I was at Wildfire in Schaumburg when I tasted my first “Tini”.  It was green apple, and I immediately became a fan.  I liked everything about it!  Instead of a “straight up” martini (which I don’t like) – this one had more flavor to it than the taste of just alcohol.  And so I started on a mission to try them all!  My group of girlfriends joined me on this journey, and we have been enjoying them ever since!

I like to try new martinis everywhere I go – then ask the bartender or waiter for the recipe!  It’s important to ask for the ratios as well – then I can replicate it, and share it with other tini-lovers!  Can’t tell you how many paper napkins I have collected over the years – scribbled with the recipe of an amazing martini!

This “hobby” has led to quite the collection of vodkas, and other liquors that are essential ingredients in my collection of assorted martini recipes, as well as shakers, glassware, etc.  Just when I think I have everything I could possibly need to make any cocktail – I taste another new amazing cocktail that requires an ingredient that I don’t have!  And so it goes …

This is straight out of the Tini Girl Favorites book!

1 part green apple vodka
3/4 part Apple Pucker
1/2 part Triple Sec
1/2 part Buttershotz

Shake with ice in a martini shaker til VERY COLD.

Add a splash of Sprite.

Pour into a martini glass, garnish with a cherry.

• I keep a jar of stemmed marachino cherries soaking in Amaretto in the frig for this one!