Take your fall cocktail game to the next level with this delicious Appletini! Made with just 4 simple ingredients, it’s perfectly light, crisp and fresh… the way appletinis should be!
Let’s be honest. When you think of an appletini, this is probably not what you imagine. But just trust me on this one… it’s SO much better!
Unlike the traditional recipe, which uses Sour Apple Pucker, this version is made with real ingredients like apple liqueur, unfiltered apple juice, and fresh lemon juice. It’s basically a classy, upscale version of the old school apple martini… and the one I’ve been waiting for my whole life.
It’s bursting with fresh flavor and tastes just like you’re biting into a crisp fall apple. And although it’s made with unfiltered apple juice – or even apple cider – there’s nothing heavy about it.
If you’re looking for a new go-to cocktail for fall and beyond, this Honeycrisp Appletini is it!
what you’ll need for this recipe
It’s hard to believe that just 4 simple ingredients can produce a cocktail that’s so absolutely perfect. But this combination of vodka, apple liqueur, and fresh juices really hits the mark in a deliciously unexpected way.
- 1 1/2 ounce vodka – I used Tito’s, because it’s my favorite. You can feel free to use anything you have on hand, although I would suggest using a higher quality vodka like Ketel, Grey Goose, or Absolut since it’s one of just 4 ingredients. (*For a less spirit forward cocktail, reduce vodka to 1 ounce.)
- 1 ounce apple liqueur – I found a large variety of apple schnapps at my local liquor store. I opted for Siegburg Apfel Liqueur, which was delicious, but there are quite a few varieties to choose from. I would NOT recommend Apple Pucker for this recipe, as the color and flavor would completely alter the drink.
- 1 ounce unfiltered apple juice – I used Tree Top 100% Pure Pressed Honeycrisp Apple Juice. I would definitely recommend finding a bottle that’s labeled as pure pressed or unfiltered and has a cloudy appearance. This will make for a much more natural, rich apple flavor. If you’re unable to find pure pressed or unfiltered, opt for apple cider.
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice – fresh is always best, but you can use bottled in a pinch!
how to make an appletini
Yes… this cocktail really is just as easy as 1, 2, 3. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, no worries. You can use a jar with a lid or even two glasses fitted together. Just be sure to strain the ice out before serving.
- Combine the ingredients. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake shake shake. Shake well to chill.
- Pour. Use a strainer to pour your appletini into martini glasses.
- Garnish. Garnish your cocktail with an apple slice and a sprig of fresh thyme.
Recipe Variations
- Use a flavored vodka such as cinnamon, apple, or vanilla
- Use any brand of apple liqueur (I would not recommend sour apple liqueur for this recipe)
- Substitute Calvados (apple brandy) for the vodka and apple liqueur
- Use apple cider in place of apple juice
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice for more or less tartness
- Add simple syrup or agave for more sweetness
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary instead of thyme
Make Ahead Tip
This appletini recipe is easy to make ahead for a party or gathering. Simply combine the ingredients in a pitcher without ice and chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Just be sure you give it enough time to chill completely (at least 2 hours). To make a pitcher, you’ll need 3 cups vodka, 2 cups apple liqueur, 2 cups apple juice, and 1 cup lemon juice.
More Delicious Fall Cocktail Recipes
Why is it that we always associate fun cocktails with summer? The truth is there are plenty of fun fall cocktails, too, and these are some of our favorites!
Appletini
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce apple liqueur
- 1 ounce pure pressed apple juice
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well to chill.
- Strain into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an apple slice and a sprig of fresh thyme.
Notes
- Use a flavored vodka such as cinnamon, apple, or vanilla
- Use any brand of apple liqueur (I would NOT recommend Green Apple Pucker)
- Make your own homemade apple liqueur
- Use apple cider in place of apple juice
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice for more or less tartness
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary
This Appletini couldn’t look any more perfect!
I made this last night and it was so delicious! I’m so glad I gave it a try.
Oooo. I’m eager to give these a try! Love the apple flavor and it’s lovely for a cocktail — a little off the beaten path that is delicious!
This is such a perfect drink for the weekend!
This drink was perfect for the weekend! My husband and I love this recipe! I will definitely be making these again!
I cannot believe this only takes you 4 ingredients! Your photos are eye catching too!
I am sure my husband will love this! Such an amazing drink!
I could go for one of these right about now, it looks fantastic!
This Appletini looks incredibly delicious!
So tasty and refreshing, beautiful Fall drink!
We will be making it again this weekend! So good!
Love the looks and sound of this – what a tasty seasonal cocktail to enjoy!
So delicious and refreshing! Still one of my favorites! Love it!
Such a great tasting cocktail; and perfect for summer and fall! Looking forward to winding down with this after dinner tonight!
Nice fall drink for a calm fall day.
This Appletini recipe looks absolutely delightful! I love the combination of apple and lemon flavors. Can’t wait to try it out at my next gathering—perfect for fall!
This Appletini recipe looks absolutely delightful! I love how you incorporated fresh flavors with the lemon twist. Can’t wait to try it out for my next gathering! Cheers! 🍏🍸
I love how you’ve combined the refreshing flavors of lemon with the classic appletini! Your recipe looks so easy to follow, and I can’t wait to try it at my next gathering. Thanks for sharing!
This Appletini recipe looks refreshing and perfect for a summer gathering! I love the combination of apple and lemon flavors. Can’t wait to try it out! 🍏🍋
This Appletini recipe sounds delicious! I love the twist with the lemon—definitely going to try this for my next gathering. Thanks for sharing!