Ahhh, April 1st.  Known in these parts as April Fool’s Day.  There’s something irresistible about trying to fool someone.  And plenty of us enjoy being fooled as well.  It’s part of the enjoyment of a great puzzle box, to be sure, as well as any number of other puzzle types.  The tradition goes back for centuries, with various accounts of when it all started.  The Romans celebrated “Hilaria” at this time of year by dressing up in costumes, which you have to admit is hilarious.  Mother nature plays tricks on us with the weather right about now, so it’s likely the Pagans were already laughing at the Romans in their own way.  Many accounts suggest that when the modern day Gregorian calendar replaced the Julian calendar in 1582 France, those who did not get the message and continued celebrating the new year on April 1 were made into laughingstock and called “poisson d’ avril” (April “fish”, the original April fools?).    

Continuing the theme brings us to a delicious drink.  Everyone knows how much I love a good vodka cocktail, right?  Especially a bright candy colored one made with sweet syrupy green apple schnapps – Apple Martini, anyone?  Yum!  Wait for it … April Fools!  And if you love that sort of thing, I applaud you and raise my own glass as well.  But if you’ve been a visitor here before you may have noted the distinct absence of vodka based drinks, and certainly no candy coated indulgences – the only martini you’ll find is the historical classic (check it out here).  I’m not against vodka at all, I just tend toward the other spirits.  So what’s going on here?  

Apple Martini, anyone?

This clever concoction was created by Contemporary Cocktails cofounder Aisha Sharpe to fool you into thinking it’s an apple martini, when in reality the bright green color belies a complex modern craft cocktail.  In fact, this is one incredible cocktail, mixing smooth tequila with herbal Chartreuse, fresh basil, sweet ruby red grapefruit and tart lime.  It’s incredibly delicious.  I’d love to be fooled by it all over again soon.  If you have the chance, try it on some unsuspecting friend – someone you like, because it’s so good – or just try it for yourself.    Here’s to being foolish, and having a great time at it.  Cheers!

April Fool’s Martini by Aisha Sharpe:

1.5 oz Blanco Tequila

1/2 oz Green Chartreuse

5 Basil leaves

1 oz Ruby red grapefruit juice

3/4 oz Lime juice

3/4 oz Simple syrup (one part sugar, one part water)

Garnish: Thin apple slice or maraschino cherry

Glass: Martini

Muddle the basil lightly with the simple syrup (I muddled a bit vigorously which leads to a murkier color), then add the rest and shake over ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and add a slice of apple to complete the charade.

Don't be fooled - these are an incredible pair!