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Cocktail History
The Stone Fence is a classic cocktail that is believed to have been created during the American Revolution. Legend has it Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys drank them before their raid on Fort Ticonderoga, which is where its name was probably derived. While the most accessible spirit back then was likely rum, nowadays this recipe is commonly made with any dark aged spirit and paired with apple cider and bitters.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Bourbon: This is a type of whiskey made in the United States with at least 51% corn, grains, malted barley, and water. We went with Boondocks 8 Year Old Straight Bourbon because it has a smooth and rich taste with notes of vanilla, raisins, and smoke. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Whiskey in place of the whiskey.
Apple Cider: This is a beverage made with freshly pressed apple juice and baking spices. We used The Glass Orchard Apple Cider because it’s fresh, delicious, and made locally to us.
Aromatic Bitters: This is a food product made with botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. We used Angostura Aromatic Bitters. For a mocktail version of this drink, try All The Bitter Alcohol-Free Aromatic Bitters in place of the aromatic bitters.
Mint Sprig: This is an herb. We used Mojito mint.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. We used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Tasting Notes
The Stone Fence begins with fresh aromas of mint and apple, evolves into a smooth warming blend of sweet spiced-apple laced bourbon, and finishes with an extra layer of dark chocolate complexity in the aftertaste.
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: We both really liked this easy recipe! The Stone Fence would be perfect for that first cool, crisp night of the fall season when you’re sitting by the campfire to stay warm, and it would also be a great gateway for anyone trying to ease into bourbon’s sharp and spicy taste.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Essential Cocktail Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Drinks by the editors of PUNCH and Megan Krigbaum.
Add bourbon, apple cider, bitters, and cracked ice to a lowball glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Garnish with mint sprig.
Ingredients
Directions
Add bourbon, apple cider, bitters, and cracked ice to a lowball glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Garnish with mint sprig.
Make It a Mocktail: Use Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Whiskey in place of the whiskey and All The Bitter Alcohol-Free Aromatic Bitters in place of the aromatic bitters to try a booze-free version of this drink.
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More Apple Cocktails
If you like this apple-flavored cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
Spiced Pumpkin Punch: A gin cocktail made with apple cider, pumpkin purée, honey syrup, lemon juice, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon sticks
Apple Brandy Sour: An apple brandy cocktail made with lemon juice, maple syrup, egg white, Angostura aromatic bitters, and a cherry
Salted Caramel Apple Martini: A gin and apple brandy cocktail made with salted caramel syrup
Apple Crush: An apply brandy and vodka cocktail made with apple cider, lemon juice, simple syrup, maple sugar, honeycrisp apple, and a cinnamon stick
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