The Appletini

• One of a number of variations on the martini, the apple martini or "appletini" adds a sour apple kick to this cocktail standard. It is traditionally made with vodka and apple juice or another spirit such as apple brandy or apple schnapps. However, some appletini recipes instead call for sour apple vodka in place of plain vodka.

Refreshing Apple Drinks

• Apple vodka can add its sour flavor to cool, long drinks as well as classic cocktails. For instance, the black sea urchin adds apple vodka to black cherry soda to create an effervescent mixture of fruit flavors. Similarly, apple vodka mixes with ginger ale to create a refreshing drink with a sharp bite, usually served over ice. Some recipes add apple juice to enhance the sweetness. A slice of lime finishes the drink off.

Warming Apple Vodka Drinks

• Apple vodka is also an ingredient in spicier mixed drinks. The apple strudel combines apple vodka, apple juice and cinnamon, and garnishes it with a slice of apple. Similarly, the spiced apple sour combines apple vodka, apple juice, lemon juice and sugar syrup to create a sweet and powerful combination. A dusting of sugar and cinnamon on the rim of the glass creates a sweet, hot finish.

Unusual Apple Vodka Drinks

• Some apple vodka mixed drinks combine ingredients that might not seem to go together. An apple crush, for instance, is based on a combination of apple vodka and Scotch, with apple juice, herbal liqueur, lime juice and a pinch of cinnamon. Similarly, the Dutch squirrel is a cocktail that mixes apple vodka with almond liqueur and lemon juice, providing a mixture of flavors that's pleasantly but not overpoweringly sweet.