As a bartender, I've come across a wide range of spirits and ingredients that are used to make cocktails. One of my favorites is apple brandy.
This delicious and versatile liquor is made from fermented apples and aged in oak barrels, giving it a unique flavor and aroma that's perfect for mixing into cocktails.
What I love about apple brandy is that it adds a rich and complex flavor to cocktails, without overpowering the other ingredients. It's a great base for a variety of cocktails, from classic drinks to more modern creations.
Whether you're looking for a refreshing summer cocktail or a cozy winter drink, there's an apple brandy cocktail recipe out there that's perfect for you.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some of my favorite apple brandy cocktail recipes that are guaranteed to impress your friends and family. From simple and easy-to-make drinks to more complex and sophisticated recipes, there's something for everyone.
So, whether you're a seasoned bartender or a home mixologist, grab a bottle of apple brandy and get ready to shake, stir, and sip your way through these delicious cocktails.
1. Holiday Homemade Apple Brandy
The Holiday Homemade Apple Brandy cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and flavorful drink. With all the tastes and flavors of a classic apple pie, this cocktail is perfect for sipping on during the holiday season. The combination of apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm and comforting flavor that is perfect for a cold winter night.
The addition of brandy gives the cocktail a boozy kick, making it a great choice for adults looking for a little bit of holiday cheer. Whether you prefer it cold over ice or warm like a classic apple pie, this cocktail is sure to impress. Don't miss out on this delicious and easy-to-make recipe!
2. Apple Brandy Allspice Fizz Cocktail
The Apple Brandy Allspice Fizz Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves apple-based cocktails. Made with Laird's 7 1/2 Year old Apple Brandy, this cocktail is a perfect blend of tartness and spices that will leave you wanting more. The fizziness of the soda and the creamy egg white make it a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed any time of the year, but it's especially perfect for Thanksgiving.
The history of Apple Brandy and the fact that it was most likely enjoyed at the First Thanksgiving adds to the appeal of this cocktail. If you're looking for a delicious and unique apple cocktail, the Apple Brandy Allspice Fizz is definitely worth a try.
3. Spiced Apple Brandy Cocktail
The Spiced Apple Brandy Cocktail is a perfect drink for fall, made with freshly squeezed SweeTango® apples, apple brandy, lemon juice, and demerara sugar syrup. The cinnamon sugar rim adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to the drink. The apple juice base gives the cocktail a refreshing taste, while the apple brandy adds a subtle kick.
The honeyed citrus flavor profile of SweeTango® apples balances perfectly with the warm spices, making this cocktail a must-try for apple lovers. It's easy to make and can be enjoyed within minutes. If you're looking for a drink that captures the essence of fall, the Spiced Apple Brandy Cocktail is a perfect choice.
4. Falling for You Cocktail
The Falling for You Cocktail is a delightful concoction that combines the authentic apple flavor of Calvados with the sweetness of honey, the tanginess of lemon, and the warmth of dark rum. This cocktail is perfect for autumn, as it uses seasonal ingredients like apples and thyme.
The combination of apple and thyme in this cocktail is a unique and delectable pairing that will leave you wanting more. The recipe for this cocktail was inspired by The Flavor Bible, a guide to culinary creativity that suggests flavor pairings. The Falling for You Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves apple brandy cocktails and is looking for a new twist on a classic recipe.
5. Harvest Moon Applejack Cocktail
The Harvest Moon Applejack Cocktail is a perfect fall drink made with apple brandy, almond syrup, and lemon juice. It has a smooth and balanced feel with a refreshing tangy kick from the lemon juice.
The almond syrup adds a hint of sweetness and a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the apple brandy. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious fall cocktail.
6. Cranberry Apple Fizz
Cranberry Apple Fizz is a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves the classic pairing of apple and cranberry. This simple yet delicious cocktail is perfect for the holiday season, and it's dangerously easy to drink. The combination of apple brandy and cranberry juice creates a unique and refreshing flavor that will leave you wanting more.
The addition of simple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to this cocktail, making it a crowd-pleaser at any party. Whether you're hosting a holiday get-together or just looking for a new cocktail to try, Cranberry Apple Fizz is definitely worth a taste.
7. Brandy and Blackberry Lavender Shrub
The Brandy and Blackberry Lavender Shrub is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for the summer season. Made with a base of apple brandy, this cocktail is infused with the flavors of blackberry and lavender, giving it a rich and complex taste.
The shrub adds a tart and fruity flavor to the cocktail, while the dry vermouth and simple syrup balance out the sweetness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright and refreshing touch to the drink. This cocktail is perfect for sipping by the pool on a warm summer day.
8. Spiced Autumn Apple Sangria
Spiced Autumn Apple Sangria is a perfect cocktail for those who love the fall season. This cocktail is a combination of Spanish red wine, ginger ale, orange juice, brandy, honeycrisp apple, orange, pomegranate seeds, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. The seasonal fruit and aromatic spices make this cocktail a delicious and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed all year round.
The sweetness from the fruit infuses with the wine, letting its natural juices add to the overall flavor. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail, Spiced Autumn Apple Sangria is a must-try.
9. Caorunn Gin Appletini
Looking for an elevated version of the classic appletini? Look no further than the Caorunn Gin Appletini. This sophisticated cocktail features Caorunn Gin from Scotland, which is made with five Celtic botanicals, including Rowan Berries.
The gin's subtle and smooth flavor is highlighted by the addition of Calvados and Dolin's Vermouth, while Yellow Chartreuse adds a touch of bite and complements the dandelion notes in the gin. A simple dash of orange bitters brings everything together in this perfectly balanced cocktail. If you're looking for a spirit-forward appletini with a unique twist, the Caorunn Gin Appletini is definitely worth a try.
10. Calvados Jack Rose
The Calvados Jack Rose is a classic cocktail made with apple brandy, grenadine, and citrus. It has been a favorite of many, including famed author John Steinbeck. The cocktail is smooth, fruity, and flavorful, and the name is said to come from the combination of apple and the red color that the drink gets from grenadine.
The 2:3:3 ratio of Calvados, lime juice, and grenadine is a safe bet for a well-balanced drink, but there are variations to try. The Calvados Jack Rose is a must-try for anyone looking for a classic and delicious apple brandy cocktail.
11. Montparnasse Cocktail
The Montparnasse Cocktail is a delightful apple brandy cocktail named after the Parisian neighborhood that is famous for its crêperies and train station. The cocktail is made with either Lambig or Calvados, apple brandies from Brittany and Normandy, respectively. To enhance the apple flavor, apple juice or cider is added to the mix.
The cocktail can also be made with elderflower wine for a double-dose of floral notes. While the origins of the cocktail are unclear, its taste is undeniable. If you're a fan of apple brandy and want to try something new, the Montparnasse Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
12. Marilyn Monroe Cocktail
The Marilyn Monroe Cocktail is a glamorous and sophisticated drink that is perfect for any special occasion. This cocktail is inspired by the iconic actress and her love for champagne. It is made with apple brandy, grenadine, and champagne or sparkling wine, and is garnished with maraschino cherries.
The apple brandy adds a subtle sweetness to the drink, while the grenadine provides a beautiful pink hue. The champagne or sparkling wine adds a touch of elegance and bubbles to the cocktail. Overall, the Marilyn Monroe Cocktail is a delicious and refreshing drink that is sure to impress your guests.
13. Cachaca Apple and Cardamom Flip
The Cachaca Apple and Cardamom Flip is a unique and surprising combination of Cachaca Rum, Apple Brandy, and Cardamom bitters. This egg cocktail is perfect for cozying up by the fire during the winter season. The demerara syrup adds a rich sweetness to the drink, while the Apple Brandy and Cardamom bitters create a warm and comforting flavor.
This cocktail is perfect for those who are looking for a lighter styled Flip and want to experiment with Cachaca. The use of whole egg in the cocktail gives it a creamy texture and adds a layer of complexity to the drink. Overall, the Cachaca Apple and Cardamom Flip is a must-try for those who want to explore unique and unexpected flavor combinations in their cocktails.
14. Pink Lady Cocktail
The Pink Lady Cocktail is a classic vintage drink that is perfect for those who prefer a refreshing and sophisticated flavor that is not overtly sweet. It's made with apple brandy, gin, grenadine, and fresh lemon juice, with the addition of an egg white that creates a fluffy white foam top, making it both beautiful and delicious.
The apple brandy lends a fruit-forward depth that complements the gin's botanicals and creates a double-spirit base. The Pink Lady Cocktail is perfect for the holidays and is refreshingly earthy with just a bit of tartness.
15. Luna in Libra
Looking for a unique and magical cocktail to try? Look no further than the Luna in Libra. This apple brandy cocktail is infused with the balancing and harmonious energies of the Libra moon. With flavors of apple, grape, lemon, and rose, this cocktail is both refreshing and comforting.
The addition of rosemary and rose petals add an herbal and floral touch, while the orange liqueur and soda water give it a bubbly kick. Whether you're a fan of astrology or just looking for a delicious and intriguing cocktail, the Luna in Libra is definitely worth a try.