Appletini – Vodka & Sour Apple Cocktail
Crisp, tart, and playfully green — the Appletini mixes vodka, sour apple schnapps, triple sec, and lemon juice for a bright 1990s classic that still shines today.
Created in the 1990s at Lola’s West Hollywood, the Appletini became the decade’s most famous flavored-martini craze. Its neon hue and crisp apple bite made it the fun, approachable cousin of the traditional martini.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Vodka – the clean base that keeps everything balanced.
- Sour Apple Schnapps – delivers that sharp, candy-green flavor.
- Triple Sec – adds citrus sweetness and depth.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – brightens and balances the mix.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- Chilled cocktail glass
Why You’ll Love It
Refreshing, nostalgic, and camera-ready — the Appletini is all tart sparkle with smooth vodka undertones. It’s equal parts sweet treat and grown-up sophistication.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use apple vodka to intensify fruit flavor.
- Swap Triple Sec for simple syrup if you prefer less citrus.
- Add a dash of cinnamon syrup for a fall-themed twist.
Helpful Tips
- Always shake hard with ice for a frosty finish.
- Chill the glass to keep the drink crisp.
- Garnish with a thin green-apple fan for color and aroma.
Appletini Recipe
Type of Glass
Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
- 1 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
Directions
- Add Vodka, Sour Apple Schnapps, Triple Sec, and Fresh Lemon Juice to a shaker with ice.
- Shake until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a thin slice of green apple or a lemon twist.
Vibrant, tangy, and forever fun — the Appletini proves that 90s cocktails can still steal the show.
