Applejack Rabbit

A great cocktail for fall is the applejack-based APPLEJACK RABBIT. This full-flavored, multi-layered recipe immerses you in an orchard of fruits, enhanced by a hint of maple syrup. It combines two common citrus ingredients—orange and lemon juice—making it easy to prepare at home. The cocktail dates back over a century. If jackrabbits enjoyed cocktails instead of raiding gardens or orchards, they would likely consider this a delightful treat and spend the day lounging happily on the prairie.

Requirements: Laird’s bonded apple brandy (Applejack), lemon juice, orange juice, maple syrup (grade B preferred), lemon twist (optional)

• 2 oz. Laird’s Applejack
• 3/4 oz. lemon juice
• 3/4 oz. orange juice
• 1/4 – 1/2 oz. maple syrup
• 1 lemon twist garnish (optional)

Add the ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled (or frozen) coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist if desired.

History:Applejack is one of the oldest spirits in the U.S. The Laird family began producing Applejack as early as 1698 in New Jersey. It was popular during colonial times but later lost favor in bars as other spirits gained popularity. The recipe for the Applejack Rabbit was first published in 1927. Although it wasn’t frequently ordered in bars at the time, it gained popularity after bartender Jim Meehan slightly modified the recipe in the early 2000s at Gramercy Tavern in NYC.

Comments: I prefer to use less maple syrup than the 1/2 ounce listed in the original recipe. Additionally, the Applejack Rabbit is a simplified version of the Applejack Sour (below), which adds aromatic bitters and nutmeg, also worth considering for a fall treat.

Similar Cocktails:

Applejack No. 1 & 2 — https://keetscocktails.com/applejack-no-1/

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

Jack Rose — https://keetscocktails.com/jack-rose-2/

North Garden — https://keetscocktails.com/north-garden-2/

Golden Dawn — https://keetscocktails.com/golden-dawn/