A short but intense mix of whisky, Amaretto, and Calvados, rounded out with apple juice and a hint of grenadine. The drink plays with the sweetness of the almond note and the tart depth of the apple – perfect for those who don’t like it too sweet but still want a fruity component. The soda water adds freshness and makes it easy to drink without overpowering the flavors.
And here’s what you need for the The Apple Teaser
1 cl Blended Scotch Whisky
1 cl Amaretto (almond liqueur)
1 cl Calvados (apple brandy)
1 dash grenadine
3 cl apple juice (cloudy, not from concentrate)
Soda water (to top up)
Ice cubes
1 thin apple slice (for garnish)
This is the key
The trick lies in the apple juice: always use cloudy juice, preferably freshly pressed or at least not from concentrate. The difference in flavor is huge – clear juice often tastes watery and overly sweet, while cloudy juice brings natural acidity and depth. If you don’t have Calvados on hand, use a high-quality German or French apple brandy, but avoid cheap alternatives – they often taste of artificial flavors and ruin the drink. Use grenadine sparingly: a single dash is enough to add color and slight sweetness without overloading the drink.
Variations
- Alcohol-free Apple Teaser — Replace the whisky and Calvados with 2 cl alcohol-free apple brandy (e.g., from a health food store) and reduce the Amaretto to 0.5 cl. The almond liqueur still provides enough body, while the apple brandy retains the tart note. Top up with a little more soda water to maintain balance.
- Smoky Apple Teaser — Add a dash of Islay whisky (or another smoky Scotch whisky) to the shaker before shaking. This gives the drink a lightly peaty note that pairs well with the apple. Make sure the smoke isn’t too dominant – half a dash to a full dash is enough.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave out the Calvados?
Yes, but the drink loses complexity. Calvados brings a tart, almost dry apple note that isn’t replaced by whisky and Amaretto. If you don’t have Calvados, use 1 cl more whisky and add a pinch of cinnamon or an apple piece to the shaker to emphasize the fruitiness.
Why does my drink taste too sweet?
It’s likely due to the apple juice or grenadine. Use cloudy apple juice with natural acidity and reduce the grenadine to half a dash. Alternatively, add 0.5 cl lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Can I mix the drink in advance?
Not recommended. The carbonation of the soda water dissipates quickly, and the drink goes flat. Mix the alcoholic ingredients and apple juice in the shaker beforehand and add the soda water just before serving.
