Applejack No. 1 & 2

Applejack evolved from American apple brandy in the 1600s [See History]. It’s as American as apple pie and is often underrated as a cocktail mixer. Many mixologists and bartenders agree that Applejack is a superior mixer compared to so-called prestigious European apple brandies. Two well-known Applejack recipes are simply called APPLEJACK NO. 1 and APPLEJACK NO. 2. Both are equally delicious. Your choice between the two depends on whether you prefer sweetening with Demerara syrup (simple syrup can also be used) or with sweet vermouth.

Applejack No. 1

• 1.5 oz. Applejack
• 1/2 tsp. Demerara syrup or simple syrup
• 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1-2 dashes orange bitters

Shake the ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

Applejack No. 2

Substitute 1/2 oz. of sweet vermouth for the syrup used in Applejack No. 1. Shake and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.

History: American colonists increased the alcohol content of hard cider by leaving barrels outside overnight to freeze, a method known as “jacking,” which allowed drinkers to separate the higher-proof alcohol. “Applejack” became the product of Scotsman and distiller William Laird in New Jersey (1698) and was such a favorite of George Washington that Laird shared the recipe with him, who then introduced Applejack to the state of Virginia. Today, Laird’s Applejack is a pure spirit beverage made from a blend of apple brandy and neutral grain spirits. Federal guidelines for Applejack require it to be a blend of at least 20% apple distillate with neutral grain spirit and aged for at least two years in oak.

Comment: As we enter fall, either of these cocktails suits the season perfectly. As America’s oldest spirit (predating bourbon), an Applejack cocktail is a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving and Independence Day.

Similar Cocktails:

Applejack Rabbit — https://keetscocktails.com/applejack-rabbit/

Applejack Sour — https://keetscocktails.com/applejack-sour/

Tulip — https://keetscocktails.com/tulip/

Apple Pie Cocktail — https://keetscocktails.com/american-pie-cocktail/

Harvard — https://keetscocktails.com/harvard-2/