How to Make a Classic Appletini 

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Appletini. Because sophistication never goes out of style. This cocktail epitomizes the spirit of the glamorous cocktail culture of bustling urban lounges and chic social gatherings of 1990s America.

So even if the best time to drink it was back in the 90s, until you’ve built that time machine, it’s a classic cocktail that works just as well today as it did back then.

How do you make an Appletini, you ask? Pucker your lips, grab your shaker, and let’s party like it’s 1999!

How to Make an Appletini

What You’ll Need

• Fine Mesh Strainer 
• Cocktail Shaker
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
• Paring Knife (for the Apple)
• Martini Glass

Unsure about any of the tools above? Check out our handy guide to home bartending tools here.

How To Mix

1. Add Apple Juice, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Apple Liqueur, Absolut Vodka and Ice Cubes to a Cocktail Shaker.
2. Shake vigorously until chilled.
3. Strain into a Chilled Martini Glass using a Fine Mesh Strainer.
4. Garnish with a fresh Apple Slice and enjoy!

Unsure about drink measurements? Check out this simple guide! 

Tip! Check out this video to see how to make Simple Syrup.

What is an Appletini?

A classic Vodka cocktail that’s typically known for its vibrant color and breezy Apple flavor. There are just five ingredients, which makes it an easy-to-make yet easy-to-impress cocktail.

What Does an Appletini Taste Like?

The 1990s in a cocktail glass. A common misconception is that this cocktail is just a radioactive-like green candy-tasting cocktail (not that there’s anything wrong with that!), but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, if you follow our recipe above, you’ll end up with a light, breezy and sophisticated cocktail that’s like Cloudy Apple Juice in color, a little sweet and a little tart, much like a Granny Smith Apple.

The History of the Appletini:

Also known as the Apple Martini, this classic cocktail originated in 1996 in Los Angeles, California. Once named an “Adam’s Apple” after the bartender and originator’s first name, the cocktail quickly garnered a following for its crisp and tangy green apple flavor. 

It is associated with the vibrant cocktail culture of the 1990s, known for its stylish and chic appeal in social settings. Lately, it’s been making a comeback of sorts. And for good reason – good drinks never go out of style.

Variations of an Appletini Cocktail

• Apple Strudel Martini

  Add Cinnamon Schnapps Liqueur to make a yummy cocktail treat. Check out our recipe for how to make an Apple Strudel Martini.

• Apple Martini

  It contains the same ingredients but with a stronger Martini taste. Discover how to make an Apple Martini.

• Appletini Mocktail
  Want to make a mocktail instead? Leave out the Vodka and Apple Liqueur and follow the instructions above using freshly squeezed Apple Juice, Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice and Ice Cubes. Garnish with a couple of fresh Apple Slices and voila! You now have a mouth-watering, alcohol-free version.

• Low Sugar Appletini
  Maybe you’re wondering if and how you can make a low-sugar version. Firstly, it’s important to note that all fruit, including Apples contain natural sugar known as fruit sugar or fructose.

  Many of the bottled Apple Juice varieties available in supermarkets contain added sugar. As a rule, it’s always better to make your own Apple Juice to avoid added sugars and preservatives.Additionally, to reduce the sugar, consider using Stevia, Honey, Maple Syrup or Agave, which are all great alternatives to Simple Syrup. If you’re using Honey or Agave, just be sure to add warm water to help turn the mix into Syrup.

How To Make the Perfect Appletini

The Appletini is a beginner-friendly cocktail that doesn’t require any special tools or ingredients and provides you with a good opportunity to practice your shaking.

Here are a few tricks to use to make sure your cocktail comes out perfect every time:

• Shake it like you hate it

  Shake the living hell out of this cocktail! Shaking vigorously builds both flavor and texture by whipping air into your cocktail, so grab your Cocktail Shaker, dig deep and show that liquid who’s boss!If you’re using a normal Boston Shaker, you can tell that the cocktail is done when you start seeing condensation on the side of your shaker. Watch Rico shake it in action!
• Get jiggy with it

  Although this cocktail contains more ingredients than perhaps most beginners are used to, they shouldn’t be intimidated! Use a Jigger or small measuring cup to make sure you get those ratios right.An old bartending hack is to make sure you start by adding the cheapest ingredients first. That way you can just start over if you mess up.
• Use fresh ingredients
  Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients in your cocktails. And yes, that goes for Lemon Juice too. Lemon Juice should always come straight from a Lemon, not from a bottle.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for an Appletini

Serve your cocktail in a chilled Martini Glass and garnish with an Apple Slice, preferably a Green Apple to give your cocktail that wonderful crisp and tart quality.

For an elegant, flavorful twist, use a Cinnamon Stick to garnish your Appletini. The aromatic and warm notes of cinnamon will complement the apple flavors.

Tip! This cocktail can easily be pre-batched before the party. Just pour all ingredients into a bottle, store it in the fridge, and wake it up with a Cocktail Shaker right before serving. If you’re garnishing with Apple Slices, make sure to cut them right before serving or they’ll go brown overnight.

Appletini Recipes and Variations

Apple Strudel Martini
Add Cinnamon Schnapps Liqueur to make a yummy drink treat.

Apple Martini
Same ingredients but a stronger more typical martini taste.

Absolut Unboxed
Don’t have simple syrup? You can make this Appletini variation using sugar.