Method: Step-by-Step

Prepare Your Shaker

Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice. This step is key to chilling the drink and giving it a nice dilution.

Measure and Add Ingredients

Using a jigger, measure out 1 ½ oz of vodka, 1 oz of sour apple schnapps, ½ oz of lemon juice, and ½ oz of simple syrup. Pour everything into the shaker over the ice.

Shake It Up

Place the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. You want the ingredients to mix well and become icy cold. From my overall experience, the colder the better with this martini—it enhances the tart apple flavor.

Strain into Glass

Using a fine mesh strainer (if you want a super smooth drink), strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. No need to fill the glass to the top—a standard martini glass is usually about half-full.

Garnish and Serve

For that elegant touch, garnish with a thin apple slice on the rim or float it inside the glass. You can even sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for an extra flavor dimension.

Variations:

Lightened Sour Apple Martini: Use a sugar-free apple schnapps and replace simple syrup with a stevia-based syrup to cut down on sugar. This is a great option for those watching their sugar intake.

Sparkling Sour Apple Martini: Add a splash of sparkling water or club soda after shaking the drink for a fizzy twist. It gives the cocktail a refreshing lift and a lighter texture.

Gin Twist: If vodka isn’t your style, swap it with gin for a more herbal note. The botanicals in the gin pair surprisingly well with the apple.