Summer calls for this uncomplicated Calvados Collins recipe! The cocktail combines apple brandy, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water for a refreshing taste.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 175
Ingredients
- 2 oz Calvados
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Club soda - to top
- Apple slice and cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Collins Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Shaker
- Strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Stir some ice cubes into your Collins glass to chill and set it aside.
- Add Lemon Juice: Measure and pour 1 oz lemon juice into the shaker.
- Add Simple Syrup: Add ½ oz simple syrup to the mix.
- Add Calvados: Pour 2 oz Calvados into the shaker.
- Prep Shaker: Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake Well: Shake the ingredients vigorously.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with Soda: Top up the glass with club soda.
- Garnish: Place an apple slice and cherry on top for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Calvados: You can use any other apple brandy or bourbon for a different flavor profile if you don't have Calvados.
- Lemon Juice: Opt for lime for a slightly different flavor or even freshly squeezed orange juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.
- Simple Syrup: If you're out of simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over heat and then cooling it down.
Making a Pitcher of Calvados Collins:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Calvados, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Calvados, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Collins glasses, top with club soda, garnish with an apple slice and cherry, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Calvados Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic apple cider or apple juice as a substitute for Calvados.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Simple Syrup: Ensure that the sugar used in your simple syrup is vegan. Some sugars are processed using bone char, which is not vegan.
What is a Calvados Collins?
A Calvados Collins is a brandy-based highball cocktail made of Calvados, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water. This drink is not complicated as it involves simple mixing techniques that even beginners can master. The key to its unique flavor lies in using Calvados – an apple or pear brandy from the Normandy region in France. It’s a variant of the well-known Tom Collins cocktail but uses this French spirit instead for an exciting twist on the classic recipe. Its refreshing taste with a hint of fruitiness makes it perfect for any occasion.
What is a Calvados Collins made of – The ingredients
Before starting your Calvados Collins, make sure you have these ingredients:
- Calvados: A type of apple brandy from the Normandy region in France. It provides the main alcoholic base and a rich, fruity flavor to the cocktail.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy citrus note that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Simple Syrup: A mixture of sugar and water sweetens the cocktail and helps blend the flavors.
- Soda Water: Adds carbonation to the drink, making it light and refreshing.
- Apple Slice (for garnish): Enhances the apple flavor of the Calvados and adds a visually appealing touch to the finished drink.
