This Day in History: A Folk Icon and Spiked Apple Cider

Do you know the legend of Johnny Appleseed? The folk icon, born John Chapman, died on March 11, 1845, and probably did more than any other single figure to pioneer the planting of apple trees in America. While he likely wasn’t much of a drinker himself, due to his subsistence lifestyle, we at Deep South Barrels wanted to raise a symbolic toast to him by sharing a bit about his life, as well as one of our favorite apple-based cocktail recipes.

Conservation Hero

Johnny Appleseed became a legend in his own time due to his kind-hearted nature, his pioneering efforts in conservation, and, most famously, his dedication to the growth of apple trees. He worked as an apprentice to an orchardist in his early years, and devoted the rest of his life to planting and tending orchards of apple trees in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana, among other states. Chapman also worked as a missionary, and lived an extremely simple lifestyle, often traveling from place to place barefoot and in light outer wear, even in inclement weather.

By the time he passed away in 1845, he was not only a local hero, but a national one as well. There are several statues of Johnny Appleseed throughout the U.S., not to mention an Ohio museum named after him. He has been characterized in numerous books and films, and even today is associated with the American spirit of exploration.

Spiked Apple Cider

Johnny Appleseed was partial to wild varieties of apples, as he was against the practice of plant grafting. Therefore, these apples made excellent cider. Often thought of as an autumnal drink, apple cider is actually excellent with ice and spirits – here is our interpretation of a “Johnny Appleseed Cocktail.” Mix it up this weekend and drink in honor of one of our truly iconic folk legends.

Johnny Appleseed Cocktail

• Apple cider
• Vodka (rum can be used as well)
• Cinnamon
• Apple slice (for garnish)

Fill a 16-oz glass a little over halfway with ice. Measure out 1 ½ shots of vodka or rum in a standard shot glass. Pour into the glass. Fill the rest with chilled apple cider, give a stir to ensure contents are evenly mixed. Add a shake of cinnamon, and serve with an apple slice as a garnish on the glass. Enjoy! Added by Christina on March 11, 2015.