Michael Neff's Gin-Applejack Punch Recipe

Updated August 09, 2018

We asked Michael Neff of Ward III in Tribeca to design a cocktail that we could make in a big batch for a party.

The only ingredient we stipulated was applejack; we love the oaky vanilla notes and baked-apple flavor of Cornelius Applejack and the caramelized, spicy apple and brown sugar flavor of Laird's Applejack (both were review samples.) But we didn't want typical fall flavors: no ginger or nutmeg, no cinnamon. Been there, done that.

Neff has a way with requests: he makes drinks better than anything we might be imagining when we order them. He threw in the applejack, but then added gin, which contributes a perfect piney freshness. Lime and orange juices brighten it up, adding sunny flavor to the potent punch. Though you could just use juice, muddling the orange to get the oils from the peel adds a delicately bitter complexity that straight juice just doesn't match.

Make this drink a few hours ahead of the party and store it in a bottle in your fridge, Michael Dietsch-style.

Recipe Details

Michael Neff's Gin-Applejack Punch Recipe

Prep 10 mins

Freezing Time 9 hrs

Total 9 hrs 10 mins

Serves 5 servings

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

2 oranges
8 dashes Angostura bitters
6 ounces gin
6 ounces Applejack
2 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice from about 5 limes
2 ounces simple syrup
5 ounces water
Large block of ice for serving
Thin lime slices for garnish

Directions

8 hours in advance, make a large ice block (or extra-large ice cubes) for serving.
Meanwhile, a few hours before serving, cut oranges into slices and muddle a few at a time in shaker. Strain and discard pulp and orange peel. When you have 2 ounces of juice, add Angostura bitters. Pour into resealable 750-milliliter bottle (using funnel if desired.)
Add gin, applejack, lime juice, simple syrup, and water. Seal bottle and shake to blend. Refrigerate until completely chilled. Serve in a punch bowl over ice, garnishing with lime slices.

Special equipment

muddler, shaker, resealable 750 milliliter bottle, funnel, punch bowl

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
150	Calories
0g	Fat
14g	Carbs
0g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 5
Amount per serving
Calories	150
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g	0%
Saturated Fat 0g	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 10mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 14g	5%
Dietary Fiber 1g	5%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 16mg	80%
Calcium 16mg	1%
Iron 0mg	1%
Potassium 92mg	2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.