Revisiting this recipe last night, three or four years after the first try, confirmed my insight of late that I really don't like the taste of honey in cocktails. There it is. I sweeten my Earl Grey with pure honey every morning, though.

This one is easy to make as a great non alcoholic alternative (Wife's pregnant.. 😅)
Sub the Calvados with cloudy apple juice and
the Bianco Vermouth with Martini Floreale

Made again, still using only half the honey syrup, but instead of Calvados use Laird's Applejack 86. Laird's has a stronger apple flavour and at 86 proof a nice kick.

Similar to other apple brandy and vermouth cocktails such as The Star, Apple Blossom, Marconi, but with the vermouth style switched up. Simon has the Apple Blossom listed as one of the best Spring cocktails, but having tried both - I think this is the better suited to Spring. Both great though!

I made the honey syrup 1:1 using fresh-pressed cider instead of water. Makes a very nice autumnal drink.

Excellent drink! I didn’t feel like making honey syrup so just stirred a spoon of honey with the Calvados before adding vermouth and ice. Turned out just fine!

This is a surprisingly pleasant drink, but I just used the last of my wild honey from last year so that is a bit sad seeing we don't have leaves on the trees in my part of the world yet.

This was great. Did use 1/2 the amount of honey syrup as I like my cocktails drier. The blend of the calvados and the honey is perfect and the hint of the vermouth was outstanding.

I think it's just a little boozy for me when you're drinking it, the after-taste is quite pleasant, just needs something to knock that initial harsh edge off it, not much but something.