Made with vodka, sour apple schnapps, apple juice, and zesty lemon juice, this sour apple martini delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and sourness. Its bright green hue and bold flavor make it a standout choice for parties or a fun evening drink. This refreshing cocktail is easy to make and perfect for apple lovers!

When it comes to cocktails, a go-to flavor of mine is apple - from an apple cider cocktail to an apple fizz to an apple mojito to an apple cider Moscow mule.
But I can't resist a good martini. Beyond their elegant appearance, these cocktails excel at infusing fruity flavors and this appletini is no exception.
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Why You Will Love This Martini
- Aesthetic appeal - With its vibrant green hue this cocktail just looks cool.
- Seasonal appeal - Apple martinis can be enjoyed year-round, but they shine particularly in the fall. Even though there aren't fresh apples used, people just associate apples with the fall season.
- Simple - With just 4 ingredients, you couldn't ask for an easier cocktail to prepare.
Ingredient Notes
- Vodka - Choose a high-quality vodka that is smooth and neutral in flavor. The vodka provides the base spirit, so its quality is crucial.
- Sour apple schnapps - Opt for a reputable brand of sour apple schnapps to infuse that distinct apple flavor. The schnapps adds sweetness and a touch of intensity to the cocktail.
- Apple juice - Use fresh and preferably unfiltered apple juice to enhance the natural sweetness of the cocktail.
- Lemon juice - Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright and zesty citrus kick. Pre-packaged lemon juice can lack freshness and flavor.
Ingredient Swaps
As with any recipe, you can mix up the ingredients if you want. Some variations include:
- Swap vodka with a light rum or gin for a different base spirit, each imparting its unique character to the cocktail.
- Speaking of vodka, you could try apple vodka for even more flavor.
- Experiment with different fruit liqueurs like peach or pear schnapps to create a unique twist for a different flavor profile.
- Try pear juice instead of apple juice for a subtle change in flavor. Cranberry juice can also add a tart element.
- You can try lime juice instead of lemon juice for a tangier twist on the classic martini.
- To make the martini sweeter, add a touch of simple syrup or maple syrup.
How to Make a Sour Apple Martini
Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.
Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to the cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 20 seconds.
Step 2: Strain in a chilled martini glass.
Cocktail FAQs
While green apple schnapps is an option, the tartness may be less pronounced compared to using sour apple schnapps.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of schnapps or adding a sweetener like simple syrup, maple syrup or honey to suit your taste preferences.
Absolutely! Substitute the vodka and schnapps with apple juice or cider and add a splash of lime or lemon juice for a tart kick.
I personally like using a v-shaped martini glass, but a coupe glass works as well.
While it's best to serve fresh, you can prepare the base mixture (excluding ice) in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Shake the mixture with ice just before serving to ensure the ideal texture and temperature.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Use apple vodka if you want even more apple flavor.
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright and zesty citrus kick. It adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pears.
- Shake the ingredients vigorously with ice to achieve proper dilution and a frothy texture.
- Place the martini glass in the freezer for an hour so it keeps your martini chilled.
- Garnishes like a thin apple slice, cinnamon sugar on the rim, or a cinnamon stick can enhance both the visual appeal and flavor of your martini.
- If using apple slices for garnish, brush with some lemon juice so they don't brown.
Sour Apple Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 ½ oz sour apple schnapps
- 1 oz apple juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- apple slice for garnish
Instructions
- Combine vodka, sour apple schnapps, apple juice and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an apple slice.
Notes
- Use apple vodka if you want even more apple flavor.
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright and zesty citrus kick. It adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pears.
- Shake the ingredients vigorously with ice to achieve proper dilution and a frothy texture.
- Place the martini glass in the freezer for an hour so it keeps your martini chilled.
- Garnishes like a thin apple slice, cinnamon sugar on the rim, or a cinnamon stick can enhance both the visual appeal and flavor of your martini.
- If using apple slices for garnish, brush with some lemon juice so they don't brown.
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