Calvados is an alcoholic drink sung in the works of Remarque. Its homeland is France (Normandy province), where it is obtained by transferring
apple cider. Producers grow special varieties of apples - they must be small and contain a sufficient amount of tannin (acid). After them, according to recipes that are kept secret, and get this strong and aromatic
sparkling drink. The percentage of alcohol in Calvados is up to 40%. Usually it is aged for several years in specially made oak barrels before sale, so that it acquires a beautiful
amber color and rich aroma. About how to drink Calvados, read further in our article. To date, the main supplier of the drink is its homeland - France. And although in Russia it has not yet gained sufficient popularity and is quite expensive, connoisseurs use it as an aperitif throughout the world - that is, before eating, because its taste and qualitative characteristics contribute to an improvement in appetite.
How do you drink calvados?
This drink is often called apple vodka because of its taste and corresponding strength. When serving, it should be warmed to room temperature - just pull it out of the refrigerator or minibar in advance. As mentioned above, a small amount of this alcohol taken before meals helps to improve appetite, but it can also be used as a digestif. It goes well with chocolate, fruit or coffee. Glasses for Calvados are ordinary cognac. Their wide rounded shape allows you to fully reveal all the qualities of the drink. Before the first sip, hold the glass in your hands for a while - this will allow you to feel a full apple aftertaste after. Remember that the older, more mature this alcohol is, the stronger its aroma and refined taste. The most popular manufacturers of this drink are Busnel, Busulard, Fiefs Cent-Anne and M. Dupon. Speaking of how Calvados is drunk, one can mention the famous French tradition called the Norman Pit (trou normand). It implies the adoption of a small amount of this alcohol in between meals during lunch or dinner. This is especially suitable for festive meals.
How to drink calvados in cocktails?
Like many alcoholic drinks, calvados is good not only in itself, but also as mixes with juices, vermouths and liquors. Let's mix some of them. For the New York Apple cocktail you will need:
- 40 ml. French Calvados;
- 20 ml "Bakkardi Rosso";
- A couple drops of concentrated orange syrup or juice.
All of these ingredients should be mixed in a shaker, add ice and serve in a martini glass.
To prepare the “Pleasant Adventure” mix and feel the delicious aroma of a blossoming apple garden, mix in an ice shaker:
- 40 ml of calvados;
- 20-25 ml (to taste) of any gin;
- 20-30 ml of grapefruit juice.
Now, knowing how to drink Calvados in its pure form and what simple and tasty cocktails you can make from it, you can make it a worthy component of your home minibar. Just remember that strong alcohol in large quantities can be harmful to your health.