Caramel Apple Martini

There are drinks that are downed in a hurry, maybe to relax or take the edge off, and others that are more of an event.  Personally, I'm all for cocktails that are special and deserve to be sipped and savored. Creative rims, fun garnishes, little touches that make them something to look forward to.

When it comes to special touches, I don't know how you can top a drink that comes topped, as it were, with a baked treat. A bit of pie dough, flavored with cinnamon sugar to match the apple and now this cocktail is definitely an event. Dessert, maybe an afternoon treat on a day off and definitely a winner when company comes. Cheers!

Per Serving:
1 1/2 oz. Whipped vodka
2 oz. Plain apple juice
1 1/2 oz. Buttershots liqueur
1/2 oz. Lemon juice
1/2 oz. Simple syrup
Pinch of cinnamon
1 Tablespoon cinnamon sugar for topping

If you'd like to make the lattice crust, roll out pie dough (store bought or homemade) and use the rim of your glass to cut out a circle.  Note that, since the dough will shrink slightly in the oven when it puffs, it's a good idea to cut out the round slightly larger than the glass.  Cut into strips and weave or just cut a couple of vents. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, dust with the cinnamon sugar and bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

If you're going the simple route, run the edge of a cut lemon along the rim of the glass and dip in the cinnamon sugar.

Add the vodka, apple juice, Buttershots, lemon juice, simple syrup and cinnamon to a cocktail shaker.  Fill with ice, shake well and pour into the prepared glass.