How to Make a Washington Apple Martini

Washington Apple Martinis are so tasty, you might need to keep a hold on your drink at all times.

Some cocktails have a surprising way of combining unlike flavors to create their signature tastes. The Washington Apple Martini is one of those potent peculiarities, bringing together whiskey, schnapps and cranberry to mimic the famous fruit from the Pacific Northwest. A martini that is just as good for sipping as it is for shooting, the Washington Apple Martini requires little skill --- but a strong belief in the drink's synergistic outcome.

Things You'll Need

• Martini glass
• 1 cup ice
• Soda water
• Cocktail shaker with lid
• Strainer
• 1.5 oz. Canadian whiskey
• 1.5 oz. sour apple schnapps
• 1.5 oz. cranberry juice
• Thin slice of red apple

Instructions

1. Fill the martini glass with half ice and half soda water to cool it.

2. Fill the cocktail shaker with the ice, then add the whiskey, schnapps and cranberry juice.

3. Seal the cocktail shaker, then shake it vigorously until the shaker gets icy to the touch --- about 20 seconds.

4. Dump the contents of the martini glass, then strain the drink into the glass.

5. Garnish with the apple slice by floating it on the top or attaching to the glass's rim.

Tips & Warnings

• One martini will divide into two shots if you are feeling festive.

• If you want to make the drink weaker or stronger, keep the proportions equal to leave the taste unaffected.

• These drinks mask the taste of alcohol remarkably well --- so drink responsibly and designate a driver if you are hitting the town.

References

• "Classic Cocktails: Over 170 Drinks from Yesteryear That You Can Enjoy Today"; Tom Bullock; 2001
• "Bartending for Dummies"; Ray Foley; 2010