Cocktail of the Month: Applejack Cider

Cider cocktails bring the crisp, refreshing flavor of apples to the forefront, making them a favorite for fall or anytime when you’re craving something light, fruity, and character. One of the key ingredients that elevate cider-based drinks is Applejack, a historic American spirit with deep roots in distilling tradition. This versatile, apple-based liquor pairs beautifully with the tartness of cider, creating both nostalgic and modern cocktails. Let’s explore the origins of Applejack and dive into some delicious cider cocktails you can make at home.

What is Applejack?

Applejack is one of America’s oldest spirits, with a history dating back to colonial times. Originally made by freezing hard cider to separate the water from the alcohol (a process known as “jacking”), Applejack has since evolved into a more refined spirit through traditional distillation methods. It’s made from fermented apples. The result is a smooth, apple-forward spirit that retains a touch of sweetness with a slightly higher alcohol content than cider.

With its rich, fruity base, Applejack adds complexity and depth to cider cocktails, making them more than just refreshing – they’re robust, flavorful, and steeped in history.

Why Pair Cider and Applejack?

Cider and Applejack come from the same origin – apples – which gives them a natural synergy. Cider’s tartness and bubbles bring a lightness to the drink, while Applejack’s concentrated, robust apple flavor adds depth and warmth. Together, they balance each other perfectly, creating drinks full of autumnal flavors, but versatile enough to enjoy year-round.

Cider Cocktails with Applejack: Recipes to Try

Here are a few cider cocktail ideas featuring Applejack to get you started:

The Applejack Mule

A refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this version swaps vodka for Applejack, making it a perfect choice for fall gatherings.

Ingredients:

2 oz Applejack

4 oz hard cider (dry or semi-dry works best)

1 oz fresh lime juice

Ginger beer to top

Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a copper mug or glass with ice. Add Applejack and lime juice. Top with cider and ginger beer. Stir gently, and garnish with a lime wedge.

Applejack and Cider Hot Toddy

Nothing says cozy like a hot toddy on a chilly night. Adding Applejack and hard cider to this classic drink warms you up with rich apple flavors.

Ingredients:

2 oz Applejack

4 oz warm spiced cider (heat gently in a pot)

1 tsp honey

1 cinnamon stick

Lemon slice for garnish

Instructions:

In a heatproof mug, add Applejack and honey. Pour warm cider over the top and stir until the honey dissolves. Add a cinnamon stick and garnish with a lemon slice.

Autumn Harvest Sour

For those who love a good sour, this Applejack and cider cocktail adds a fruity and tart twist to the classic whiskey sour.

Ingredients:

2 oz Applejack

1 oz hard cider

¾ oz lemon juice

½ oz simple syrup

1 egg white (optional for a frothy texture)

Apple slice for garnish

Instructions:

In a shaker, combine Applejack, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using). Shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg white. Add ice and shake again until well chilled. Strain into a glass and top with hard cider. Garnish with an apple slice.

Using Applejack in cocktails goes beyond just adding another spirit to the mix. It’s a nod to the centuries-old American tradition of apple-based distilling. As one of the first distilled spirits made in the United States, Applejack has been cherished for its rich flavor, blending the crispness of apples with the warmth of a high-quality liquor. It’s versatile enough to be used in sweet and tart cocktails, making it a perfect pairing for hard cider or as the star of its own show.

Whether you’re sipping an Applejack Mule on a warm day or cozying up with an Applejack Hot Toddy by the fire, the combination of cider and Applejack offers endless possibilities. The next time you’re crafting a fall-inspired cocktail, don’t forget to reach for the Applejack and let this historic spirit elevate your drink.

We invite you to visit Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, explore our range of handcrafted spirits, and enjoy an Applejack Cider. In October, 10% of proceeds from Applejack Cider sales go to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Cheers!