Applefest: Fall Applejack Cocktail

For my applefest cocktail I knew I wanted to make something with Applejack - an apple brandy than is the base of one my favorite classic cocktails, the Jack Rose.  I wanted something a little richer than that cocktail, which is made with applejack, lemon juice and grenadine.  Rye Whiskey seemed like the perfect thing to mix the brandy with to make a cocktail that had some depth and gave you that warm toasty fall feeling.  I also added some maple syrup and lemon juice, and topped the cocktail off with a little (nonalcoholic) sparkling cider to lighten it up a smidgen.  I was really happy with this concoction and serving it in the champagne coupe made it feel like something special.  This would be great for your fall holiday gatherings.

Fall Applejack Cocktail   (printable recipe)


Applejack brandy is not necessary one of staples of most liquor cabinets, but it is something I would recommend buying. It isn't too expensive (I bought Laird's) and it is so tasty and easy to drink it has a lot of uses both in the cocktail arena and with cooking.

Ingredients (for 1 cocktail)
2 ounces applejack brandy
1 and 1/2 ounce rye whiskey
1 ounce lemon juice
1 teaspoon maple syrup
sparkling apple cider  

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients except the sparking cider in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
2. Strain into a champagne coupe or other small cocktail glass, top off with sparkling cider.