This cocktail is like a crisp autumn afternoon in a glass-bright, a little tart, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for another sip. The Applecar is a refreshing twist on the classic Sidecar, swapping in apple brandy for a fruity, warming base that pairs beautifully with fresh lemon juice and orange liqueur. It’s one of my go-to drinks when the weather starts to cool down or when I’m in the mood for something classic with a seasonal edge.
Applecar
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Chilled cocktail or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) apple brandy (or Calvados for a deeper flavor)
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) triple sec or orange liqueur (like Cointreau)
– Apple slice or lemon twist, for garnish
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your cocktail or coupe glass into the freezer while you mix the drink.
- Add ingredients to a shaker. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the apple brandy, lemon juice, and triple sec.
- Shake it up. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels cold. This chills the drink and gives it a nice texture.
- Strain and serve. Strain into your chilled glass. Garnish with a thin apple slice or a twist of lemon peel for a bright pop of aroma and color.
I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s a tip I picked up: if your apple brandy is on the sweeter side, use a touch more lemon juice to keep things balanced.
Tips & Tricks
– Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference. Bottled juice can taste flat or overly sour.
– Chill your glass ahead of time. A cold glass keeps the cocktail crisp longer.
– Play with the brandy. Calvados gives a more complex, dry apple flavor, while American apple brandies tend to be sweeter and rounder.
– Strain well. You don’t want any ice shards watering down your drink.
– Watch the sweetness. If it’s too sweet for your liking, reduce the triple sec a bit or use a drier apple brandy.
Ingredient Swaps
– Swap triple sec for elderflower liqueur for a floral note.
– Use lime juice instead of lemon for a sharper, zesty flavor.
– Try pear brandy instead of apple for a softer, mellow twist.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the apple brandy, lemon juice, and triple sec ahead of time and store it in the fridge (without ice). When you’re ready to serve, just shake it with ice and strain into a chilled glass. It’s a great way to prep for a small gathering.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs wonderfully with:
– Spicy appetizers like jalapeño poppers or hot wings-the citrus and sweetness cool the heat.
– Charcuterie boards with sharp cheeses and cured meats. The apple notes balance rich, savory flavors.
– Apple-based desserts like apple crisp or turnovers. It doubles down on the fruitiness for a cozy finish.
This has been my go-to cocktail for fall dinner parties. It’s simple to make, but always feels a little special.
Variations to Try
Autumn Spice Applecar
– Add a dash of cinnamon and a splash of apple cider.
– Rim your glass with cinnamon sugar for extra flair.
Green Orchard Applecar
– Swap triple sec for green apple schnapps for a tart, candy-like twist.
Berry Applecar
– Muddle a few fresh berries (raspberries or blackberries work great) before shaking.
– Garnish with a berry skewer.
Virgin Applecar
– Mix 2 oz (60 ml) apple juice, 0.75 oz (22 ml) lemon juice, and 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup.
– Shake with ice and serve over fresh ice with a lemon twist.
Common Questions
What’s the best apple brandy to use?
Look for something with a bold apple flavor. Calvados is great if you want complexity, while American brands like Laird’s are more straightforward and sweet.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Just don’t shake with ice until you’re ready to serve. Keep the mixed ingredients in the fridge for up to a day.
Is there a perfect lemon-to-triple sec ratio?
A 1:1 ratio keeps things balanced. But if your triple sec is super sweet, feel free to up the lemon juice slightly.
How can I make it less sweet?
Cut the triple sec down to 0.5 oz (15 ml) or use a drier apple brandy. You can also add a splash of soda water if you want to lighten it up.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
It’ll work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Fresh lemon juice really makes this cocktail shine.
Storage
If you mix a batch ahead of time (without ice), store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice just before serving.
Scale It Up
Want to make a batch for a party? Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings. Combine in a pitcher, refrigerate, and shake individual servings with ice before pouring.
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The Applecar is a simple, elegant cocktail that delivers bold flavor with very little fuss. Whether you’re shaking up one for a quiet night in or prepping a batch for friends, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Cheers!
