The Story Behind The Apple Martini

The Apple Martini, also known as the “Appletini,” is a bright green drink that defines the neon style of the ‘90s. The concoction was inspired by the inside cover of the July 1972 edition of Playboy, in which Smirnoff ran an ad highlighting its new Adam’s Apple recipe. The drink consisted of apple juice and vodka at the time, but it was reinvented by a bartender named Adam Karsten in 1997 using a mixture of Ketel One vodka and apple schnapps. Today, the recipe has evolved to also include orange liqueur.

With the color and flavor of green Jolly Ranchers, the sweet, sugary drinks belie their strength. Whip up a round of these when you want to party like it’s 1999.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 3/4 ounce apple schnapps liqueur
  • 3/4 ounce orange liqueur (like triple sec or Cointreau)
  • Garnish: apple slice

Directions

  1. Add vodka, apple schnapps, and orange liqueur to a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled.
  2. Strain into a chilled Martini glass.
  3. Garnish with an apple slice.

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Yield: 1
Calories: 195
Updated: 2022-08-01

The Apple Martini Recipe

Apple Martini FAQ

How much sugar is in an Apple Martini?

There are 13 grams of sugar in an Apple Martini.

What does an Appletini taste like?

An Appletini carries a crisp, juicy green apple flavor that has been described as tasting like a green apple Jolly Rancher.

Who invented the Apple Martini?

The Apple Martini was invented by bartender Adam Karsten, who originally named the cocktail Adam’s Apple Martini. The drink was later renamed to the Apple Martini or Appletini.

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