On the Rocks | Dry
Mother Drake
Calvados replaces traditional grape brandy to produce a richer orchard-fruit variation on the vermouth-driven stirred template
Fruity · Oaky
Calvados
Spirit|Calvados|40% ABV|Normandy, France
Calvados is a classic orchard fruit brandy used to build structured seasonal and spirit forward cocktail recipes
Calvados brings baked apple vanilla and light spice notes making it ideal for Jack Rose Applejack style recipes and autumn forward serves
Flavor Profile
Sweetness
Low
Bitterness
Medium
Acidity
Low
Body
Medium
Taste
AppleBaked FruitSpice
Aroma
Baked AppleVanillaLight Cinnamon
Texture
Medium
Known For
Classic Cocktails
Jack RoseCalvados SidecarApple Brandy Sour
Modern Cocktails
Modern Autumn VariationsOrchard Style Serves
Signature Serves
Autumn Serves
Pairings
Pairs Well With
LemonOrange LiqueurVermouth
Recommended With
AppleCinnamonHoney Syrup
Avoid Pairing With
Cream Based Ingredients
Substitutes
Substitute With
Applejack
Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
Non Alcoholic Apple Spirit Alternative
similar apple brandy structure with regional style differences
Serving Tips
Serve neat on ice or in shaken classic recipes
Storage Tips
Store upright away from direct sunlight and heat
Buying Tips
Choose AOC Calvados for authentic regional character
Mix it into something
Cocktails made with Calvados
About Calvados
What Does Calvados Taste Like?
Baked apple forward with soft vanilla and light spice oak notes
How It Is Made
Produced by fermenting apple cider then distilling and aging in oak barrels to develop depth and complexity
How To Use Calvados in Cocktails
Use as base spirit in orchard fruit cocktails and autumn style recipes
Best For
Autumn cocktails orchard style_serves and classic fruit forward recipes
A Bit of History
Calvados originates from the Normandy region of France and has been produced for centuries as an apple distilled spirit used in classic cocktails and digestif serves