SOUR APPLE SCHNAPPS : PUCKER UP BABY!

I considered approaching this review by finishing off the bottle while I wrote but that had already been done. Besides there isn't enough alcohol in Dekuypers Sour Apple Pucker to get my grandmother faced.

Sour Apple Pucker is only 30 Proof so compared to similar products, the alcohol content is almost nonexistent. This is definitely a drink for lightweights or those that don't find it necessary to drink themselves into oblivion. I fall somewhere in between the two although I do like a stiff Vodka cocktail every now and then. I remember the first time I tried the Pucker line from Dekuyper like it were yesterday (dream sequence begins) . . .

I had a lunch meeting with a local bar owner at 10:30am so the last thing on my mind was drinking since I had just barely finished my coffee. When I arrived at the bar, the owner and two of his friends were already having their morning cocktails. He told me it was a birthday celebration. After we discussed our business at hand, he asked if I wanted anything to drink and I requested a coke. As many of you know few people like to drink alone and I really wanted this account so after receiving a discerning look from the owner, I opted for a cocktail instead. I knew the taste of beer would send me straight to the porcelain goddess so I requested something light. He mixed me a tall glass with the Sour Apple schnapps and Vodka over ice. Although I was hesitant to try it, I must admit that I was instantly hooked.

The drink tasted much like a green apple Jolly Rancher and the lime green color was an added bonus. Not to mention the fact that the smell of apples is relatively strong but pleasing. For those that started out drinking kiddie drinks like Bartles and James or Boones Farm then this is definitely a drink for you. I would certainly classify the DeKuyper Pucker line under chick drinks or kiddy concoctions. I have since purchased my own Sour Apple schnapps to mix apple martinis at home. The 750ml bottle is priced at $9.98 at my local grocer but some stores carry it for as little as $8.50.

I can drink the Sour Apple Pucker just about any way but certainly have my preferences. Please take note that unless you like a tart drink, you will want to use the Apple Pucker in moderation especially in Martinis.

Green Appletini

1.5 ounces of Absolut Vodka
0.5 ounces of Dekuyper Sour Apple
0.5 ounces of Triple Sec

Shake with ice and strain into cocktail glass. Personally I like to sugar rim my glass for added enjoyment but it is not necessary. Don't forget to garnish the drink with a slice of Granny Smith apples.

Pixie Dust Puckertini

This is the same drink as listed above but I am going to let you in on my sugar rim secret. I take pixie sticks and mix it with sugar to not only get a colored sugar but also to add flavor. If you don’t have pixie sticks available then give Kool-Aid and sugar a try. Be sure to have some wet naps on hand for your guests because this can be a little sticky but ohhhhh so good. You can also purchase the brightly colored sugars but they can be quite expensive so why not make your own?

Whether you try it as a cold shot with a dash of salt or use it as a mixer with Vodka, this is a great beverage to have on hand at parties. I have not tried the other Dekuyper Pucker products but plan to in the near future.

You can bet I will share my thoughts with you.