Applejack, often referred to as “America’s First Spirit,” carries a long and spirited history. Originally made by the early American settlers, the apple-based beverage is an especially autumnal spirit and a symbol of the ingenuity of early Americana.
The History of Applejack
The story began in the 1600s when European settlers brought apple seeds to the New World. These seeds thrived in the northeastern United States, especially in New Jersey, where apples quickly became a staple crop. Fermented apple cider became a popular drink among colonists. Eventually, the cold winters led to the discovery of a unique distilling process known as “jacking” or “freeze distillation,” which transformed apple cider into Applejack.
Freeze distillation involved leaving barrels of hard cider outside overnight, allowing water to freeze and separate, leaving behind a more concentrated, higher-proof apple spirit. This method became common, and soon the result—Applejack—was a prized spirit, known for its warmth and potency. It became a staple drink among early American colonists and was even used as a form of currency in some regions.
As distilling methods evolved, Applejack production shifted toward true distillation in copper pot stills, giving it a smoother flavor and greater consistency. By the late 1600s, distilleries like Laird & Co., the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States, were producing Applejack commercially. The spirit even caught the attention of George Washington, who built a distillery at Mount Vernon with the intent of making it.
The History of the Jack Rose Cocktail
The Jack Rose cocktail, probably the most famous Applejack cocktail, was created in the early 20th century, though its origins remain a bit of a mystery. Some claim it was named after the notorious gambler Jack Rose, while others believe the name is a nod to the rose-like color created by the grenadine. However, one thing is certain: this cocktail cemented Applejack’s place in the world of classic cocktails.
First gaining popularity in New York City in the 1910s, the Jack Rose became a celebrated drink in bars across the U.S. by the 1920s. Writers like Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck were famous fans of the cocktail. After Prohibition, both the Jack Rose and Applejack fell into obscurity, but craft distilleries like Coppercraft are working to bring this sip of history back to the American people.
The Jack Rose
- 2 oz Coppercraft Applejack
- .75 oz lemon juice
- .5 oz grenadine
- Lemon twist, garnish
Add the Coppercraft Applejack, lemon juice, and grenadine into a shaker with ice. Shake until well-chilled. Strain into a coupe glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.
Coppercraft’s Applejack
At Coppercraft, we bring new life to America’s oldest spirit with our unique applejack, made from pure, ripe apples sourced from Michigan’s renowned Fruit Ridge. These apples are fermented, distilled, and then aged for one year in used bourbon barrels, giving our applejack a rich depth of flavor. Each sip carries notes of sweet vanilla, warm butterscotch, and a touch of tart apple and spice—a true reflection of heritage craftsmanship with a modern twist. Perfect on its own or in cocktails, Coppercraft’s applejack honors the legacy of the American classic.
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