Appletini
Published July 18, 2021 • Updated February 25, 2026
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A sugar free appletini with zero carbs, zero sugar, and all the sweet-tart apple flavor you remember. I use an electrolyte mix instead of apple schnapps to get that green apple taste without any of the carbs, and it works in a cocktail shaker or stirred over ice.
I partnered with Ultima to create this sugar free appletini using their Appletini electrolyte flavor, and I’m genuinely impressed with how close it gets to the real thing. The sweet-tart apple flavor is spot on, and the whole drink comes together in about 2 minutes.
I’ve made a lot of keto cocktails over the years (my sugar free vodka lemonade and keto strawberry daiquiri are both regulars at my house), but this low carb apple martini surprised me. I expected it to taste like flavored water with vodka. It doesn’t. The Ultima mix gives it that bright green apple tartness that makes a classic appletini work, and the powdered sweetener rounds it out so it’s not too sour.
My go-to method is a cocktail shaker with ice. I shake it for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker frosts over, then strain into a chilled martini glass. The shaking aerates it and gives the drink a smoother, almost silky texture that you don’t get from stirring. If you don’t have a shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid works fine. I’ve done it both ways.
For parties, I make a big batch in a pitcher. I mix everything except the ice, keep it in the fridge for a couple hours, and pour individual drinks over ice when people are ready. It actually tastes better after it sits because the flavors meld together. I made a double batch for a friend’s birthday last fall and people kept asking what was in it.
If you want a mocktail version, just swap the vodka for sparkling water. I’ve done this for afternoons when I want something that feels like a cocktail but without the alcohol. The Ultima mix does all the heavy lifting on flavor, so you’re not missing much. Check out my pina colada, rose spritzer, and keto hot buttered rum if you’re building out your keto cocktails rotation.
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Ingredients
1 cup ice -
2 oz vodka
-
1 packet Ultima Replenisher Appletini Electrolyte Mix
-
1 teaspoon powdered erythritol blend sweetener
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1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
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4 oz water
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Add appletini cocktail mix
In a large glass or cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, Ultima Appletini mix, sweetener, lemon juice and water.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros + Recipes →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this appletini ahead for a party?
I do this all the time. I mix everything except ice in a pitcher and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. The flavors actually improve after sitting. When guests arrive, I pour individual drinks over fresh ice or shake them in batches. I've prepped up to 8 servings at once and they hold well in the fridge for 24 hours.
What vodka works best for an appletini?
I use a mid-range unflavored vodka like Tito's or Ketel One. You don't need top shelf since the Ultima mix does most of the flavor work, but I'd avoid the bottom-shelf stuff because harsh vodka comes through in a drink this simple. I've also tried it with green apple flavored vodka and it was almost too sweet, so I stick with plain.
Can I use a different flavor of electrolyte mix instead of the appletini flavor?
I've tried the lemonade and grape Ultima flavors as substitutes, and they make completely different drinks (the grape one was actually really good as a purple martini). The taste will be different from the apple version, but that's half the fun of experimenting. Just keep in mind that the appletini flavor is what makes this taste like a classic apple martini.
What's a good substitute for vodka if I want a non-alcoholic version?
I swap the vodka for sparkling water when I want a mocktail, and it still tastes great. The carbonation adds a nice effervescence that plain water doesn't give you. I wouldn't use apple juice since it adds a lot of sugar and carbs. The Ultima mix gives you plenty of apple flavor on its own.
How do I keep apple garnishes from browning?
I toss my apple slices in a little lemon juice right after cutting them. They stay bright green for at least 2-3 hours, which is more than enough time for a party. I usually slice them thin, fan them on the rim, and drop one in the glass. The lemon juice doesn't change the flavor of the drink at all.
Can I use flavored vodka instead of plain?
I've tested this with green apple vodka and caramel vodka. The green apple version was a bit one-note and overly sweet for my taste. The caramel vodka, though, made a really interesting fall twist on the appletini. If you go flavored, just skip the extra sweetener since flavored vodkas tend to be sweeter already.
How long can I store leftover appletini?
I keep leftover appletini in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. After that the flavors start to flatten out. Give it a good shake before serving since the Ultima mix settles to the bottom. I usually just make what I'm going to drink that night, but for parties I'll batch-make and store the whole pitcher.
What's the best way to rim the glass for this appletini?
I run a lemon wedge around the rim and dip it in a mix of powdered sweetener and a pinch of citric acid. It gives you that sweet-tart edge on every sip without adding carbs. I skip the cinnamon sugar rim that some recipes call for since cinnamon can overpower the apple flavor. Keep the rim thin so it's a subtle accent.
My sister took a sip and immediately started interrogating me about the Ultima mix. Not even keto, but fully convinced I'd snuck actual apple schnapps in there. Making a double batch next time. She won't stop stealing mine.
Bought the Ultima mix fully expecting to be disappointed and now I'm standing in my kitchen at 9pm making a second one, so there's that.
Ha. The 9pm second one is a better review than anything I could write.
My Whole Foods stopped carrying the Ultima appletini flavor and I've hit three stores with zero luck. Hosting a keto girls' night Friday and this is the drink I had my heart set on, so I'm scrambling. I have lemonade and grape Ultima on hand, and I'm wondering if lemonade could work with the vodka or if it just falls apart without the apple. The whole concept is the apple schnapps swap, so subbing in lemonade might defeat the point entirely. Would the erythritol and lemon juice amounts stay the same or do those need adjusting for a totally different flavor?
I've tested both of those. Lemonade works but yeah, it's not an appletini anymore, completely different vibe. I'd cut the lemon juice to just a few drops since the lemonade Ultima already has citrus in it, erythritol stays the same. But honestly for a girls' night? The grape one made a surprisingly good purple martini. That might be the better call.