Appletini

The Appletini, short for Apple Martini, is a refreshing cocktail celebrated for its striking green color and prominent sweet-tart apple flavor. It typically consists of vodka and a green apple liqueur, such as apple schnapps, sometimes with a touch of citrus to balance the sweetness. Although its popularity peaked in the 1990s and 2000s, it remains a well-known drink. A properly made Appletini is crisp, cool, and surprisingly potent.
Appletini

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Appletini is classified as a cocktail, specifically falling into the 'Modern Classic' category. This reflects its creation in the late 20th century and its subsequent rise to widespread popularity. It is often considered a type of fruit martini.

Serving

This cocktail is served "up" (without ice) in a chilled Martini or coupe glass. It's a moderately strong drink best enjoyed cold right after preparation.
Serving size
Approximately 100-120 ml / 3.5-4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Martini
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Appletini was reportedly created in 1996 at Lola's, a restaurant in West Hollywood, California. Bartender Adam Karsten created the drink and named it the "Adam's Apple Martini" after a patron requested a drink tasting of apples. The recipe quickly spread and became an icon of the 90s cocktail scene, often appearing in television shows and movies, which cemented its place in pop culture.
Origin
The cocktail originated in West Hollywood, California, USA, in 1996. It was created at a restaurant called Lola's by bartender Adam Karsten. It quickly became a signature drink of the 1990s nightlife.

Appletini

The drink is most commonly known as the Appletini or Apple Martini. Its original name upon creation was the "Adam's Apple Martini". The names are often used interchangeably to refer to this vibrant green, apple-flavored cocktail.
Original name
Adam's Apple Martini
Alternative name
Apple Martini

Characteristics overview

The Appletini has a flavor profile dominated by sweet and sour green apple, with a smooth, crisp texture. Its appearance is notable for its vibrant, almost neon green color, served without ice, making it a visually striking and refreshing cocktail.
Flavor
Green apple, sweet, tart, crisp, fruity
Aroma
Fresh apple, zesty, slightly alcoholic
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, sweet, short
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Vibrant green, translucent, clear
Texture
Smooth, crisp, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink has a high flavor intensity, characterized by prominent fruitiness and sweetness, balanced by a notable sour kick. The alcohol strength is moderate, and it is a completely still, non-creamy beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires just three main ingredients: vodka as the base, green apple schnapps for the signature flavor, and a small amount of optional lemon juice for balance. The quality of the apple schnapps will significantly impact the final taste.
  • Vodka45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A clean, neutral vodka works best to let the apple flavor shine.
  • Green Apple Schnapps or Liqueur45 ml / 1.5 oz
    This provides the characteristic sweet and sour apple flavor and bright green color.
  • Lemon Juice7.5 ml / 0.25 oz(optional)
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended to balance the sweetness of the schnapps. Can be substituted with a splash of sweet and sour mix.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

To make an Appletini, you will need basic bartending tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for properly chilling and diluting the drink, along with a jigger for measuring and a strainer for pouring.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice when pouring.
  • Fine mesh strainer for a smoother texture (optional).

Instructions

The preparation involves shaking the ingredients with ice, then straining into a chilled glass. Chilling the glass beforehand and shaking vigorously are key steps to ensure a perfectly cold, crisp drink.
1. Chill your Martini or coupe glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Combine the vodka, green apple schnapps, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice until it is about two-thirds full.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double strain the mixture from the shaker into the chilled glass to remove ice shards.
7. Garnish with a thin slice of green apple or a maraschino cherry before serving.

Garnishing

A common garnish for the Appletini is a thin slice of green apple, which complements the drink's flavor and color. Alternatively, a maraschino cherry can be dropped into the glass for a pop of red contrast.
  • Green Apple Slice: A thin slice or fan of green apple placed on the rim or floated on top.
  • Maraschino Cherry: A cherry dropped into the bottom of the glass for a classic look.

Dietary Information

The Appletini is typically free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. Most distilled spirits and liqueurs are also gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

An Appletini is moderately high in calories and sugar, primarily from the apple schnapps. It contains around 190 calories and 17 grams of sugar per serving.
Calories
Averagely 190 kcal / 795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 18 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 17 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Appletini is a festive and fun cocktail perfect for social gatherings like cocktail parties and happy hours. Its refreshing nature also makes it a great choice for summer events or any celebration. It's often seen as a vibrant, party-starting drink.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Happy Hour
  • Celebrations
  • Summer Gatherings

Pairing suggestions

The sweet and tart profile of an Appletini pairs well with contrasting flavors. Salty snacks like popcorn or pretzels, mild cheeses, or a fresh fruit platter can complement the drink without overwhelming its apple notes.
  • Salty Snacks
  • Mild Cheeses
  • Fruit Platters
  • Light Appetizers

Appletini: The Crisp and Iconic Modern Classic

The Appletini is a quintessential modern classic that defined a cocktail era with its bold flavor and even bolder color. A simple mix of vodka and green apple schnapps, it's a sweet, tart, and undeniably fun drink. While sometimes seen as a throwback, a well-balanced Appletini is a crisp and refreshing cocktail suitable for any festive occasion. Its legacy in pop culture and its straightforward, apple-forward taste ensure its enduring recognition.