Easy Step By Step Appletini Cocktail Recipe

Discovering the Delightful Appletini: A Modern Classic Appletini cocktail recipe

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.

I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!

Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

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Introduction: The Appletini’s Modern Charm

The Appletini (also called an Apple Martini) is a crisp, fruity cocktail that combines vodka’s clean neutrality with the sweet and tart burst of apple liqueur. Simple yet elegant, it’s equally at home at dinner parties, brunch spreads, or casual nights in.

A Modern Classic: The History of the Appletini

While its exact origin is debated, most sources point to the mid-to-late 20th century, when bartenders began creating vodka-based drinks with fruit-forward twists to make the spirit more approachable. Apple schnapps or apple brandy added a refreshing tang, and the Appletini became an instant hit.

Today, it remains a crowd-pleaser, with countless variations ranging from sweet to dry, sparkling to spicy.

Appletini Recipe (AU Measurements)

Ingredients

45ml vodka (good quality for best flavour)
15ml apple liqueur (Sour Apple Pucker, De Kuyper Apple Schnapps, or Calvados for depth)
15ml fresh lemon juice
Garnish: apple slice, cherry, or cinnamon stick

Method

Chill a martini glass in the freezer.
Add vodka, apple liqueur, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into the chilled martini glass.
Garnish with your choice of apple slice, cherry, or cinnamon stick.

Appletini Variations

Sparkling Appletini: Add champagne or sparkling water for fizz.
Spicy Appletini: Muddle jalapeño before shaking for heat.
Herbal Appletini: Add rosemary or mint for aromatic depth.
Dry Appletini: Mix vodka, Calvados, and dry vermouth for a sophisticated twist.

Food Pairings with the Appletini

Desserts: Apple pie, cheesecake, or fruit tarts.
Cheese platters: Cheddar, brie, or goat cheese for balance.
Light appetisers: Bruschetta, prawn skewers, or spring rolls.
Brunch: Pairs beautifully with French toast or eggs Benedict.

DIY Apple Liqueur (Optional Extra)

Want to take your Appletini to the next level? Try making your own homemade apple liqueur:

Infuse vodka with sliced apples (and a cinnamon stick, if desired) for two weeks.
Sweeten with a simple syrup.
Strain and bottle.

The result is a personalised apple liqueur with rich, fresh flavour.

Apple-Based Cocktail Spin-Offs

Love the Appletini? Explore other apple-forward cocktails:

Apple Old Fashioned: Bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, bitters.
Apple Mojito: White rum, mint, lime, simple syrup, apple juice.
Apple Margarita: Tequila, orange liqueur, apple cider, lime juice.
Apple Cider Martini: Vodka, apple cider, dry vermouth, lemon juice.

RSA Reminder

The Appletini may be light and fruity, but it’s still spirit-based. Under Australian RSA guidelines:

Stick to standard 15ml nips.
Always provide water and snacks alongside cocktails.
Enjoy in moderation — cocktails don’t need to be strong to be memorable.

For more info: Liquor & Gaming NSW

The Final Sip

The Appletini is more than just a fruity vodka cocktail — it’s a versatile drink that can be dressed up for sophistication or kept light and playful. With its crisp apple tang, vibrant colour, and endless variations, it’s no wonder this martini has remained an enduring favourite.

So, whether you’re serving it sparkling, spicy, or classically crisp, raise a glass to the Appletini — a cocktail that proves apple flavours never go out of style.

The bartending community…

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?

Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW

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