A. J.

Pro tips

• Use fresh grapefruit juice squeezed same-day for the best citrus flavor; bottled juice oxidizes quickly.
• Chill your glass with ice water before serving to keep the drink cold longer.
• Taste before serving — if too tart, you can add a small splash of simple syrup or honey syrup to balance.

Substitutions

• Applejack → rye whiskey or bourbon (loses apple character but maintains structure)
• Fresh grapefruit juice → fresh orange juice (creates a more citrus-forward, less tart profile)

What is applejack and can I substitute it?

Applejack is an apple brandy or apple whiskey. You can substitute with regular whiskey, rye, or brandy, though the apple character will be lost.

Should the A.J. be served cold?

Yes, serve over ice in a rocks glass or strain into a chilled coupe. Cold temperature balances the citrus acidity.

Do I need fresh grapefruit juice?

Fresh juice is preferred for brightness and flavor, but bottled unsweetened grapefruit juice works if fresh is unavailable.

Can I scale this recipe for a crowd?

Yes. Multiply both ingredients by the number of servings needed. Mix in a pitcher with ice and strain into individual glasses.