Calvados Sidecar

Friday, September 2, 2011

You can't have a back to school week without a bit of apple, and this Calvados Sidecar is the perfect autumn cocktail. While Sidecars feature a traditional brandy (usually Cognac, a brandy produced in the French town of Cognac), this apple brandy made in the region of Basse-Normandie is a delicious, fall-flavored alternative.


Calvados Sidecar

1 1/2 oz of Calvados
1 oz of Cointreau
3/4 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice; shake for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass, garnish with an orange twist.


Notes: Unless you love fruit brandies (guilty as charged), you probably don't have a bottle of Calvados lying around your liquor cabinet. Pick up the brand your local liquor store carries–prices don't vary a whole lot, and the French highly regulate their spirits so any bottle of Calvados will be high quality. While you're at it, pick up a bottle of Poire Williams–your fall cocktail line up will thank you!

Cheers, darlings!


Photo by Craig Lee for the San Francisco Chronicle


P.S. I'm chatting with Lisa at Something Pretty about signature cocktails–what else would I be talking about on Friday, after all! Come check out my do's and don'ts for choosing a cocktail and my very favorite libations!
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22 comments:

  1. JohannaSeptember 2, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    This just looks pretty. Is it too early for a cocktail. Hello holiday weekend - hope yours is awesome!

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  2. Ren- Lady Of The ArtsSeptember 2, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    I love the etchings on the glass- so pretty- the drink sounds delicious- have a great weekend.

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  3. a little black cloud in a dressSeptember 2, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    I've never heard of this.. but I do love a simple stiff drink. :]

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  4. AlexaSeptember 2, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    I love your cocktail series. And I love that gorgeous glass that the sidecar is served in. I would feel so fancy drinking that! :) Hope you have a lovely weekend my dear!
    xo

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  5. AnonymousSeptember 2, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    I so need a cocktail to kick off this weekend!

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  6. postcards and prettiesSeptember 2, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    First time I ever heard about this drink! BOOKMARKED!

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  7. AprilSeptember 2, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    Hmmmm... I've never heard of this before. Will have to look into it at the liquor store now! I want to make my own signature cocktail. What do you think I'd taste like?
    Wow that sounds weird. You get it though!

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  8. NikkiSeptember 2, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    When we're in Normandy I'm making sure to order some Calvados and Camambert for lunch!

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  9. Tiffany KadaniSeptember 2, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    Wow! That's what a sidecar was. Had no clue!

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  10. Alicia@CharityWeddingSeptember 2, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    Fruit brandy sounds amazing! You are introducing me to so many things I never knew existed!!

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  11. BrancoprataSeptember 2, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Oh boy.... it's dinner time here in Portugal and God know i need one of these!!!!!

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  12. Paper MossSeptember 2, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    So cute- and festive!! I'm sure parents are celebrating :)

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  13. AmberSeptember 2, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    you have no idea how badly I need this drink in my life right now

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  14. SigneSeptember 2, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    Have a happy weekend and enjoy your cocktails ;)

    Hugs,
    Signe

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  15. ShanaSeptember 2, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    Oh fall..come back so I can drink this...

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  16. Style, She WroteSeptember 3, 2011 at 12:23 AM

    You know so many yummy cocktails lady! I want to go out drinking with you! :) xo style, she wrote

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  17. Anastasia SchembriSeptember 3, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Just perfect for this weekend, I know what I will be serving my guests tonight!
    And now off to the liquor store in search of Calvados, the boys there must definitely think I have some kind of problem, popping in every few days like I do! :)

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  18. Punctuation MarkSeptember 3, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    i love calvados and it's hard to find at restaurants and very few people know about it... have a great weekend my dear!

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  19. lauren nataliaSeptember 3, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    lena! i found your blog via mary shouvlin's (foralifeinspired) -- it's lauren kodiak ... wendy + bohdan's daughter. what a small world blogging creates! i live in portland, or now. hope you, your mom, dad and charlie are well :)

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  20. IsabelSeptember 5, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    mmm this sounds delicious!

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  21. LidiyaSeptember 5, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    This cocktail sounds delicious, I may have to try ;)
    http://cupcakesandtreacle.blogspot.com/

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  22. Rogue BrideOctober 28, 2011 at 3:30 AM

    I am loving the classic cocktails you post! The Moscow Mule, a Side Car? I can't get enough, especially of gin-based drinks.

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