Applejack: The Original American Spirit

October is, among other things, National Applejack month. In truth, fall is Applejack’s season and has been for some time. Does that sound ridiculous? Absolutely. But by virtue of being a “melting pot,” a (usually) amicable blending of the many varied cultures that make up our history as a nation, we get very few things to call our own. We like to claim baseball, jazz, grits — so let’s start talking about an original and uniquely American spirit, Applejack.

But what is Applejack, exactly?

Applejack is brandy distilled from (duh) apples and it was once our nation’s most popular booze. It tastes like what would happen if you made whiskey from an apple and then wrapped yourself in a blanket made of it. The fabled Johnny Appleseed was once the spirit’s spokesman (no, seriously), and most folks made it from apple wine by freeze-distilling it in their back yards. This was both a great way to use up surplus apples and to get pleasantly drunk.

So what should you do with this historic ingredient?

That partially depends on the type that you’ve got in your hands. Regular old blended Applejack is excellent in cocktails and Hot Toddies. The sophisticated aged cousin, Laird’s Old Apple Brandy is delicious on the rocks, although potent, so proceed with caution. When you want a little extra kick, you can try Laird’s Bottled In Bond Straight Apple Brandy — “Bottled In Bond” means that it’s 100 proof, so do not blow your face off with it.

You can also substitute this brandy beverage for regular brandy to make an old cocktail new again. For example, try making an Applejack Old Fashioned, or perhaps an Applejack Manhattan (either full Applejack, or half and half with Rye). But the classic cocktail for this spirit is the Jack Rose. Warning: it’s hard to have just one.

The Jack Rose
2 ounces Applejack
1 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce grenadine (Try it homemade: Combine equal parts unsweetened pomegranate juice and sugar in a mason jar. Shake the hell out of it, until the sugar dissolves. BOOM, you have grenadine Once you try it this way, you’ll never go back.)

Shake well with cracked ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

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