Apple Brandy substitutes
The closest substitute for Apple Brandy is Calvados, which works and barely changes the drink. Brandy and Cognac also work.
What to use instead of Apple Brandy
| Substitute | How much | Strength |
|---|---|---|
CalvadosAlmost the same Same amount | Same amount | 40–45% ABV |
BrandyWorks, tastes different Grape instead of apple. Same amount | Same amount | 36–45% ABV |
CognacWorks, tastes different Grape instead of apple. Same amount | Same amount | 40–45% ABV |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Apple Brandy, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Apple Spritz
30ml (1 oz) Apple Brandy → 30ml (1 oz) Calvados
Same strength
- Diamondback
22ml (¾ oz) Apple Brandy → 22ml (¾ oz) Calvados
Same strength
- Newark
60ml (2 oz) Apple Brandy → 60ml (2 oz) Calvados
Same strength
- Pink Lady
15ml (½ oz) Apple Brandy → 15ml (½ oz) Calvados
Same strength
- Toffee Apple Sour
25ml (¾ oz) Apple Brandy → 25ml (¾ oz) Calvados
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Apple Brandy | Calvados |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–50% ABV | 40–45% ABV |
| Taste | Apple, Oak, Vanilla, Warming, Fruit | Rich apple, Caramel, Oak, Warm spices |
| Aroma | Fresh apple, Baked apple, Oak (if aged), Spice | Apple, Baked fruit, Vanilla, Oak, Spice |
| Finish | Apple, Warm, Dry | Long, Apple, Warming, Complex |
| Property | Apple Brandy | Brandy |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–50% ABV | 36–45% ABV |
| Taste | Apple, Oak, Vanilla, Warming, Fruit | Fruity, Warm, Oak, Sweet |
| Aroma | Fresh apple, Baked apple, Oak (if aged), Spice | Grape, Oak, Vanilla, Dried fruit |
| Finish | Apple, Warm, Dry | Warming, Fruit, Medium to long |
Already have one of these?
If you have Laird's Applejack, Laird's Straight Apple Brandy or Calvados Boulard VSOP, you don't need a substitute: they are all Apple Brandy. How they differ
What is 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.
Got Apple Brandy? It also replaces
Questions about Apple Brandy substitutes
What is the best substitute for Apple Brandy?
Calvados is the closest substitute for Apple Brandy and barely changes the drink. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Apple Brandy in a Diamondback?
Calvados: swap 22ml (¾ oz) of Apple Brandy for 22ml (¾ oz) of Calvados.
Which Apple Brandy brands can I use?
If you have Laird's Applejack, Laird's Straight Apple Brandy or Calvados Boulard VSOP, you don't need a substitute: they are all Apple Brandy. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Calvados instead of Apple Brandy change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the 5 drinks on this page that use Apple Brandy, Calvados changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Apple Brandy?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.