The Culinary Works

It's simultaneously cool and warm, sweet and tart — I am talking about cocktails made with Calvados Apple Brandy.

If you are not familiar with Calvados, it’s a French apple brandy from Normandy and is aged in oak barrels for up to two years. I had some Calvados left over from Chef Jen’s Stuffed Pork Chop recipe and decided I needed to experiment with a few Calvados cocktails over the weekend. Although my girlfriends are more wine/vodka girls – there were no complaints once we started sipping! These recipes are a perfect way to get you thru the madness of the holidays or just to cuddle up by the fire – mix one up (or a few) and sit back, sip and enjoy the season!

The Normandy:

(makes 2 cocktails)

• 18 fresh cranberries
• 4 thin slices green apple
• 2 teaspoon packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoon simple syrup
• 1⁄2 cup good-quality Calvados

In a cocktail shaker, muddle 12 cranberries, 2 apple slices, the brown sugar and lemon juice. Add the simple syrup, Calvados and a few ice cubes. Shake well and strain into rocks glasses filled with ice. Top the cocktails with the remaining apple slices and cranberries.

Spiced Apple Brandy Cocktails:

(Serves 12 – can be made up to 3 days ahead – perfect for Turkey Day)

• 1 quart apple cider
• 2 tbs sugar
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/3 vanilla bean (seeds scraped)
• Salt
• 4 cups Calvados
• Apple slices for garnish

In large sauce pan, combine cider, sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean and seeds and a pinch of salt and bring to a simmer. Stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, cover and let stand until cool. Strain into pitcher. Pour in the Calvados. Serve over ice, garnished with apple slices.

Calvados Side Car:

Using Calvados instead of regular brandy, takes this cocktail to a new level and is the perfect nod to Autumn.

(Makes 2 cocktails)

• 1 lemon wedge
• Granulated sugar for coating the rims of glasses
• 6 tablespoons Calvados
• 2 tablespoons orange liquor (Cointreau)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Orange peel for garnish

Rub lemon wedge on glass rim, dip in sugar. In a cocktail shaker, mix Calvados, orange liqueur, lemon juice over ice and shake it up. Pour in rocks glass with ice. Garnish with orange peel.

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