Designated Appletini Mocktail

Whether you're the designated driver, don't feel like drinking, or simply want a great cocktail without the booze, the Designated Appletini is a perfect choice. It is a non-alcoholic version of the apple martini, also known as an appletini, a sweet and delicious cocktail that is made with a vodka base.

The drink is an easy mix of freshly pressed apple juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice, adding a little sweet and sour to the apple. It is made in the same manner as a cocktail, starting with rimming a glass with sugar and then shaking all of the ingredients over ice. A garnish of thinly sliced apples also keeps with the cocktail vibe.

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Making your own freshly pressed apple juice does take a bit of time and effort, but the flavor will be far superior to typical bottled apple juice. If you prefer to use store-bought, it's best to buy a high-quality juice that is void of added sugar and preservatives; look for "unfiltered" or "pure" on the label. For the simple syrup, consider making a large batch as it will last up to a month in the refrigerator when sealed well. This way, you always have some on hand, whether you're making a cocktail or mocktail, or even iced tea or coffee.

Many variations on the apple martini exist, and sometimes the fruit flavor comes from an apple liqueur or brandy, while other recipes use apple cider or juice instead. That means this recipe isn't so far off from the alcohol version, except for the fact that it is pink while most appletinis are green in color. But adding a few pieces of red apple to the top will complete the look and make this Designated Appletini appear like the real thing.