Normandie Old Fashioned with Calvados and Apple Bitters
A refined Old Fashioned variation using Calvados apple brandy and apple bitters for a bright, fruity take on the classic. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together Calvados apple brandy, dashes apple bitters, maple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 155 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Calvados apple brandy
- 3 dashes apple bitters
- 0.25 oz maple syrup
- 1 large ice cube
- 1 thin slice apple slice
- 1 twist lemon twist
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 2 oz Calvados apple brandy, 0.25 oz maple syrup, and 3 dashes apple bitters in a mixing glass.
- Step 2: Add ice to fill the glass and stir gently for 20 seconds until cold and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass over 1 large ice cube. Garnish with 1 thin apple slice and express oils from 1 lemon twist over the drink for a fresh citrus aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Normandie Old Fashioned with Calvados and Apple Bitters take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Normandie Old Fashioned with Calvados and Apple Bitters?
Refrigerate any leftover normandie old fashioned with calvados and apple bitters in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Normandie Old Fashioned with Calvados and Apple Bitters?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Normandie Old Fashioned with Calvados and Apple Bitters for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Normandie Old Fashioned with Calvados and Apple Bitters?
General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
