National Applejack Month

National Applejack Month is observed throughout October and celebrates applejack, an alcoholic drink made from apples. Applejack is a concentrated, higher-proof form of hard cider, and it may also be described as apple brandy. According to CDKitchen’s holiday overview, the apple harvest and October’s cooler weather traditionally ushered in cider season.

Applejack has roots in colonial North America. One traditional method, known as “jacking,” involved leaving hard cider outside in freezing weather so that water turned to ice and could be removed, concentrating the alcohol that remained. National Geographic describes this process and notes that applejack later became an ingredient in classic cocktails. Modern applejack may also be produced through distillation.

The history of the month itself is not documented in the available sources, but October offers an opportunity to learn about this distinctive apple-based spirit, explore its colonial-era background, and enjoy its place in fall food and drink.

How to Observe National Applejack Month

Celebrate by learning how applejack developed from hard cider and exploring its use in classic cocktails. Adults who choose to drink can sample a commercially produced applejack responsibly, or browse CDKitchen’s applejack recipes, which include Chicken With Applejack and Apple Brandy Butter. You can also compare applejack with hard cider or apple brandy while reading about the traditional “jacking” process.

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