Appletini

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Bright green, sour and sweet, the Appletini is liquid candy for grownups.

I must confess, I don’t remember exactly when I had my first martini, or where, for that matter. I do recall my first sip being quite eye-opening. Whether it was a gin- or vodka-based mixture escapes my mind, but let’s just say that, back then, it didn’t do it for me. Times will always change, and nowadays an ice-cold martini, specifically a Gin or Vesper Martini, is one of my favorite tipples.

I do remember very clearly the first time I had an Appletini. It was at a friend’s wedding in New York City, where they served a variety of ‘tinis during cocktail hour: red ones, blue ones, pink ones, orange ones and of course, bright and vibrant green ones. As the tray came our way, I quickly snatched one of the green potions. The martini glass my Appletini was served in was massive, requiring both hands to hold it. There had to be at least three servings of the sour candy-tasting concoction within. The tart and fruity mixture made my lips pucker in the most satisfying way, and I barely tasted the alcohol. So I had another when a fresh tray came by again. Needless to say, I was dancing up a storm once the reception started.

Gaining immense popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, the Appletini is often associated with the vibrant and fun-loving nightlife of West Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. Invented by Adam Karsten and Andy Wing at Lola’s West Hollywood restaurant in 1996, the drink quickly took off and soon became a celebrity of sorts. Over the years, the Appletini has made prominent appearances in television shows such as Modern Family, Scrubs, Mr. Robot, Community, How I Met Your Mother, and many others. The bright green beverage has also made its way into movies, with featured roles in Molly’s Game and the Disney film Enchanted.

The cocktail’s roots go back even further. The first mention of a mixture featuring vodka and apple juice was in the July 1972 issue of Playboy. Smirnoff placed an ad that featured a recipe called the Adam’s Apple. This drink called for their spirit to be added to a tall, ice-filled glass of apple juice. Should someone have this issue, please send it my way. You know… for research purposes, of course.

Is the Appletini a Martini?

Technically, an Appletini is not a martini at all, but only uses the label and glassware. A traditional martini is made with gin and vermouth, usually dry. The vodka variation on the drink is popular and very common—it is James Bond’s favorite libation—but many cocktail experts will tell you that only a Gin Martini is a real martini.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use in an Appletini?

There’s a lot of flavor in our recipe for the Appletini, and much of it comes from the sour apple schnapps and juice that are used. When choosing a vodka as your base spirit, you can go with an unflavored bottle to let the other ingredients do most of the talking. Another option is to choose a citron vodka, which will help accentuate the lemon juice used in your drink.

What kind of glass and garnish is used for an Appletini?

Pour your shaken Appletini into a chilled martini glass (I keep one or two in my freezer for such occasions). Garnish with a slice of green apple. Not too big, though, as your drink might topple over if it’s too heavy.

Can you use another spirit in place of vodka?

Yes. In fact, a London Dry gin melds beautifully with the other ingredients in the Appletini, bringing more botanicals to the party.

Appletini Variations & Similar Cocktails

If the Appletini has awakened your sweet tooth and you’re on the hunt for more cocktails like it, Twist & Toast has some deliciously sweet, tart, and tangy recipes that are guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Check out some of them below, and don’t forget to check our site regularly for new ideas or familiarize yourself with the classics:

• Apple Cider Old Fashioned – A warming and smoky autumn treat, this tart and tangy take on the classic cocktail is perfect any time of the year.
• Orange Mojito – Bright, citrusy and minty, the Orange Mojito will guarantee you’re safe from scurvy.
• Cranberry Whiskey Sour – Add a little extra tartness to make your next Sour a festive experience.
• Pomegranate Margarita – All the fun of the legendary drink, with the added fruity flavor and bright red color of pomegranate.