Cooking Lesson #424: Tart Vodka Appletini Cocktail

…from the California Happy Hour Bar

​How you doin’?  It’s Friday—Happy Hour time and 5 o’clock somewhere—so why not an Appletini? It is usually considered more of a lady’s cocktail (although it doesn’t have to be); it is a sweet, delicious vodka cocktail. There are many variations on the Appletini, whether looking for a sweet-and-sour electric green cocktail or one with a more natural apple flavor and color. The fruit flavor can come from an apple liqueur or brandy, while some recipes use apple cider or juice instead. Some add green melon Midori (for color), while others choose orange-flavored Cointreau, but the truth is there's nothing like a tart and refreshing apple-forward Appletini like the one below.
 
My Vodka Appletini uses green apple schnapps which is a favorite for many martini drinkers. If you're looking for the greenest color in your appletini, this is an ideal recipe. Since this particular flavor of schnapps can be quite sweet, a touch of lime juice adds the perfect balance.
 
There's an Appletini recipe to fit any taste, but here is my quick and easy recipe that mixes up in mere minutes and requires just four simple-to-find ingredients.
 
Prep time:  5 minutes
Yield:  1 cocktail
 
Ingredients 
1-1/2 ounces vodka (neutral flavor spirits)
1/2 ounce green apple schnapps (I prefer Bols)
1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
Apple slice, for garnish (dip the apple slice in lemon juice to keep it from browning)
 
Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, pour the vodka, apple schnapps and lemon juice. Shake well.
2. Strain into a chilled cocktail or martini glass.
3. Garnish with an apple slice or lemon wheel.
4. Serve and enjoy.

 
ChefSecret:  Appletinis are classic '90s, but it really isn’t a martini at all—it's more of an apple vodka sour. The tartness can be adjusted to fit your taste. If it’s a bit too tart, add a dash of simple syrup or tarten it up (I don’t think that’s a word, but go with me—you know what I mean) with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.

Quip of the Day: “I tried to say NO to the Vodka… But it’s 40% stronger than me.”
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