Name: Apple Blossom Cocktail
Total time: 3 min
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 45 ml Calvados apple brandy; 45 ml Rosso/sweet vermouth; 1 dash Orange bitters

2469n 19w

It’s very much like the late-19th-century forgotten classic, the Star Cocktail, which appears in George Kappeler’s 1895 Modern American Drinks and Harry Craddock’s 1930 The Savoy Cocktail Book.
Personally, I prefer the original recipe with a lemon peel garnish because it adds a bright, refreshing lift to the cocktail.

Helen Huckvale Premium Member 26w

The calvados I used was Pere Magliore Memoire, bought at a distillery in Normandy. I suspect it may have added sugar.

Helen Huckvale Premium Member 26w

This is wonderful, made me think of France. I have spent the day gardening among the blossom and so this felt appropriate. I added a few more drops of bitters to sharpen it up.

Simon Sedgley Premium Member 27w

On a whim, we decided to try this as an apple Manhattan, adding 15ml Rittenhouse Rye and reducing the Vermouth to 30ml, leaving the bitters as is. Our conclusion was that if we want a Manhattan we'll stick with our favourite sweet variant. And if we want something spirituous but delicate, beautifully balanced and apple floral this recipe is the one. Avallen Calvados really makes this sing.

Peter M Premium Member 40w

When making this with Avallen Calvados, I ended up adding 2.5 ml of 2:1 sugar syrup and that seemed to bring a better balance, for me. Makes sense considering Avallen has zero added sugar as opposed to a traditional calvados like Bergeron would have used when creating this cocktail back in 1972.

Ralf Geulen 27w

Same here.
A few drops of sugar changed it from "okay" to "really nice".
Maybe it's totally different with Apple Jack, but with Calvados - this is my way.

Tuber Magnatum Premium Member 44w

Was looking for a quick and easy cocktail and by fluke this came up as the "Cocktail of the Day". Couldn't be simpler and surprisingly delicious. As there are only 2 ingredients not counting the bitters, the quality of this drink will be judged on what you choose. For me, at the recommended ratio of 1:1, I think the vermouth is the most critical of the two. Choose wisely!

Mookie Premium Member 1y

finally took the calvados plunge and started with this drink, and it did not disappoint. will be interesting to play with the ratios!

michael Monaco 1y

I made it...it was ok. Still looking for a home-run cocktail with calvados.

Simon Bennetts 46w

Try the Widow's Kiss

michael Monaco 46w

Thank you. I will try it in the coming days and report back.

michael Monaco 45w

Wow! I like this one! Thank you so much. With your help, I have recipe that I will add to my repetoire. Thanks.

John CARR Premium Member 1y

This is great! So interesting how the combination of Calvados + sweet vermouth is elsewhere reminiscent of autumn (e.g. Fallen Leaves, Fall Back), yet a few dashes of Orange bitters transform it into spring instead.