APPLETINI
The Appletini: A 1990s Martini Craze Icon
The Appletini's exact origins are disputed, with multiple bartenders claiming credit for creating the drink during the 1990s. Lola's West Hollywood in Los Angeles is often credited with popularizing the drink in 1996, though similar versions may have existed earlier, according to Liquor.com.
The cocktail combines vodka with apple schnapps (often sour apple liqueur) and fresh lemon juice. This formula creates a sweet, bright green drink that became emblematic of the 1990s flavored martini trend, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The Appletini gained massive popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching peak cultural visibility through the TV show Scrubs, where character J.D. frequently ordered the drink. The Appletini became synonymous with sweet, approachable cocktails that appealed to casual drinkers, according to Punch.
The drink experienced backlash during the craft cocktail movement as bartenders moved away from overly sweet, artificially flavored cocktails. Despite this, the Appletini remains a popular request in mainstream bars as a nostalgic 1990s-2000s drink.
RECIPE:
2 oz vodka
1 oz sour apple schnapps or apple liqueur
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
Apple slice for garnish
Method:
Add vodka, apple schnapps, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with thin apple slice.