Caramel Apple Martini

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Give your next cocktail some State Fair vibes by shaking up a Caramel Apple Martini or two.

During the early 1980s, my family lived under a big sky in the state of Texas. I have nothing but fond memories of the place… except for the time my little sister almost drowned in our pool, or when I almost walked face first into a spider the size of my head, or slicing my hands open on one of the many cacti that adorned our yard. Thankfully, none of those events ended in tragedy.

Texas is just as giant as those big and bright stars that shine in its night sky. Sometimes we’d all pile into the AMC Concord that I eventually crashed in high school, then trek somewhere in the state to visit a museum, AstroWorld or family. And no matter where we went, it always took a few days to get there, motoring the whole time. One Saturday, we got into the car and drove a few short hours to a large fair that seemed to be set up in the middle of nowhere. Most of my memories from that day are a jumble of very dangerous-looking rides, rowdy teenagers and the band Boston being blasted at ungodly levels. And mud, a lot of mud.

But the main thing I remember is having my very first candy caramel apple as we walked back to our car when it was time to leave. My dad was all about the cotton candy, but the caramel apples caught my imagination that time. And I didn’t like apples as a kid, either. But the sweet, outer layer mixed with the tart and sour bite of the fruit always stuck with me. And when I made a few of tonight’s cocktail, the Caramel Apple Martini, each sip brought me right back to that dusty, hot fair and the sounds of “More Than a Feeling” drowning out the screams of terrified kids riding the centrifuge.

What Is The Best Vodka To Use In A Caramel Apple Martini?

Whenever a drink is mixed using fairly robust and pronounced infusions, an unflavored and plain vodka is the ideal choice. The spirit itself is crisp, clear and even with its own notes and texture, will take on the qualities of whatever it is being mixed with. For this cocktail, however, we’ll want a flavored variety, specifically a caramel vodka. Stoli and Smirnoff each produce their own version, with both being excellent choices to combine with the apple cider and butterscotch schnapps, achieving that classic candy apple taste.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Chill a martini glass in your freezer for up to 30 minutes, coat the rim with caramel sauce, pour your drink in, and then garnish with a fresh, thin apple slice.

IS THIS RECIPE CONSIDERED AN AUTHENTIC MARTINI?

Technically no. A traditional martini is gin and vermouth, with vodka being a popular spirit to use as well.

Other Martini-Inspired Cocktails Worth Trying

Your friends are coming over, they’re in the mood for an adult beverage or two, and while you have a lot of martini glasses to go around, nobody wants an actual ‘tini. Unsure of what to make, or where to start, you pull out your smartphone and go right to Twist & Toast for a helping hand, as well as some easy-to-make recipes that’ll keep your party going well into the night.

• Gin Espresso Martini – Stay awake with this herbaceous take on the trendy elixir.
• French Martini – Chambord, vodka and pineapple juice will have you saying “ooh la la” after every sip.
• Eggnog Martini – Celebrate the holidays in style with a few rounds of this cocktail.
• Grapefruit Martini – Tart, sweet and strong, this concoction has a personality all its own.