how to make a classic apple martini…a variation of appletini

Posted on by barkeep

Despite its name, the Classic Apple Martini is not the Appletini or the traditional Apple Martini but rather a variation of it. A traditional Apple martini uses Cointreau as one of the ingredients which is substituted by dry vermouth in this recipe.

What gives the drink the name is its similarity to the Classic Vodka Martini, which also uses Vodka and dry vermouth.  This recipe essentially adds a shot of the Calvados to the traditional Vodka martini to make the Classic Apple Martini. The name Classic Vodka Martini probably comes from the fact that dry vermouth is an ingredient of the classic gin and vodka martini.

Although Calvados is the preferred ingredient in this recipe, you could optionally substitute it with Apple Schnapps. In fact some of the recipes for the drink do call for Apple Schnapps. Using Apple Schnapps do give the drink a definite green hue, which is usually associated with green apple drinks.

Ingredients

  • 3 shots of Vodka
  • 1 shot of Apple Schnapps or Calvados
  • 1/2 shot of Dry Vermouth
  • Green Apple slice for Garnish

Recipe/Preparation

  1. Add ice cubes into a martini/cocktail shaker
  2. Add 3 shots of Vodka into the shaker
  3. Add a shot of Calvados or Apple Schnapps into the shaker
  4. Add 1/2 a shot of Dry Vermouth into the shaker
  5. Shake well to mix the ingredients
  6. Strain the contents of the shaker into a chilled martini glass
  7. Garnish with a Apple slice or twist
Classic Apple Martini Drink Recipe

Variations and Similar Drinks

Appletini: Substitute dry vermouth in this recipe with Cointreau for the traditional Apple Martini.
Sour Apple Martini: Substitute dry vermouth with lime juice to make the sour apple martini, which as the name indicates has a sour flavor.
Pine-Apple Martini: Substitute the dry vermouth with pineapple juice for a fruitier variation.
Rumpletini: This is more a variation of Appletini. Substitute dry vermouth with Cointreau and Vodka with light white Rum.

Tips

  • Apple Schnapps is better if you want the typical green color, otherwise i prefer the Calvados which is much better tasting IMO.
  • You can also use an apple peel for garnish in lieu of the green apple slice.
  • If you have used Calvados, then a red apple peel will work as garnish instead of the green apple peel.
  • Calvados is an apple brandy from Lower Normandy, which is a staple to the classic apple martini recipes. You could try the drink with another apple brandy if Calvados is not available.