Calvados is a type of French apple brandy that is perfect for cocktails. Here are a few simple and delicious Calvados cocktail recipes to try:
Calvados Sour
2 oz Calvados
3/4 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
French Apple
2 oz Calvados
1 oz apple juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a slice of apple.
Normandy Fizz
2 oz Calvados
3/4 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Club soda
Shake the Calvados, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass. Top with club soda and garnish with an apple slice.
Applejack Rabbit
2 oz Calvados
1 oz orange juice
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz maple syrup
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Calvados and Tonic
2 oz Calvados
Tonic water
Pour Calvados into an ice-filled glass and top with tonic water. Garnish with a slice of apple or lemon.
The Applejack Sour
2 oz Calvados
1 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1 egg white
Dry shake all ingredients to emulsify the egg white, then shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a dash of Angostura bitters.
The Bitter French
2 oz Calvados
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
The Calvados Manhattan
2 oz Calvados
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry.
The Normandy
2 oz Calvados
1 oz apple cider
1/2 oz honey syrup
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 dash Angostura bitters
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice.
The Apple Martini
2 oz Calvados
1 oz apple schnapps
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an apple slice.
Enjoy these essential Calvados cocktails and explore the versatility of this delicious spirit!
What Can Calvados be Mixed With?
Calvados is a versatile spirit that can be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create delicious cocktails. Here are some suggestions for what to mix with Calvados:
Fruit juices: Calvados pairs well with apple juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, and cranberry juice. Try mixing Calvados with your favorite fruit juice for a refreshing cocktail.
Vermouth: Sweet vermouth or dry vermouth can be used to make classic cocktails like the Manhattan or the Negroni with Calvados instead of whiskey or gin.
Bitters: Angostura bitters, orange bitters, or any other type of bitters can be added to a Calvados cocktail to add depth and complexity.
Liqueurs: Calvados can be mixed with a variety of liqueurs, including triple sec, amaretto, and Campari.
Syrups: Simple syrup, honey syrup, or other flavored syrups can be used to sweeten a Calvados cocktail and add depth of flavor.
Soda or tonic water: Calvados can be mixed with soda or tonic water to make a refreshing long drink.
Other spirits: Calvados can be mixed with other spirits like bourbon, rum, or vodka to create unique and flavorful cocktails.
Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite Calvados cocktail!
Fast Facts About Calvados
Calvados is a type of French brandy made from apples. It is produced in the Normandy region of France using a process that involves fermenting and distilling apples into a clear eau de vie, which is then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years.
The proof of Calvados varies depending on the specific product, but it generally falls between 80 and 100 proof (40% to 50% alcohol by volume).
There are several different types of Calvados, including:
- Fine Calvados: Aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels.
- Calvados Réserve: Aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels.
- Calvados XO: Aged for a minimum of six years in oak barrels.
- Calvados Hors d’âge: Aged for a minimum of ten years in oak barrels.
The main difference between Calvados and other types of distilled spirits is the use of apples as the primary ingredient instead of grains or grapes. This gives Calvados a distinct fruity flavor and aroma that sets it apart from other types of brandy.
There are many great brands of Calvados to choose from, including:
Boulard
Dupont
Christian Drouin
Roger Groult
Lecompte
Busnel
Ultimately, the best brand of Calvados is a matter of personal preference and depends on your taste and budget.