Easy Apple Brandy co*cktail Recipe — Sugar & Cloth (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between apple brandy and Calvados? ›

Applejack generally has a thinner apple flavor, while the concentrated brandy has a richer, more complex personality. Unlike its cousin Calvados, American apple brandy doesn't play by a strict set of rules. Calvados must be produced in the Normandy region of France and must be aged in oak casks for at least two years.

Calvados is an apple brandy which must be made with apples from Normandy, France as stated in its Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status. The apples are fermented into cider, distilled into eau-de-vie, and then aged for at least two years in oak barrels.

Aged apple brandy is made by fermenting fresh apples into a hard cider, which is then distilled. Post distillation, the spirit is aged in oak barrels. The flavor profile is relative to the apple varieties used, type of oak and maturation period.

The taste of brandy becomes more mellow and complex as it ages—brandy that is less than two years old is considered unaged, while brandies that are more than two years old are considered mature.

SOME CALL IT A KAROO MARTINI; OTHERS REFER TO IT AS FIGHTING JUICE. WHATEVER THE NAME IT'S GIVEN, THERE IS NO DENYING THAT BRANDY AND co*kE IS A PART OF SOUTH AFRICAN CULTURE.

Here, in France's apple-growing region, they make elegant brandy called Calvados. Calva, as the locals call it, starts with choosing the most suitable apples among the 800 or so varieties. Fermentation, distillation and aging in oak barrels transform cider into smooth brandy.

In the 1950s, the surge in alcoholism became a national issue in France and this led to heavy taxation, increased controls and better-informed consumers. Calvados, the popular and previously affordable beverage became considerably more expensive as a result.

How many apples does it take to make one litre of Calvados? It is estimated that about 18kg of apples are needed to obtain 13 litres of cider at 5% vol. ready for distillation into Calvados. These 13 litres will produce 1 litre of Calvados at 70%, i.e. before its ageing and reduction.

Calvados also goes well with exciting sweet and sour combinations, those that include apples and pears, of course, but also using peaches, prunes, grapes or apricots.

Can I substitute Calvados for apple brandy? ›

Calvados is named after the region from which it originated, just like Cognac is named from the region it originated, but they are both brandy. So, the answer is, you can substitute any brandy (including Cognac) for Calvados in any recipe. It has nothing to do with the taste of apples.

With its harmonious marriage of baked apple flavors and spiced wood notes, Laird's Straight Apple Brandy Bottled in Bond exhibits the traditional, authentic expression of apple brandy. Great for sipping and demanded by the best bartenders worldwide, for use in both classic and modern co*cktails.

FD-3 is suitable for any kind of fruit distillate, and is excellent for traditional European-style fruit or grape brandies, schnapps, and slivovitz. Enological strains from Vason are an excellent addition to the fruit distiller's toolkit when working with many kinds of fruit, and wine grapes in particular.

"A lot of American brandies are made with sweet eating apples—Golden Delicious, Macoun, Gala," says Robert Krueger, task force head bartender at JF Restaurants, "whereas a mix of bitter, sour, and other apples are used for distilling Calvados," the classic Normandy brandy.

Brandy is usually served in a wide-bottomed, short-stemmed glass at room temperature. To fully enjoy the brandy, hold your glass in your hands before taking a sip. This will only enhance the taste of the drink. You should drink brandy slowly and keep it in your mouth for a while before swallowing.

The perfect pair in a mixed drink. Brandy with Cola, an infallible combination in which Cola enhances the sweet notes of Torres 10. A mix that brings freshness and a touch of chic, with the subtle bitterness of Angostura.

The Wisconsin default is sweet, so add Sprite or 7Up and you know it'll be good. Today, Wisconsin is still committed to the co*cktail and it's seen throughout the state. Starting this season, there are Brandy Old Fashioneds on tap at Miller Park in Milwaukee.

This simple Cranberry Orange Brandy co*cktail is made with only four ingredients – brandy, triple sec, cranberry juice, and orange juice. It has a lovely sweet and sour profile, being also warm and fresh at the same time. And all those flavours are so festive making this co*cktail perfect for holiday season!