Fence Hopper Cocktail Recipe

The Fence Hopper is a modern cocktail that embodies the spirit of American autumn. Its origins are not well-documented, but it's believed to have been created by craft bartenders looking to blend traditional American flavors with the effervescence of beer.

• Autumnal Origins: The cocktail's ingredients are reminiscent of fall, with apple cider and maple syrup evoking the harvest season.
• Craft Beer Movement: The inclusion of IPA beer is a nod to the craft beer movement that has swept across the United States.
• Who Would Enjoy It: This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate a balance between sweet, tart, and bitter flavors, and enjoy the complexity that beer adds to mixed drinks.

The Fence Hopper offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart with the warmth of bourbon and a hint of bitterness from the bitters and IPA. The maple syrup provides a smooth sweetness that is balanced by the zesty lemon juice, while the apple cider adds a crisp fruitiness to the mix.

• The Fence Hopper is often enjoyed during the fall but can be a refreshing choice year-round.
• The cocktail's name might suggest a playful leap into uncharted territory, much like hopping a fence into a new adventure.
• The use of IPA beer adds a contemporary twist to the cocktail, appealing to beer aficionados and cocktail lovers alike.

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters to the shaker.
3. Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
5. Top with IPA beer.
6. Stir gently to mix.
7. Garnish with an apple slice or a cinnamon stick, if desired.

• Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor.
• Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.
• When adding the IPA, pour slowly to preserve the carbonation and create a nice head on the drink.

Appetizers

• Pulled pork sliders: The sweetness of the cider and maple syrup complements the savory pork, while the bourbon adds a smoky depth.
• Spicy nuts: The beer's carbonation cuts through the spice, and the cocktail's sweet elements pair nicely with the heat.

Main Courses

• Grilled sausages: The bourbon and bitters' warm spice notes enhance the flavor of grilled meats.
• Roast chicken: The apple cider in the cocktail echoes the traditional apple accompaniments for poultry.

Desserts

• Apple pie: The apple cider and maple syrup harmonize with the pie's filling, enhancing the overall apple flavor.
• Vanilla ice cream: A drizzle of maple syrup in the cocktail is reflected in the sweetness of the ice cream.

• Bourbon Whiskey: You can substitute with another type of whiskey if bourbon is not available.
• Maple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
• IPA Beer: If IPA is too bitter for your taste, try a milder pale ale or even a wheat beer for a different twist.

Smoky Fence Hopper

• Ingredients: Substitute Bourbon Whiskey with Smoky Scotch, and IPA Beer with a Stout.
• Recipe: Same as the original, but expect a rich, smoky twist that envelops the sweetness in a cloud of peat.
• Flavor: More suited for a winter evening, the stout's creaminess and Scotch's smokiness warm the soul.

Harvest Hopper

• Ingredients: Add a pinch of cinnamon and substitute Maple Syrup with Pumpkin Spice Syrup.
• Recipe: Build as usual but embrace the fall festivities with these spicy additions.
• Flavor: It's like sipping on autumn in a glass; pumpkin spices intermingle with the cider and bourbon for a cozy treat.

Citrus Hopper

• Ingredients: Add an ounce of Orange Liqueur and garnish with an orange twist instead of apple.
• Recipe: Incorporate the liqueur with the other ingredients before shaking for an amplified citrus kick.
• Flavor: The orange notes cut through the IPA's bitterness, bringing a bright and zesty twist to the Fence Hopper.