The Appletini Cocktail: A Modern Classic

It’s likely been a while since you’ve come across an Appletini on your favorite bar’s menu, but there was a time when this neon-colored sensation ruled the cocktail scene. With its sweet, sour, and subtly potent profile reminiscent of liquid kryptonite, the Apple Martini became an instant hit over two decades ago.

The story begins on a Fourth of July at Lola’s, a West Hollywood restaurant owned by Loren “Lola” Dunsworth, where a representative from the emerging vodka brand Ketel One proposed creating a signature Martini. Spotting a bottle of apple schnapps on the back bar, Dunsworth tasked bartender Adam Karston with concocting something using it. Karston blended equal parts DeKuyper Pucker sour apple schnapps and Ketel One vodka, adding a dash of house-made sweet-and-sour mix, thus birthing a legend.

The cocktail’s popularity soared to such heights that it had to be temporarily removed from the menu due to its easy-to-drink nature, leading to customer uproar and its swift return. Within six months, the Appletini’s fame spread nationwide, prompting bars and restaurants everywhere to offer their own versions, yet none could rival the original. Dunsworth attributes part of its allure to Lola’s unique garnish of Granny Smith apple slices, which were meticulously marinated in lemon water and ice to maintain their freshness, adding an extra dimension to the drink.

Appletini Cocktail Ingredients

1. Vodka (60 ml / 2 ounces): The clean and neutral base of vodka serves as the canvas for the apple flavors in the Appletini.
2. Apple Schnapps or Apple Liqueur (15 ml / 0.5 ounce): The star of the show, apple schnapps or apple liqueur, infuses the cocktail with the unmistakable taste of ripe apples. Choose a quality apple schnapps to capture the essence of fresh orchard fruit.
3. Triple Sec (15 ml / 0.5 ounce): Adding a touch of orange liqueur, such as triple sec, enhances the complexity of the Appletini, providing a subtle citrus undertone.
4. Fresh Lemon Juice (15 ml / 0.5 ounce): The addition of fresh lemon juice brings a balancing acidity to the cocktail.
5. Simple Syrup (Optional, to taste): Depending on your sweetness preference, you may choose to add a small amount of simple syrup. This is optional and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
6. Ice (for shaking and serving): Ice is essential for both the shaking process and serving, ensuring the Appletini is well-chilled and refreshing.
7. Apple Slice or Twist (for Garnish): A crisp apple slice or a twist of apple peel serves as the perfect finishing touch.

Appletini Cocktail Recipe:

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making an Appletini, emphasizing precise measurements and techniques for a flawless result:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Ingredients

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools: a shaker, a jigger for precise measurements, a fine strainer, and a martini glass. Also, have your vodka, apple schnapps, triple sec, fresh lemons, simple syrup (if using), ice, and garnish ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Glass

• Chill your martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to ensure it’s cold when serving the Appletini.

Step 3: Measure and Add Vodka

• In the shaker, measure 60 ml (2 ounces) of your chosen vodka. Pour the vodka into the shaker, giving the cocktail’s smooth and neutral base.

Step 4: Incorporate Apple Schnapps

• Measure 15 ml (0.5 ounce) of apple schnapps or apple liqueur and add it to the shaker. The apple schnapps will infuse the cocktail with the irresistible flavor of fresh apples.

Step 5: Add Triple Sec

• Measure 15 ml (0.5 ounce) of triple sec and add it to the mix. The triple sec contributes a hint of citrus complexity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Squeeze Fresh Lemon Juice

• Measure 15 ml (0.5 ounce) of freshly squeezed lemon juice. The addition of lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the apple schnapps.

Step 7: Optional Simple Syrup

• If you prefer a slightly sweeter Appletini, add simple syrup to taste. Start with a small amount (e.g., 5 ml / 0.17 ounce) and adjust according to your sweetness preference.

Step 8: Shake with Ice

• Fill the shaker with ice and shake the mixture for about 10-15 seconds. The shaking process not only chills the ingredients but also ensures proper dilution for a well-balanced cocktail.

Step 9: Fine Strain into the Glass

• Using a fine strainer, pour the shaken mixture into the chilled martini glass, ensuring that any ice shards or pulp are filtered out. The result should be a clear and enticing Appletini.

Step 10: Garnish with Apple Slice or Twist

• Garnish the Appletini with a crisp apple slice or a twist of apple peel. This not only adds visual appeal but also hints at the cocktail’s delightful apple essence.

Step 11: Sip and Enjoy the Crisp Elegance

With your Appletini expertly crafted, take a moment to savor the crisp elegance of this modern classic. The interplay of apple, citrus, and vodka creates a harmonious and refreshing experience that is sure to delight your palate.

The Appletini – A Sweet’n’Tarty Treat

The Appletini proudly strutted its stuff throughout the late-1990s and early 2000s, embodying a sense of innocence and a pre-9/11 America. Often seen as both a punchline and a guilty pleasure, it was more the drink of the cheerful than the choice of the cool. It became synonymous with Zach Braff’s character in “Scrubs” and the preferred toast during the Mark Zuckerberg and Sean Parker meeting in “The Social Network.” Truly, the Appletini stood as a globally recognized modern classic.

Lola’s, the birthplace of the original Appletini, shuttered its doors for the last time in 2013 after 17 years of lively evenings and sticky bar tops. However, its signature cocktail continues to endure, albeit with a modern twist. Bartenders across the globe have been reimagining the drink using a variety of ingredients, from fresh Granny Smith apple juice to high-quality apple liqueurs to creatively infused apple juices.

We’ve crafted our own updated rendition of this classic cocktail, substituting apple schnapps with Calvados and fresh Granny Smith apple juice. A splash of lemon juice and simple syrup accentuates the vibrant green flavor profile that made the drink so beloved.

Whether enjoyed as a prelude to an evening or a refreshing treat on a sunny day, the Appletini embodies the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and sophistication for a great vodka cocktail recipe.