A Calvados + bourbon cocktail
Meet the Applewood Union, a cocktail built for crisp air and good company. This is where American bourbon and French Calvados shake hands across the orchard—full of apple character without tipping into dessert. Boiled apple cider brings a concentrated autumn sweetness, while the whiskey keeps things grounded and familiar.
That duo is balanced with a touch of sweet birch and toasted hickory bitters, lending subtle woodsy edges and just the slightest herbal tinge. A dash of Angostura is optional but welcome—it adds a warm spice thread that stretches the finish and reins in the sweetness.
The torched apple wheel is more than a pretty topper. A quick kiss of fire caramelizes its sugars and sends up a gentle baked-apple aroma with every sip. Whether you’re settling into a quiet night or gathering a crowd, the Applewood Union feels like pulling up a chair at the orchard table.
Overall Balance
The Applewood Union walks a comfortable line between orchard sweetness and whiskey structure. The reduced boiled cider (¼ oz) reins in the sugar, letting the bourbon set the tone while the Calvados fills in the apple profile with a drier, more nuanced backbone. The bitters tie everything together with gentle woodsy edges — not smoky, just quietly rustic. The torched apple wheel amplifies the apple aroma without adding weight, so the drink stays warm and approachable rather than sticky or dessert-leaning.
Notes & Fine-Tuning Options
- Angostura helps: A small dash gives the finish more confidence and keeps the sweetness from lingering too long.
- Richer bourbon = more depth: A high-rye bourbon brings lift; a fuller-bodied bottle gives a richer mid-palate.
- Stir vs. shake: Shaking makes it brighter and slightly more diluted; stirring keeps it silkier. Both work — just depends on your mood.
- More Calvados? If you want sharper apple + a drier edge, shift to a 1:1 whiskey–Calvados base.
- Bitters adjustment: If you want a little more dimension, add 1 dash Angostura to reinforce warm spice without overshadowing the birch/hickory.
- Finishing touch: The torched apple wheel brings more aroma than sweetness; keeps the drink grounded in the orchard.
Flavor Expectation
Think fall evening without the PSL energy. The sip opens with soft caramel and apple skin, then moves into a mild baked-fruit richness from the boiled cider. Calvados slides in early, giving a slightly tannic apple-core dryness that keeps things upright. The bitters add texture and a bit of woodland character — more bark and twig than bonfire. As it finishes, warm spice lingers gently, especially if Angostura is present. Nothing shouts. Everything cooperates. It feels like someone dressed up your favorite bourbon cocktail with a well-timed orchard cameo.
Applewood Union
1
servings7
minutes7
minutesIngredients
2 oz 2 high-proof bourbon (such as Wild Turkey 101)
1 oz 1 Calvados
1/4 oz 1/4 Woods Cider Mill Boiled Cider
2 dashes 2 Wildgoods Sweet Birch & Toasted Hickory Aromatic Bitters
1 dash 1 Angostura bitters (optional)
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
- Shake, then strain over a large rock.
- Garnish with a torched apple slice dusted with cinnamon
Equipment
Stainless Bell JiggerBuy From A Bar Above
Stainless Boston ShakerBuy From A Bar Above
Stainless Hawthorne StrainerBuy From A Bar Above
Stainless Fine Mesh StrainerBuy From A Bar Above
Leave a Reply