Cocktails with Apple Brandy
Apple brandy is distilled from fermented apple cider. American applejack and French calvados are the main styles. Essential for the Jack Rose cocktail.
No Apple Brandy? What to use instead
- Type
- Spirit
- Strength
- 40–50% ABV
- Aroma
- Fresh apple, Baked apple, Oak (if aged), Spice
- Taste
- Apple, Oak, Vanilla, Warming, Fruit
- Finish
- Apple, Warm, Dry
5 drinks with Apple Brandy
History
Americans have made apple brandy since colonial times when apples were abundant. Laird's is America's oldest native spirit (1698). In France, Norman calvados has AOC protection. The Jack Rose made it a cocktail star.
How it’s made
Made by fermenting apple cider into a dry apple wine, then distilling. American versions may blend apple brandy with neutral spirit (blended applejack). Calvados ages in oak; American styles vary from unaged to aged.
Bottles to try
Laird's ApplejackBudget
American original since 1698, blended apple brandy.
Laird's Straight Apple BrandyMid-range
100% apple brandy (not blended), more complex.
Calvados Boulard VSOPPremium
French AOC calvados from Normandy, refined apple character.
Got Apple Brandy at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.