Apple Cidertini

Enjoy the fall and holiday season with this festive apple cocktail. You’ve probably heard of an Appletini. Since apple cider is so popular this time of year, I thought it might be fun to create my version of this popular martini featuring this lovely fall juice.  Also, if you’re a rum fan, go ahead and use it instead of vodka. I know it’s not very conventional but it taste delicious. The skinny for 1 cocktail, 188 calories, 0 fat and 5 Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

2 ounces (¼ cup) vodka or rum

4 ounces (½ cup) apple cider or apple juice, see shopping tip

1 drop green food color, optional

Ice

Green apple slice for garnish (sprinkle with lemon juice first)

Ingredients

1. Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes or crushed ice. Shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with an apple slice.

Makes 1 large cocktail

Food Fact
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between apple cider and apple juice? Both drinks are made from 100% liquid from an apple, but the distinction between the two depends upon where you live.
In the United States, apple cider refers to the unprocessed liquid that you get from apples. The apples are washed, cut, and ground into mash before being pressed. The resulting cider usually contains apple pulp and is dark, brown and cloudy. The drink is perishable and must be refrigerated. If this liquid is filtered and further processed, the result is apple juice, which has a longer shelf life than cider.

Healthy Benefit
Apple cider is a good source of potassium and iron. Apple cider is pure and natural with no sugar added.

Shopping Tip
Most supermarkets sell apple cider this time of year. It’s available spiced or plain. If you can’t find it substitute with apple juice.

Prep Tip
Green food coloring gives this cocktail its vibrant color. If you want an earthier, more natural looking cocktail, leave it out.

Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 5

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 large cocktail 188 calories, 0g fat, 0g protein, 14g carbs, 0g fiber, 1mg sodium, 13g sugar