Washington Apple Martini

You guys probably don't know it, but I grew up in a north western state where it rains a lot. No, not Oregon, Washington State! I've learned since moving away from there 12 years ago that you have to always follow Washington with "State" otherwise people will think you're from D.C. Probably because they can't wrap their head around voluntarily living somewhere where it rains 9 months out of the year. (This is not a joke. It rains a hella lot up there. Only ever visit in July or August, otherwise, bring at least 2 umbrellas.)

Anyway, I'm from Washington State so I can make fun of it. I also love the place, but only in the summer. I also happen to newly be a fan of a martini inspired by the state fruit, the apple (apparently 42% of of the apples grown in the USA are from Washington). I discovered this drink a few months ago and made quite a few of these for people in our hotel room on my recent Chicago trip, but since after drinking one you might not remember the recipe, I thought I'd post it here. Usually this is served as a shot, but I prefer it as a martini.

Washington Apple Martini

Pour into a martini shaker:

2 shots of Crown Royal
1 shot of Apple Pucker

Add 4 ice cubes to the martini shaker and fill rest of the shaker with Cran-Apple juice (or cranberry + apple juice will work as well) until it's almost full. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. garnish with a slice of lime or mint leaves.

Yum! It's refreshing enough to drink in the summer and crisp enough to still be delish in the winter.

And a couple of you have commented in all of the kitty photo bombs I've been including in posts lately. This is not a fluke, they are always trying to interfere with my picture taking! Maybe they get jealous when the camera is focused on something other than them?

Proof from just taking simple pictures of my martini:

Sniff sniff

 

Holding back, but curious enough to get into my frame

Do you have a favorite new drink this summer? Or any pets that like to bomb photos?