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Lumberjack - Rye Whiskey and Applejack Recipe

Lumberjack - Rye Whiskey and Applejack Recipe

By What’s Baking

A robust blend of spicy rye whiskey and apple-forward applejack creates a woodsy, warming cocktail with perfect balance between fruit and grain.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
3 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A heavyweight rocks glass sits on a hand-carved wooden coaster, filled with a deep amber liquid that catches the light with rich copper highlights. A large, crystal-clear ice cube slowly melts in the center, while a thin apple slice and cinnamon stick lean against the edge as garnish. The drink's surface reflects warm, directional lighting that accentuates the viscosity of the spirit blend. In the background, slightly out of focus, sits a bottle of rye whiskey and applejack against a backdrop of dark wood paneling, creating a distinctly masculine atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional woodsmen's cabin.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml rye whiskey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml applejack (or apple brandy)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml maple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 dashes Angostura bitters</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 dash orange bitters</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Thin apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rocks glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large ice cube mold (optional)</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by chilling your rocks glass. Simply fill it with ice and a splash of water, then set aside while you prepare the cocktail. This pre-chilling ensures your drink stays at the perfect temperature longer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add a large ice cube or several smaller cubes to your mixing glass. Using cold, fresh ice is crucial as it minimizes dilution while properly chilling the spirits.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Measure and pour 45ml of rye whiskey into your mixing glass. Look for a rye with pronounced spice notes that will stand up to the fruity applejack.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add 30ml of applejack to the mixing glass. This apple brandy brings a natural fruit sweetness that beautifully complements the spicy rye backbone.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Pour 15ml maple syrup into the mixing glass. Real maple syrup adds complexity with its earthy sweetness that artificial sweeteners simply can't replicate.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1 dash of orange bitters. The bitters act as aromatic seasoning, binding the flavors together while adding depth and complexity.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Stir the mixture with your bar spoon for about 30 seconds (approximately 40-50 rotations). Stirring, rather than shaking, maintains clarity while achieving proper dilution and temperature.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Empty the ice and water from your chilled rocks glass. A properly chilled glass will keep your cocktail at its ideal temperature longer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Place a fresh large ice cube in the rocks glass. Large cubes melt more slowly, providing gentle chilling without excessive dilution.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Strain the cocktail from your mixing glass into the prepared rocks glass. Pour slowly and evenly to maintain the drink's clarity.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Garnish with a thin apple slice and cinnamon stick. The apple enhances the applejack aroma while the cinnamon complements the spice notes in the rye and contributes to the cocktail's rustic presentation.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 345 calories
🥑 Fat: 18 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 11 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 43 g
🍭 Sugar: 26 g
🍗 Protein: 4 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 75 mg
🧂 Sodium: 180 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I substitute applejack with another spirit in this whiskey cocktail?

If applejack is unavailable, Calvados (French apple brandy) makes an excellent substitute. For a non-apple alternative, try pear brandy or even bourbon, though this will create a different flavour profile. In a pinch, you could use 15ml of apple cider reduction with 15ml of brandy.

What's the best rye whiskey to use in a spirit-forward autumn cocktail?

Look for a robust rye whiskey with pronounced spice notes like Rittenhouse, Sazerac, or WhistlePig. A higher proof rye (45-50% ABV) stands up well to the sweetness of the applejack and maple syrup, creating better balance. Avoid overly mild ryes that might get lost among the other flavours.

Why is stirring rather than shaking recommended for this maple and apple whiskey drink?

Stirring maintains the clarity and silky texture of this spirit-forward cocktail. Shaking would introduce too much air and excessive dilution, clouding the appearance and potentially dulling the complex interplay between the rye's spiciness, the applejack's fruit notes, and the maple's richness.

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