An iconic spirit from Normandy, Calvados stands out for its apple and pear aromas, which pair perfectly with the world of mixology. While some prefer to enjoy it neat, it also reveals its full potential in a cocktail calvados, whether classic or modern. Here’s a selection of 10 must-try cocktail calvados recipes, complete with ingredients and preparation steps.
1. Jack Rose
A great American classic from the early 20th century, popularized by Ernest Hemingway.
Recipe:
In a shaker, pour the Calvados, grenadine syrup, and lime juice. Shake with ice, strain, and serve in a cocktail calvados glass.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Calvados Drouin Sélection
- 25 ml fresh lime juice
- 20 ml grenadine syrup
2. Calvados Sour
A Norman twist on the Whisky Sour, highlighting the fruity notes of apple.
Recipe:
Mix the Calvados, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and egg white. Shake once without ice, then again with ice. Serve in an old fashioned glass.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Calvados Drouin VSOP
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- 1 egg white
3. Normandy Mule
A refreshing cocktail calvados, reimagining the Moscow Mule.
Recipe:
In a copper mug, pour the Calvados and lime juice. Add crushed ice and top up with ginger beer.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Calvados Comte Louis de Lauriston Fine AOC
- 10 ml lime juice
- Ginger beer
4. Pom’ Collins
A cocktail calvados twist on the classic Tom Collins, infused with apple notes.
Recipe:
In a highball glass filled with ice, pour the Calvados, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Top up with sparkling water and stir gently.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Calvados Drouin Sélection
- 20 ml lemon juice
- 10 ml sugar syrup
- Sparkling water
5. French Connection Normand
A variation of the famous French Connection, made with Calvados and Cognac.
Recipe:
Mix both spirits in an old fashioned glass with ice cubes.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Calvados Drouin VSOP
- 30 ml Cognac
6. Apple Mojito
A fruity take on the mojito, perfect as a summer cocktail calvados.
Recipe:
Muddle the mint leaves with sugar syrup and lime juice. Add the Calvados, then top up with sparkling water.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Calvados Comte Louis de Lauriston 100% Poire
- 15 ml lime juice
- 10 ml sugar syrup
- 6 mint leaves
- Sparkling water
7. Sidecar Normand
Inspired by the classic Sidecar, but with a cocktail calvados twist.
Recipe:
In a shaker, pour the Calvados, triple sec, and lemon juice. Shake with ice and serve in a sugar-rimmed coupe glass.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Calvados Drouin VSOP
- 20 ml triple sec
- 20 ml lemon juice
8. Hot Calvados Toddy
A warm cocktail calvados, perfect for winter.
Recipe:
In a mug, mix the Calvados, honey, and lemon juice. Top up with hot water and add a cinnamon stick.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Calvados Drouin Sélection
- 10 ml honey
- 10 ml lemon juice
- Hot water
- 1 cinnamon stick
9. Normandy Spritz
A sparkling Norman version of the spritz.
Recipe:
In a large wine glass filled with ice, pour the Calvados and dry cider. Add a splash of sparkling water and garnish with an apple slice.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Calvados Comte Louis de Lauriston Fine AOC
- 60 ml dry cider
- Sparkling water
- 1 apple slice (for garnish)
10. Pomme Manhattan
A fruity adaptation of the Manhattan, ideal for an elegant cocktail calvados.
Recipe:
In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour the Calvados, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Stir well and serve in a cocktail glass, garnished with a cherry.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Calvados Drouin VSOP
- 20 ml sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 maraschino cherry
TO GO FURTHER IN THE DISCOVERY OF CALVADOS
La Maison du Whisky has three boutiques in Paris:
20 rue d'Anjou, 75008 Paris
6 carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006 Paris
11 rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris
The Odéon boutique specializes in Calvados and offers a wide variety of this spirit to discover.
Follow our tasting schedule for upcoming events, or visit the Golden Promise Whisky Bar, which offers a large selection of rums and other spirits by the glass.
Also, discover our article on the best cocktail calvados recipes.
