This is a cocktail with a kick and addictively delicious. I have to say it is enormously useful as a quick shot of party spirit before you go to someone else's party. I always feel better the next day, having a stiff drink before and water (sparkling rather than still but, hey, let's live a little) during a party.

Although it is a sour apple martini, at home I refer to it only as Kryptonite. The lurid green is quite something.

I've given quantities per glass simply because it's better made up glass by glass and you can hand them around to your guests as they request them. I wouldn't want to make these for a huge roomful of people, but they are perfect as a way of helping those who've hotfooted from the office and are weary with the working day unwind at the beginning of a dinner party.

1 shot vodka or gin
1 shot sour apple liqueur
1/2 shot Monin Green Apple syrup
slice of Granny Smith apple to garnish

1. In a martini glass, combine the vodka/gin over lots of ice, and add the liqueur and syrup.

2. Slice a segment of apple, removing any core. Cut a nick in the bottom of the slicehorizontally, and slip it onto the edge of the glass.

Serves 1—and how!

Copyright © 2007 by Nigella Lawson