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Lumberjack - Rye Whiskey and Applejack Recipe

Lumberjack - Rye Whiskey and Applejack Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Lumberjack cocktail, combining spicy rye whiskey with apple-forward applejack for a robust, warming drink. This easy craft cocktail recipe balances fruit sweetness with whiskey's character for a perfect autumn or winter sipper. No specialized techniques required!
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>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:
🔥 Calories:
🥑 Fat:
🧈 Saturated Fat:
🍞 Carbohydrates:
🍭 Sugar:
🍗 Protein:
🫀 Cholesterol:
🧂 Sodium:

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>

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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Lumberjack?

The Lumberjack cocktail requires rye whiskey, applejack (or apple brandy), maple syrup, Angostura bitters, orange bitters, and garnishes of a thin apple slice and cinnamon stick. These ingredients create a perfect balance of spicy, fruity and warming flavours.

How to make Lumberjack at home?

Learn how to make Lumberjack by combining 45ml rye whiskey, 30ml applejack, 15ml maple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for about 30 seconds, strain into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube, and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick. This spirit-forward cocktail requires no complex techniques, making it perfect for beginners.

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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This pre-chilling ensures your drink stays at the perfect temperature longer." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare mixing glass", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add spirits", "text": "Measure and pour 45ml of rye whiskey and 30ml of applejack into your mixing glass." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add sweetener and bitters", "text": "Pour 15ml maple syrup into the mixing glass. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1 dash of orange bitters." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Stir", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare serving glass", "text": "Empty the ice and water from your chilled rocks glass. Place a fresh large ice cube in the rocks glass." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Strain and serve", "text": "Strain the cocktail from your mixing glass into the prepared rocks glass. Pour slowly and evenly to maintain the drink's clarity." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Garnish", "text": "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." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "156" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Henrik Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-05-28", "reviewBody": "This Lumberjack cocktail has the perfect balance between the spicy rye and sweet apple notes. The maple syrup ties everything together beautifully. It's become my go-to weekend drink!", "name": "Perfect Balance", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sophia Petridis", "datePublished": "2024-06-01", "reviewBody": "I was looking for a warming cocktail without the harshness that some whiskey drinks have. This Lumberjack is perfect - smooth and comforting without being overpowering. The maple syrup is a genius addition!", "name": "Perfectly Warming", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Miguel Fernandez", "datePublished": "2024-06-03", "reviewBody": "Made this for my autumn dinner party and it was an absolute hit! The apple and cinnamon garnish makes it look as good as it tastes. Even friends who don't usually enjoy whiskey loved this cocktail.", "name": "Dinner Party Star", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Amara Okorie", "datePublished": "2024-06-05", "reviewBody": "The complexity of this drink is impressive given how simple it is to make. The rye's spiciness, applejack's fruitiness, and maple's sweetness create layers of flavor that evolve as you sip. Absolutely delicious!", "name": "Surprising Complexity", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lin Wei", "datePublished": "2024-06-07", "reviewBody": "I've tried several apple and whiskey combinations, but this Lumberjack recipe nails the ratio perfectly. The dash of orange bitters adds just the right aromatic touch. This has become my signature cocktail when hosting friends.", "name": "Perfect Proportions", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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