The Apple Knocker is a long drink that combines Laird’s applejack spirit with sweet vermouth, lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange juice. Once upon a time, brown spirits such as applejack shine in the bar scene. Apple brandy is made in several parts of Europe and the United States. Applejack – When settlers arrived in new England in the 17th century, they tried to grow hops for beer. Because the hops did not thrives and apple trees did, the settlers began making apple brandy. traders carried the spirit inland, where its potency earned a nickname ‘Jersey Lightning’.