Fence Hopper Cocktail Recipe

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Fence Hopper Nutrition Facts

Calories:~200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~15g

Alcohol %:~10

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 16, 2024

History

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.

How Fence Hopper Tastes?

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.

Interesting facts about Fence Hopper

  • 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.

Ingredients

Bourbon Whiskey

  • Why? Brings warmth and complexity with its toasty caramel and vanilla notes; a lesser amount might not stand up to the strong flavors of the beer and cider.
  • No Bourbon? You'd lose the cocktail's boozy backbone. Alternatives: Rye whiskey for a spicier kick, or Scotch for smoky notes.

Alex Green

Apple Cider

  • Why? Offers a sweet and tangy profile that plays well with the bourbon; using more could make the drink too sweet, less could be overshadowed by the bourbon.
  • No Cider? The drink would miss its autumnal touch. Alternatives: Pear cider for a different fruit note, or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Emma Rose

Maple Syrup

  • Why? Sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon and the bitterness of the beer; too much would dominate, too little and the drink could be too tart.
  • No Maple? Loss of the smooth, woodsy sweetness. Alternatives: Honey for a floral sweetness, or simple syrup for a neutral sweetener.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

  • Why? Acidic brightness to cut through sweetness and richness; more would make it too sour, less and it could become cloying.
  • No Lemon? The drink would lack zesty freshness. Alternatives: Lime juice for a bit more tang, or apple cider vinegar for a sharper acid profile with a touch of apple.

Alex Green

Angostura Bitters

  • Why? It's the 'spice rack' of the cocktail world, adding depth and complexity; without it, the drink is less dimensional.
  • No Bitters? You'd miss out on the nuanced spice. Alternatives: Orange bitters for a citrusy twist, or omit for a simpler profile.

Emma Rose

IPA Beer

  • Why? Its hoppiness provides a refreshing bitterness that pairs well with the sweet and sour elements; less could make the beer note too subtle, more could overwhelm.
  • No IPA? The drink would be less complex and refreshing. Alternatives: A Pale Ale for a smoother hop profile, or ginger beer for a non-alcoholic, spicy kick.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Fence Hopper Drink

  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.

Pro Tips

  • 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.

Perfect Pairings

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.

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What you could change in Fence Hopper

  • 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.

Explore all drinks starting with F here

And of course - twists🍹

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.

In case you forgot basics how to make Fence Hopper

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Fence Hopper

What is the best season to enjoy a Fence Hopper cocktail?

While the Fence Hopper can be enjoyed any time, it's particularly fitting during the fall season when apple cider is in peak season and the flavors match the autumnal atmosphere.

Is the Fence Hopper suitable for batch preparation?

Yes, you can prepare the Fence Hopper in larger quantities. Mix all ingredients except the IPA beer in a batch, and then top with the beer just before serving to maintain its effervescence.

Can the Fence Hopper be made as a non-alcoholic mocktail?

Yes, simply substitute the bourbon with non-alcoholic whiskey or omit it altogether. Use non-alcoholic beer in place of IPA for a similar taste profile without the alcohol content.

What type of glass is recommended for serving the Fence Hopper?

A highball glass or a pint glass is typically best suited for serving the Fence Hopper, providing ample space for the beer foam.

How can I adjust the Fence Hopper to be less sweet?

To make the cocktail less sweet, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or increase the amount of lemon juice for more acidity to balance the sweetness.

What's the significance of the name 'Fence Hopper'?

The name 'Fence Hopper' could pertain to the invigorating and adventurous spirit of the drink, prompting one to leap over barriers and embrace the bold flavors within.

Can the Fence Hopper be served on the rocks?

Typically, the Fence Hopper is served chilled and strained without ice to avoid dilution, but it can also be served over ice if a colder temperature is preferred over time.

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