Calvados and Tonic
A refreshing, bubbly and fruity brandy cocktail ∙ Build ∙ 2 min ∙ 11.4% ABV ∙
The Calvados and Tonic is a Normandy apple-brandy highball of Calvados and tonic water over ice, with optional Angostura bitters.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour all ingredients into the ice-filled glass: Calvados 50 mlAngostura aromatic bitters 2 dashes (opt.)Tonic water 100 ml
- Briefly stir
- Garnish with an apple slice
Tips
- Pour the Calvados over ice first, then the tonic, and stir only briefly so the drink keeps its bubbles.
History
The Calvados and Tonic is a straightforward regional variation on the gin and tonic that replaces the gin with Calvados, the apple brandy distilled from cider in Normandy, France. The drink has long been a familiar aperitif in Normandy. The pairing with tonic water circulated locally as an easy, refreshing way to serve the brandy before it drew wider international attention.
In the United States it was popularized in part through craft cocktail bars such as Damn the Weather in Seattle, whose owner Bryn Lumsden served it to recast Calvados, often typecast as a winter or after-dinner spirit, as a lighter, daytime pour. No single bartender or date is credited with inventing it.
