Washington Irving, who wrote the short story “Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” based his fictional character on the Kinderhook Schoolhouse teacher from whom this Ichabod Crane Cocktail gets its name. Its very autumnal apple notes make it perfect for sipping by a cozy fire.
Who Was Ichabod Crane?
Ichabod Crane, Washington Irving’s lanky schoolmaster in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is both comical and tragic. Tall, thin, and awkward, he exudes an air of scholarly pride while being notoriously superstitious. Fond of ghost tales, food, and flirtation, he sets his sights on Katrina Van Tassel, hoping to secure her hand—and her wealthy inheritance. Yet, his rival Brom Bones outmatches him in charisma and strength. Ichabod’s fateful encounter with the Headless Horseman blurs myth and reality, leaving his fate ambiguous. More than a character, he embodies America’s early Gothic imagination: equal parts satire, folklore, and haunting mystery.
Enjoy this cocktail while pondering where Ichabod may have disappeared to after his frightening evening in the woods!
The Ichabod Crane Cocktail Recipe
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The Ichabod Crane Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of Harvest Spirits Apple Jack
- 1 ounce of unfiltered apple cider (we use only Samascott Farms cider up here)
- 1 ounce of Trincheri Sweet Vermouth from California (this is an especially herbaceous and elegant vermouth)
- A good shake of Dutch’s Colonial Bitters
Instructions
- Combine ingredients, stir into ice, strain and serve up in a chilled coupe, garnish with star anise and a thin apple wedge
Story by Keith Recker
Photography by Vera Vandenbosch
Styling by Amy Ilias @thelavenderghost
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