Applejack Rabbit Cocktail

The Applejack Rabbit Cocktail is a lively and flavorful drink that brings together the best of fruit and spice in one balanced glass. Applejack, a classic American apple brandy, provides a rich and crisp foundation with notes of ripe fruit and warmth. Fresh lemon and orange juices brighten the cocktail with zesty citrus flavors, adding a refreshing tang that balances the richness of the spirit. A touch of maple syrup smooths the edges, lending gentle sweetness and depth. Finished with a slice of Envy apple for garnish, this cocktail is a seasonal favorite that looks as good as it tastes.

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Tasting Notes

The Applejack Rabbit Cocktail is a lively balance of tart citrus, orchard fruit, and maple sweetness. Apple brandy sets the foundation with deep, rounded apple flavor and warmth. Fresh lemon juice brings brightness and tang, while orange juice adds natural sweetness and softens the acidity, creating balance. Maple syrup ties everything together with earthy, caramelized notes that complement both fruit and citrus. The result is a cocktail that feels crisp and refreshing, yet layered with richness. Garnished with a slice of fresh apple, each sip highlights the play between sharp, sweet, and spiced flavors in a smooth, seasonal drink.

Equipment and Glassware

This Applejack Rabbit Cocktail is simple to prepare but benefits from the right tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for chilling and properly blending the citrus juices, brandy, and maple syrup. A strainer ensures a clean pour, free of ice shards. A jigger helps measure ingredients precisely, which is important for balancing sweet and tart flavors. For serving, a coupe or cocktail glass works beautifully, highlighting the cocktail’s golden hue while keeping the presentation elegant. A sharp knife or mandoline is helpful for slicing apple garnish, ensuring thin, neat pieces that float gracefully on top of the finished drink.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces apple brandy
• 0.75 ounce lemon juice
• 0.75 ounce orange juice
• 0.5 ounce maple syrup
• Slice apple for garnish

Instructions

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add the apple brandy, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, and maple syrup to the shaker.
• Shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled.
• Strain the cocktail into a glass.
• Garnish with a slice of Envy apple for a crisp and elegant touch.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the bright, balanced flavors of this refreshing cocktail.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice for the cleanest flavor.
• Select a quality apple brandy for a smoother, richer base.
• Grade A dark maple syrup provides more robust depth.
• Chill the glass in advance for a polished presentation.
• Garnish with an Envy or Honeycrisp apple slice for crisp aroma.
• Adjust maple syrup levels depending on desired sweetness.
• Double strain to remove pulp for a smoother drink.
• Add a dash of bitters for extra spice and complexity.

When to Serve

The Applejack Rabbit Cocktail is a versatile drink, well-suited to both casual gatherings and more formal occasions. Its balance of citrus brightness and apple brandy depth makes it an excellent pre-dinner cocktail, as it stimulates the palate without being too heavy. The seasonal notes of apple and maple also make it ideal for autumn and winter entertaining, especially around Thanksgiving or holiday celebrations. With its golden hue and crisp apple garnish, it presents beautifully at dinner parties, brunches, or cocktail hours. This cocktail brings refreshing energy while remaining rooted in comforting, familiar flavors.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Apple Brandy: Laird’s Applejack, Christian Drouin, Copper & Kings
• Maple Syrup: Crown Maple, Coombs Family Farms, Butternut Mountain Farm

Similar Cocktails

• Apple-Brandy Hot Toddies
• Apple Brandy Rickey
• Maple-Bourbon Smash
• Widow’s Kiss Cocktail
• Honeymoon Cocktail