Applejack Cocktails: Classic & Creative Recipes

In the world of spirits, few drinks are as steeped in history and tradition as applejack. Originating in early America, applejack is a delightful apple brandy that captures the essence of autumn in a bottle. While sipping it neat is a fine experience, incorporating applejack into cocktails is a journey through time and flavor. 

Today, applejack is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with mixologists across the country creating innovative cocktails that celebrate its unique apple flavor. Here are a few applejack cocktail recipes that will transport you back in time, all while delighting your taste buds.

Classic Jack Rose

The Jack Rose is a classic applejack cocktail with a delightful balance of tart and sweet. It's a true taste of American history.

2 oz  Eight Oaks Barrel-Aged Applejack 

½ oz Lemon juice 

1 oz  Homemade grenadine (Store-bought is fine too) 

Lemon slice

Add applejack, lemon juice, and grenadine to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into rocks or martini glass. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Applejack Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail, and when made with applejack, it adds a layer of apple complexity to the drink.

2 oz Eight Oaks Barrel-Aged Applejack

1 sugar cube

2 dashes Eight Oaks Greenhouse Angostura bitters

Orange peel

Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in a glass. Add ice and applejack, stirring gently. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Lumberjack Sour

The Lumberjack Sour is a refreshing and tangy cocktail, perfect for sipping on a warm day.

2 oz Eight Oaks Barrel-Aged Applejack

1 oz Fresh lemon

½ oz 100% Maple syrup

2-4 Dashes Eight Oaks Greenhouse Citrus or Angostura Bitters

1 Lemon slice 

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Applejack Manhattan

This apple-infused twist on the classic Manhattan is a must-try for whiskey lovers.

2 oz Eight Oaks Barrel-Aged Applejack

1 oz sweet vermouth

2 dashes Eight Oaks Greenhouse Angostura bitters

Maraschino cherry for garnish

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Applejack cocktails offer a unique blend of history and flavor that's hard to resist. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a home bartender looking to expand your horizons, applejack cocktails are a fantastic place to start. So, why not raise a glass to the past and present by crafting one of these delightful applejack cocktails? 

Cheers!

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