Ineed all of the cleansing masks, candles, and bubble baths as I have officially declared 2021 the year of extensive self-care. These amenities are nursing both my mental and physical wellbeing, and, honestly, part of me just wants to feel luxurious after enduring what was—personally—a 2020 dumpster fire in terms of emotional stability.
As I type this out in late winter, apple-berry martini in hand, it dawns on me: I must share this classy drink with my fellow produce friends! For I am sure we can all use a bit more self-care these days. With this Some Like it Sweet cocktail, I put a spin on the classic appletini to create a drink worth kicking your feet up for.
It’s the kind of drink you keep in your back pocket for those days when you need an extra dose of self-love. I went with the classic Granny Smith apple for my version of the martini, but grab whatever apple floats your boat and craft a fresh produce vodka infusion all your own—your future self will thank you.
The fun doesn’t stop there, though, as you can double down on the benefits of this apple-berry martini by wielding its ingredients in the produce aisle. Build out a cross-merchandising display that is the epitome of luxury—think glorious mounds of apples and delightfully bright strawberries or raspberries—and your consumers will come clamoring.
Your investment in self-care will be returned tenfold. So sit back, take a sip, and live your best life!
INGREDIENTS
Apple-Berry Schnapps
½ cup sugar
2 Granny Smith apples
½ cup fresh raspberries
32 oz jar with lid
2 cups vodka
Martini
1 oz vodka
½ oz apple-berry schnapps
½ oz simple syrup
Lime juice
Ice cubes
Granny Smith apple, for garnish
Time: 5 min
DIRECTIONS
Apple-Berry Schnapps
Cut apples into quarters, leaving skin and core intact.
Combine ½ cup of sugar with two tablespoons of boiling water until a syrup consistency is reached.
Add the apples, raspberries, and syrup to the jar and gently shake to combine. Store the jar in a cool, dark area for three days, shaking once a day to redistribute the syrup.
Fill the remaining space in the jar with vodka and allow it to sit for two to three months, shaking every few days.
Drain the mixture by placing a strainer over a large bowl and emptying the contents of the jar into the strainer. Reserve the liquid for future use.
Martini
Combine vodka, schnapps, simple syrup, ice cubes, and a squirt of lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
Strain the mixture and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an apple slice and enjoy!
