Cursed Apple Martini
5 min
|
easy
|
gluten-free,
lactose-free,
low-fat
Recipe by Eunice
Introduction
This cursed apple martini is a crisp, apple-forward riff on the classic appletini, with unfiltered cider for real orchard flavor, a splash of grenadine, and a gold shimmer that actually looks good.
Perfect for Halloween parties, fall get-togethers, or girls' night, it hits that sweet-tart balance and the glittery honey rim makes it a true showpiece without tasting like candy.
Ingredients (1 serving)
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Ingredients
- 2 fl oz apple vodka apple vodka 2 fl oz
- 1 fl oz unfiltered apple cider apple cider 1 fl oz
- ½ fl oz triple sec orange liqueur triple sec orange liqueur 0.5 fl oz
- ½ fl oz grenadine syrup grenadine syrup 0.5 fl oz
- ¼ tsp edible gold glitter (for shimmer) edible gold glitter 0.01 oz
- honey (for rimming) honey 0.1 oz
- edible gold glitter (for rim garnish) edible gold glitter 0.02 oz
How to Make Cursed Apple Martini
-
Chill the glass
Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes so the cocktail stays icy and the shimmer shows cleanly.
-
Rim with honey and gold
Spread a thin line of honey on a small plate and a separate plate of edible gold glitter for the rim garnish.
Lightly roll just the outer lip of the glass in honey, then roll through the glitter so the rim is even and not drippy.
Wipe the inner rim with a damp towel to keep the sip clean and avoid glitter fall-in.
-
Build the cocktail
Add 2 oz apple vodka, 1 oz unfiltered apple cider, 1/2 oz triple sec, and 1/2 oz grenadine to a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker three-quarters with cold, solid ice for fast chilling and controlled dilution.
-
Shake hard and cold
Shake vigorously for 12 to 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty and the drink sounds tight.
-
Double strain cleanly
Double strain into the chilled glass using a Hawthorne strainer plus a fine mesh strainer to catch cider pulp and ice shards.
Pour to the inside of the glass to avoid disturbing the rim.
-
Add the shimmer
Sprinkle 1/4 tsp edible gold glitter directly into the glass and give a gentle swirl to suspend the sparkle without knocking glitter off the rim.
Serve immediately while the gold dances.
Substitutions
- Apple vodka -> vodka + calvados (1.5 oz vodka + 0.5 oz calvados)
- Calvados adds real-deal baked-apple depth and a whisper of oak, giving the cocktail a richer orchard backbone without losing the martini snap.
- Triple sec -> dry curaçao or Cointreau (1:1)
- Dry curaçao or Cointreau tightens the citrus profile with cleaner orange oils and less candy sweetness, sharpening the finish so the apple shines.
- Grenadine -> pomegranate molasses syrup (1:1 molasses thinned with equal parts water)
- This swap keeps the ruby color and brings a tangy pomegranate depth that reins in sweetness and adds a sultry, winey note.
Tips
- Super-chill for clarity
- A frozen glass and very cold ingredients keep the cider haze minimal and make the gold glitter suspend longer instead of sinking fast.
- Use hard, clear ice
- Dense cubes melt slower, so you get bracing chill and proper texture without washing out the apple and pomegranate notes.
- Control the rim like a pro
- Apply a thin honey line, roll not dunk, and always wipe the inner lip so you taste drink first and glitter never sloughs into the glass.
- Double strain or regret it
- Cider pulp and ice chips kill the silky feel, so use a fine mesh over your Hawthorne for a sleek, showy pour.
- Balance on the fly
- If your cider is very sweet, cut grenadine to 1/4 oz or add 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice for snap without dulling the shimmer.
- Add glitter last
- Shaking glitter can trap it in foam, so swirling it in post-strain keeps the sparkle floating where everyone can admire it.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 51 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 0 | g |
| Total Fat | 0 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- My drink is too sweet, how do I fix it without starting over?
- Stir in 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice or a dash of orange bitters, or add 1/4 oz more vodka and a couple ice cubes, stir 10 seconds, and re-strain.
- The glitter is clumping or sinking fast, what went wrong?
- Use beverage-safe edible luster dust, make sure no oil touched the glass, and add the glitter after straining, then give a gentle swirl to suspend.
- Why double strain this cocktail?
- Unfiltered cider carries pulp that muddies texture, and fine ice shards dilute quickly, so double straining preserves a smooth sip and longer-lasting sparkle.
- Can I batch this for a party?
- Combine all liquids except glitter in a glass bottle, chill deeply, shake each portion with fresh ice to order, then add glitter to the glass and swirl.
- What if I do not have apple vodka?
- Use 1.5 oz vodka plus 0.5 oz calvados or 0.5 oz high-quality apple liqueur, which boosts true apple character without artificial notes.
- Can I make a nonalcoholic version?
- Swap vodka for a zero-proof spirit, replace triple sec with fresh orange juice plus a strip of orange zest, keep cider and grenadine, and shake the same way.
Serving Suggestions
For a darker mood, finish with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the outer rim to make the apple pop and the sweetness behave.
Pair this stunner with sharp cheddar or salty Marcona almonds, or try a few drops of absinthe on the surface if you like your curse a little wicked.
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