of sweet and sour mix or apple juice, or both. Cranberry juice makes a great substitute for the apple juice. Try different flavors of vodka that mix well with apple, such as vanilla vodka. A caramel apple martini includes butterscotch schnapps along with the apple schnapps.

Features

Include an apple slice on the side for a garnish or float a thin slice on top. A good twist is to garnish the drink with a wedge of sharp cheddar cheese. For a margarita imitation, run a lime around the rim and then douse the rim in white rock sugar. Another option is apple martini cocktail sugar, which is green.

Dessert Possibilities

Apple martinis should not be made with chocolate vodka, but enjoying an apple martini along with a piece of chocolate cake or a wedge of high-quality chocolate is a luscious experience. An apple martini is also a fine match with a piece of caramel cake or cheesecake.

Potential

If your partner likes flavored martinis, try making one for her on a special occasion for being the apple of your eye. Create apple martinis for friends or family members at get-togethers for something different and unexpected. At Christmas time or during the long winter, an apple gingerbread martini might be just the thing. Add ginger liqueur to vanilla vodka and apple schnapps, and you've got a soothing cold-weather taste sensation. Another option is to add cinnamon liqueur. Also, if somebody you know is a fan of apple martinis, a fun gift idea is candles with an apple martini scent, available at online retail stores.

Caution

Apple martinis go down very easy. Remember you're drinking at least 2 oz. and sometimes 3 oz. of liquor in each martini glass. Sip slowly!