Applejack Rickey Cocktail
We’re nearing the end of November and that means we’ll soon be in the thick of holiday mayhem. The holidays means it’s time to pull out the bourbon, whiskey, Applejack and bubbles… lots and lots of bubbles. Those bubbles can take the form of ginger beer, champagne, tonic water or club soda; and while I like them all, champagne and club soda are far and away my favorites. So, when I discovered a classic cocktail that combined Applejack and club soda, I knew I had a winner on my hands.
The Applejack Rickey is a great cocktail for this time of year because it combines the fall flavors of Applejack with citrus juice and club soda. It’s that club soda that puts this drink in prime holiday territory. See, those bubbles add a nice fizz making what could be an ordinary cocktail a festive, refreshing drink perfect for the season.
While you may think I simply put a spin on the more well known Gin Rickey, it turns out the Applejack version has been around since before Prohibition. Actually, the Rickey itself is a family of cocktails that was invented in Washington D.C. in the late 1800’s. The vintage Mr. Boston bar guide, first published in 1935, actually has several different variations including one made with bourbon, and another using apricot brandy.
The original recipe calls for “the juice of half or whole lime” and 1 drink of Applejack which according to my research seemed to be 1-1/2 ounces. So, when I mixed up the recipe I used half a lime and one-and-a-half ounces of Applejack. Upon tasting the drink there was just a little too much tartness, so I added another half ounce of Applejack and that evened the cocktail out. Now I had just the right amount of citrus and apple and a very happy palate.
Up until today I had only tasted the gin version, and only during the summer months because it is such a refreshing cocktail ideal for those warmer temperatures. But the Applejack version is not only refreshing, it’s delightful fall flavors make it a drink ideal for sipping on a chilly afternoon… especially if you have a slice of apple pie to go with it.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 ounces Applejack
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 4-5 ounces club soda
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice and set aside.
- Pour the Applejack and lime juice into a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until combined.
- Strain into the prepared highball glass. Add the club soda and serve.
