Orchard Drift is a smooth, easy-drinking cocktail that combines crisp apple juice with fresh lemon and a touch of maple syrup. Shaken and served over fresh ice, it is light, mellow, and gently bright, with just enough sweetness to round out its clean orchard character.
Recipe
- 2 oz vodka or white rum
- 2 oz apple juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/4 oz maple syrup
Glass
- Double old fashioned glass
How to make
- Add the spirits, apple juice, lemon juice, and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a double old fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice or lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Garnish
Garnish with a thin apple slice or a twist of lemon peel. For a cleaner finish, express the lemon peel over the drink and place it in or on the glass.
Origin
Orchard Drift was created as a softer fruit-forward cocktail built around apple juice, with lemon for brightness and maple syrup for a subtle warmth. Its name reflects the drink’s calm, easy character and the way its flavors settle into a smooth, drifting finish.
Optional serving note
Best served very cold over fresh ice. This one drinks softer and gentler than the citrus-heavy recipes, with a cleaner, more mellow profile. For a slightly lighter and brighter variation, white rum can be used in place of vodka.