A fall inspired cocktail with the crisp and juicy flavors of green apples and the spiciness of fresh ginger.
James Bond would probably cringe at the thought of fruit in his signature cocktail but I admit I like the idea.
No other fictional character has probably ever created as many martini drinkers in the world or sparked as much debate over what constitutes a “real” martini.
Purists will tell you that it isn’t a martini unless you’re using gin and vermouth, and whatever you do, to not shake it but rather to stir it so as not to “bruise” the gin. On the other end of the spectrum vodka martini fans want theirs bone-dry with just a “mist” of vermouth at most and always shaken and served ice-cold. And then there are all the unconventional fruit-based martinis that have been winning over bar-goers for the past two decades.
While there may be little about these trendy concoctions that resemble a traditional martini they are fun and tasty and clearly here to stay and I’m okay with that. I think the classics and the newcomers can co-exist peacefully, don’t you?
Maybe it’s the appeal of drinking out of the long-stemmed glass or the showy way some are prepared but there’s just something fun and festive about ordering a martini of any kind. My only quibble is the plethora of artificially flavored alcohols masquerading as natural fruit flavors in cocktails. I’d like some actual fruit in my fruity drink please!
So with that in mind I set out to give the ever popular apple martini a bit of a makeover. Out went the neon green and in came tart green apple juice and a bit of lime for freshness and acidity. To the mix I added a quick homemade ginger infused vodka for a clean, crisp flavor with a bit of heat to it. The result was a seasonal cocktail with spiciness, bright acidity and the subtle sweetness of real fresh fruit; light and refreshing and entirely sippable as we head into the fall and winter seasons.
Green Apple Ginger Martini
A fall inspired cocktail with the crisp and juicy flavors of green apples and the spiciness of fresh ginger.
Ingredients
For Two Green Apple Ginger Martini Cocktails:
- 4 oz/120ml ginger infused vodka (recipe below)
- 4 oz/120ml fresh green apple lime juice (recipe below)
- 1 Tablespoon/15ml maple or honey simple syrup (made by mixing equal parts of maple syrup or honey with filtered water until fully dissolved)
- Crushed ice
For the Ginger Infused Vodka:
- ½ cup/4oz//120ml quality vodka
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
For the Green Apple and Lime Juice:
- 1 large tart green apple, cored and cut into slices (ex. granny smith)
- ¼ cup/60ml filtered water
- The juice of 1 large or 2 small limes
- Apple slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Make the Ginger Infused Vodka:
- Place the vodka in a re-sealable jar along with the grated ginger and seal. Shake gently and set aside for two or more hours until infused. (The longer you let the vodka sit with the ginger the stronger the flavor will be.) Strain pressing on solids to extract all the liquid and set aside.
- Place cocktail glasses in the freezer to chill.
Make the Green Apple and Lime Juice:
- Add the apple slices to a high speed blender along with the water and lime juice and blend on high until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer pressing on the pulp to get all of the juice and set aside. (If you have a juicer run the apple through and then add the freshly squeezed lime juice to it and omit the water.)
Make the Green Apple Ginger Martini:
- Add the apple and lime juice, the vodka and the maple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker halfway with ice and shake vigorously until the shaker turns frosty.
- Strain into the chilled glasses. Garnish with the reserved apple slices if desired.
Notes
*I prefer to use a non-grain based vodka like Ciroc (made from grapes) or Chopin Black Label (made from potatoes).
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Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Kathryne says
Gorgeous, Sylvie! I love the idea of a ginger-infused vodka. I tried making apple-infused vodka recently and it was a disappointment. Good call in adding fresh apple juice! This cocktail sounds so lovely.
marla says
Such a beautiful cocktail Sylvie!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
So beautiful!! Perfect crisp autumn sips!
Nik@ABrownTable says
I love apple martinis but the ginger makes it sound even more heavenly!
Kulsum says
I always love your photos of drinks. This one is also spot on. I make a ginger green apple cocktail with some mint, so the flavours are definitely my favourites.
Jodye @ whole pure recipes says
This sounds like such a refreshing drink! I just went apple picking so I have quite the surplus and I've been looking for different ways to use them. This could be a hit!
angela@spinachtiger says
So pretty and refreshing. I like infusing vodka. Recently did so with roasted butternut squash. It's fun to play around with these things.
Jeanne @ CookSister says
Dare I say it? I don't really like traditional martinis :o) Love ths flavours in yours though - I think the traditional recipe is missing some fruit! My favoruite cocktail is a negroni or a whisky sour 🙂
asri. says
Hi Sylvie
long time no see :). I am interested in your recipe, if I skip the vodka ,does it still have a good taste ? , or could you suggest me another ingredient for it?
Sylvie says
Hi Asri, it's good to hear from you! I would skip the vodka and instead infuse the same amount of honey simple syrup with the grated ginger for a couple hours as a substitute for a non-alcoholic version. Hope all is well with you. xo