Calvados - an alcoholic drink sung in the works of Remarque. His homeland is France (the province of Normandy), where it is obtained by distilling apple cider. Manufacturers grow special varieties of apples - they must be small and contain a sufficient amount of tannin (acid). After of them, according to recipes, which are kept secret, and get this strong and fragrant sparkling drink. The percentage of alcohol in calvados is up to 40%. Usually, before the sale, it is kept for several years in specially made oak barrels, so that it will acquire a beautiful amber color and a rich aroma. On how to properly drink Calvados, read further in our article. To date, the main supplier of the drink is his homeland - France. And although in Russia it has not yet gained enough popularity and is quite expensive, all over the world connoisseurs use it as an aperitif - that is, before meals, as its taste and quality characteristics contribute to the improvement of appetite.
How do they drink Calvados?
This drink is often called apple vodka because of its taste and the corresponding strength. When served to the table, it should be heated to room temperature - simply remove it from the refrigerator or minibar in advance. As mentioned above, a small amount of this alcohol, taken before meals, contributes to an improvement in appetite, but it can also be used as a digestive. It fits perfectly with chocolate, fruit or coffee. Calvados glasses are ordinary cognac. Their wide, rounded form allows you to fully reveal all the qualities of the drink. Before the first gulp, hold the glass in your hands for a while - this will allow you to experience a full apple aftertaste. Remember that the older this alcohol is, the stronger its flavor and the finer its taste. The most popular producers of this drink are "Busnel", "Boulard", "Fiefs Cent-Anne" and "M. DuPont" (M. Dupon). Talking about how to drink Calvados, you can mention the well-known French tradition called "Norman pit" (trou normand). It implies taking a small amount of this alcohol in between the changes in the dishes during lunch or dinner. This is especially suitable for festive meals.
How to drink Calvados in cocktails?
Like many alcoholic beverages, Calvados is good not only in itself, but also as a mix with juices, vermouths and liquors. Let's mix some of them. For the cocktail "New York Apple" you will need:
40 ml. French Calvados;
- 20 ml of "Bacardi Rosso";
- A couple drops of concentrated orange juice or syrup.
All these ingredients should be mixed in a shaker, add ice and serve in a martini glass.
To prepare a mix of "Pleasant adventure" and to feel the delicious aroma of a flowering apple orchard, mix in a shaker with ice:
- 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 can be made from it, you can make it a worthy component of your home mini-bar. Just remember that strong alcohol in large quantities can harm your health.