It’s the holiday time, and we have found ourselves with more than the usual amount of Laird’s Applejack Brandy lying about (long story), so here’s my first and obvious cocktail thereby: the Apple Pie, Jack. It truly tastes like an apple pie.
The Apple Pie, Jack
- 2 oz Applejack brandy
- 1 oz vanilla vodka, preferably homemade
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/4 oz cinnamon syrup
Shake with ice, pour, garnish
Vanilla vodka
- 2–3 vanilla beans, split
- 750 ml vodka
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
Add the vanilla beans to the vodka. Let soak in a cool, dark place for 2–3 days or until desired vanilla taste is reached. Add the 1/4 cup simple syrup.
Cinnamon syrup
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup demerara sugar or Sugar in the Raw™
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vodka
Combine all ingredients in a pan. Bring to a boil and boil until all sugar is dissolved. Cool, cover, and allow to come to room temperature. Add vodka (for preservative), store.
I have not tried this with store-bought vanilla vodka; I expect it might have a harsher taste.