Haystack

The Haystack is a sophisticated and layered cocktail that showcases the versatility of apple brandy. It combines the robust fruitiness of Laird's Bonded Apple Brandy with the unique, sweet nuttiness of Giffard Biscotti Liqueur, balanced perfectly by fresh lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup. The addition of an egg white gives it a rich, silky texture and a beautiful foam cap, making it a visually appealing and delightfully smooth drink.
Haystack

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Haystack is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It is an apple brandy-based sour, reflecting contemporary craft cocktail trends with its unique combination of spirits and liqueurs.

Serving

Serve this spirit-forward but smooth cocktail cold in a chilled coupe glass to maintain its temperature and showcase the beautiful foam. The alcohol content is notable but well-integrated into the drink's flavor profile.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml (4-5 oz)
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created by bartender Thomas Waugh at the influential New York City cocktail bar Death & Co, the Haystack quickly became a staff and customer favorite. It's a prime example of the bar's philosophy of creating complex yet balanced drinks that riff on classic structures. The name likely evokes the autumnal and rustic flavors of apple and grains (from the biscotti liqueur) present in the cocktail.
Origin
The Haystack was created in the late 2000s by Thomas Waugh at Death & Co in New York City, USA. It is considered a modern classic from the craft cocktail revival era.

Haystack

The drink is consistently known as the Haystack or Haystack Cocktail, with no significant alternative names in popular use.
Original name
Haystack
Alternative name
Haystack Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The Haystack has a rich, velvety texture with a flavor profile dominated by baked apple and nutty biscotti, balanced by bright citrus. Its aroma is reminiscent of an autumn bakery, and it leaves a pleasant, warming aftertaste.
Flavor
baked apple, toasted almond, biscotti, lemon zest, rich, nutty
Aroma
crisp apple, sweet pastry, lemon oil, nutty undertones
Taste balance
sweet, sour
Aftertaste
lingering, smooth, warm, nutty sweetness
Fizziness
none
Color appearance
hazy golden-yellow, opaque, thick white foam top
Texture
silky, creamy, velvety, smooth
Seasonality
autumnal, warming, year-round appeal

Flavor intensity & Experience

The cocktail presents a balanced intensity, where the fruitiness of apple and the creamy sweetness from the liqueur and egg white are cut by a pleasant sourness. The alcohol provides warmth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires a quality apple brandy, a specific biscotti-flavored liqueur, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white for texture. The ingredient list is specific but crucial for achieving the intended flavor profile.
  • Laird's Bonded Apple Brandy45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A 100-proof apple brandy is recommended for its robust flavor. Calvados can be substituted.
  • Giffard Biscotti Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    This provides a distinct toasted almond and vanilla flavor. Amaretto could be a substitute but will change the profile.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Always use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste.
  • Egg White15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)
    Creates a creamy texture and foam. Can be omitted or replaced with aquafaba for a vegan version.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for accurate measurements and both Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainers for a perfectly smooth, ice-free cocktail.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients
  • Strainer (Hawthorne and fine-mesh) for a smooth pour

Instructions

The key preparation technique is the dry shake followed by a wet shake to properly emulsify the egg white and achieve a rich foam. Double-straining into a pre-chilled coupe glass is essential for the perfect texture and temperature.
1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer.
2. Combine apple brandy, biscotti liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker.
3. Perform a 'dry shake': seal the shaker without ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
4. Add a generous amount of cubed ice to the shaker.
5. Perform a 'wet shake': seal the shaker again and shake hard for another 10-12 seconds until well-chilled.
6. Empty the ice from your chilled coupe glass.
7. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass to ensure a silky-smooth texture.
8. Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink for aroma, then either discard the twist or place it in the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the ideal garnish, as expressing the oils over the foam adds a bright, aromatic citrus note that complements the drink's flavors.
  • Lemon twist, expressed over the drink and discarded or placed in the drink

Dietary Information

This cocktail contains egg white, making it non-vegan and unsuitable for those with egg allergies. The biscotti liqueur may contain nuts and gluten, so check the specific brand for allergen information.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the biscotti liqueur and simple syrup. The carbohydrates are also in the moderate range for a sour-style cocktail.
Calories
Averagely 240-270 kcal / 1004-1130 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-18 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-17 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for crisp autumn evenings, sophisticated cocktail parties, or as a comforting after-dinner digestif. Its warming and complex flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for a cozy night in.
  • Autumn Gathering
  • After-Dinner Drink
  • Cocktail Party
  • Cozy Night In

Pairing suggestions

The Haystack pairs wonderfully with desserts that echo its flavor notes, such as almond biscotti or apple tart. Its complex profile also stands up well to savory pairings like a sharp cheese plate or a charcuterie board, where its acidity can cut through the richness of cured meats.
  • Almond biscotti
  • Apple tart or crumble
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Charcuterie board with prosciutto

The Haystack: A Modern Harvest in a Glass

The Haystack is a testament to the creativity of the modern cocktail era, transforming the classic sour template into something unique and memorable. Its blend of crisp apple brandy and nutty biscotti liqueur, softened by the velvety texture of egg white, creates a perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying drink. Ideal for autumn but enjoyable any time of year, it's a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate layered and nuanced flavors.

Similar Cocktails

Amaretto Sour

A classic nutty sour. Uses amaretto as the base liqueur and typically bourbon as the spirit, offering a similar sweet-almond and sour profile, often with egg white.

Brandy Crusta

A classic brandy sour featuring curaçao, maraschino liqueur, and bitters, known for its signature sugar-crusted rim and large lemon peel garnish. It shares a spirit base but has a more classic, less nutty flavor profile.

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