How to Make Delicious Homemade Applejack

Are you a fan of applejack? Did you know that you can make it at home? Yes, you can! With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and refreshing applejack that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether you want to impress your friends or just unwind after a long day, making applejack is an easy and fun process that anyone can do.

Before we begin, let’s clarify what applejack is. Applejack is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented apple cider. It has been around for centuries and has been a popular drink in the United States since colonial times. The process of making applejack involves freezing apple cider or hard cider, then removing the water to concentrate the alcohol content. This results in a smooth and flavorful beverage that is perfect for sipping on its own or as a mixer in cocktails. So, let’s get started on making some delicious applejack!

History of Applejack

Applejack, also known as apple brandy, is a type of liquor made by distilling fermented apple cider. The process is said to have originated in the colonial United States, where it was commonly used as a way to preserve apples and cider that would otherwise spoil. Today, applejack is still a popular drink, both on its own and as a key ingredient in cocktails.

The Equipment Needed for Making Applejack

Before you can start making your own applejack, you’ll need to gather a few key pieces of equipment. These include:

1. A large pot or kettle
2. A heat source (such as a stove or outdoor burner)
3. A fermentation vessel (such as a carboy or plastic bucket)
4. An airlock
5. A hydrometer
6. A still (if you plan on distilling your applejack)

Choosing the Right Apples

The type of apples you use when making applejack can have a big impact on the final product. Ideally, you’ll want to use a mix of sweet and tart apples to create a well-balanced flavor. Some popular apple varieties to consider include:

– Honeycrisp
– Granny Smith
– Jonathan
– Braeburn
– Fuji

Making Your Own Apple Cider

Once you’ve chosen your apples, the next step is to turn them into apple cider. To do this, you’ll need to wash and chop your apples, then grind them into a pulp. From there, you can press the pulp to extract the juice, which will be your cider base.

Fermenting the Cider

Once you have your apple cider, it’s time to ferment it. This is done by adding yeast to the juice and allowing it to sit at room temperature for several days. During this time, the yeast will consume the sugars in the juice and convert them into alcohol.

Testing the Alcohol Content

After the fermentation process is complete, it’s important to test the alcohol content of your cider. This can be done using a hydrometer, which will give you a specific gravity reading. Generally, you’ll want your cider to have a specific gravity of around 1.000 before moving on to the next step.

Distilling Your Applejack

If you want to make true applejack, you’ll need to distill your fermented cider. This is the process of heating the cider to a high temperature in order to separate the alcohol from the water and other impurities. The resulting liquid will be your applejack, which can be aged in barrels for added flavor.

Making Spiced Applejack

For a unique twist on classic applejack, consider adding some spices to the mix. Popular additions include cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. Simply steep these spices in your applejack for a few days before straining them out and enjoying your delicious spiced applejack.

Using Applejack in Cocktails

Applejack is a versatile liquor that can be used in a variety of cocktails. Some popular options include the Jack Rose (made with applejack, lime juice, and grenadine) and the Applejack Old Fashioned (made with applejack, simple syrup, and bitters). Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations!

Storing and Aging Your Applejack

Once you’ve made your applejack, it’s important to store it properly in order to preserve its flavor and quality. Generally, you’ll want to store your applejack in a cool, dark place (such as a basement or cellar), where it can age for several months or even years. Over time, the flavors of the applejack will continue to develop and deepen, resulting in a truly unique and delicious liquor.

Equipment Needed for Making Applejack

Applejack making requires several pieces of equipment that you must put together before beginning the process. Two of the most essential equipment are listed below:

A Fermenting Vessel or Container

The fermenting vessel or container is where the apple juice will sit for a few weeks. It should be able to hold at least 5 gallons of liquid and should have a tight-fitting lid to keep out air. A carboy, a glass or plastic container with a narrow neck, is an ideal option. However, if you don’t have a carboy, a food-grade plastic bucket with a tight-fitting lid will suffice.

A Copper Pot or Large Kettle

Once the apple juice has fermented and become hard cider, you’ll need a brewing kettle to boil it down. Copper pots are commonly used in applejack making but if you do not have one at home, a stainless steel or enamel pot will work just as well. The pot must not be tin, and it must have a snug-fitting lid.

A Hydrometer

A hydrometer is a tool that measures the specific gravity of the liquid. It will be used to ensure that the apple cider has fermented completely before proceeding with the distillation. A reading of 0.990 or below on the hydrometer will signify that fermentation is complete and that the apple cider is ready for distillation.

A Copper Coiled Condenser

A copper coiled condenser is a key piece of equipment responsible for cooling the applejack vapors and returning them to a liquid state. It should be made of food-grade copper, and its interior must be clean and free of contaminants.

An Electric or Gas Cooker

You will need an electric or gas cooker to heat the distilling pot or kettle with the fermented hard cider inside.

A Thermometer

A thermometer is a tool that measures the temperature of a liquid. It will be used to ensure that the applejack is being heated to a consistent temperature. A digital thermometer is a great option as it gives instant readings, but a traditional mercury-style thermometer works as well.

A Hygiene Kit

Good hygiene is essential in applejack making. Therefore, you will need several items, such as rubber gloves, soap, and sanitizer.

A Measuring Cup or Spoon

A measuring cup or spoon will help you to accurately add ingredients such as sugar or yeast into your apple cider.

A Funnel

A funnel is necessary for transferring the hard cider from the fermenting vessel to the distilling pot.

Measuring Cylinder

A measuring cylinder or a graduated cylinder can be used to help measure the alcohol content of your applejack.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Applejack

Now that you have a good understanding of the history of applejack and the types of apples to use, it’s time to get started on making your own batch. Here is a step-by-step guide to making applejack:

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

As mentioned earlier, the best apples to use for making applejack are those that are high in sugar, such as Winesap, Jonathan, and McIntosh. You should also look for apples that are free from bruises and blemishes, as these imperfections can impact the quality of your final product. If you have access to an apple orchard, you may even be able to pick your own apples.

Step 2: Press Your Apples

Once you have your apples, it’s time to press them to extract the juice. If you have a fruit press, this will make the process much easier. Simply wash and chop your apples, load them into the press, and start cranking. If you don’t have a fruit press, you can also use a juicer or a blender to extract the juice. Just be sure to strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds.

Step 3: Ferment the Juice

Next, you will need to ferment the apple juice. This process converts the natural sugars in the juice into alcohol. To do this, pour the juice into a sterilized glass or plastic container, leaving some space at the top for the fermentation process to occur. Add a commercial yeast designed specifically for cider making, or allow the natural yeast present on the apple skins to do the work for you.

Step 4: Age Your Cider

After about a week, you should start to notice bubbles forming in your cider. This means that the fermentation process is underway. Allow your cider to ferment for several weeks, or until it reaches about 8-10% alcohol by volume. Then, transfer the cider to a secondary fermentation vessel, such as a carboy or a large glass jug. Seal the container with an airlock, and allow the cider to age for several months.

Step 5: Freeze Distill Your Cider

Once your cider has aged to your liking, it’s time to freeze distill it. This process involves freezing the cider and then removing the frozen water, leaving behind a more concentrated applejack. To do this, pour your aged cider into a plastic container and place it in the freezer. Allow it to freeze for several hours, or until ice crystals form on the surface. Carefully remove the container from the freezer, and strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter. The resulting applejack should be higher in alcohol content and more flavorful than your original cider.

Conclusion

Making applejack is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to create your own unique drink using fresh, local ingredients. With the right apples, equipment, and techniques, you can brew up a batch of applejack that is sure to impress your friends and family. So what are you waiting for? Start gathering your supplies and get ready to experience the satisfying taste of homemade applejack!

Sip and Enjoy!

That’s it! Now you know how to make your own delicious applejack. It might seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of patience and practice, you’ll be making batches of applejack like a pro. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family, and make memories over a glass of your homemade beverage. Thanks for reading, and come back soon for more fun and easy tips!