Appletini Cocktail Recipe – How to Make This Crisp Apple Vodka Classic

Appletini Cocktail Recipe – How to Make This Crisp Apple Vodka Classic

Looking for the perfect Appletini cocktail recipe? This easy apple martini combines vodka, sour apple liqueur, and fresh citrus juice into a crisp, green drink that’s ideal for parties, cocktail nights, or brunches.

Wine Map Set Classic - España, France, Italia - Corkframes.com

EXCLUSIVE POSTERS AND WINE MAPS FROM AWARD-WINNING ARTISTS

RIGHT NOW! 40% ON ALL WINE MAPS & POSTERS

Christian Drouin – The King of Calvados Reading Appletini Cocktail Recipe – How to Make This Crisp Apple Vodka Classic 2 minutes Next Crispy and Delicious – Homemade Chips to Pair with Wine

The Appletini (short for Apple Martini) is a crisp, tart, and subtly sweet cocktail that gained fame during the 1990s cocktail revival. Bright green, served in a chilled martini glass, and bursting with sour apple flavor, the Appletini became a pop culture favorite — known as much for its fun appearance as for its refreshing taste.

The drink is said to have been invented at Lola’s in West Hollywood, where a bartender reportedly combined vodka and sour apple liqueur for a customer looking for something fruity but strong. The result? A modern classic that still holds a firm spot on cocktail menus worldwide.

Don’t let the neon look fool you — a well-made Appletini is surprisingly balanced: fruity and sharp, with a smooth vodka base and a zesty finish.

Classic Appletini Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 cl (1⅓ oz) vodka

  • 2 cl (⅔ oz) sour apple liqueur (such as De Kuyper Sour Apple or Apple Pucker)

  • 2 cl (⅔ oz) fresh lemon or lime juice

  • 1 cl (⅓ oz) simple syrup (optional – depending on sweetness level)

Optional garnish:

  • Thin apple slice

  • Apple chip

  • Lime wheel

Instructions:

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

  2. Add vodka, apple liqueur, citrus juice, and simple syrup (if using).

  3. Shake well for 10–15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.

  4. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.

  5. Garnish with a slice of apple or lime — and enjoy immediately.


Bartender Tips:

  • For a brighter green color, use a vibrant sour apple liqueur or add a tiny drop of green food coloring.

  • Want a cleaner look? Fine-strain your cocktail to remove ice shards.

  • Rubbing a lime peel around the glass rim adds a nice aromatic touch.


The Appletini is a fun, eye-catching cocktail that’s perfect for dinner parties, cocktail hours, or nights when you want something light, tart, and a little nostalgic.

Cheers!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Promotions, new products and sales. Directly to your inbox.