Applecar Cocktail Recipe

Applecar Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:12g

Alcohol:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Applecar cocktail is a modern twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail, which was created in the 1920s during the Prohibition era. The Applecar is a favorite among those who enjoy a fruity and refreshing cocktail with a hint of sophistication. It is perfect for summer parties, outdoor gatherings, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home.

  • Origin: 1920s
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Popularized: Modern mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts

How Applecar Tastes?

The Applecar cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The apple brandy and lemon juice provide a tangy and refreshing taste, while the triple sec adds a hint of sweetness. The cocktail is well-balanced, with a smooth and slightly strong finish.

Interesting facts about Applecar

  • The Applecar is a variation of the classic Sidecar cocktail, which is made with cognac, lemon juice, and triple sec.
  • Apple brandy, the main ingredient in the Applecar, is a distilled spirit made from apples and has a rich, fruity flavor.
  • The Applecar is often garnished with a lemon twist or a thin apple slice, adding an elegant touch to the presentation.

Ingredients

Apple Brandy

Apple Brandy acts as the soul of the Applecar cocktail, bestowing its delightful apple undertones to the drink. At 2 oz, it's perfect for giving enough fruity depth without overwhelming the other flavors. Too little and you miss the apple orchard; too much and you're bobbing for apples in a barrel!

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

Lemon Juice: The zesty cheerleader of the team, 1 oz of lemon juice brings a refreshing tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the apple brandy and triple sec. If we cut back on it, the drink might become cloyingly sweet, while too much could mean lemon face challenge!

Alex Green

Triple Sec

Triple Sec: This sweet, orange-flavored liqueur brings complexity and a hint of citrus to our Applecar. At 1 oz, it whispers sweet nothings to the brandy without shouting over it. Forget it, and the cocktail just feels undone, like a pie without the filling.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

Ice: The unsung hero, used to chill the soul without diluting the spirit. It ensures your Applecar is as cool as the other side of the pillow. No ice? You might as well be sipping warm apple juice on a summer day.

Emma Rose

Lemon Twist or Apple Slice

Garnish: The final flourish—whether you choose a sassy lemon twist or a crisp apple slice is up to you. It adds an aromatic allure and aesthetic charm to the cocktail, making it as pleasant to the nose and eyes as it is to the palate.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Applecar Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add 2 oz of apple brandy
  3. Add 1 oz of lemon juice
  4. Add 1 oz of triple sec
  5. Shake well until chilled
  6. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass
  7. Garnish with a lemon twist or a thin apple slice

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese boards: A variety of cheeses, especially sharp cheddar or creamy brie, will complement the apple and citrus notes in the Applecar cocktail.
  • Seafood: Light seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp or a ceviche, can be balanced against the Applecar's acidity and fruitiness.
  • Savory Tartlets: Little pastries filled with caramelized onion or goat cheese will pair nicely with the cocktail's crispness.

Desserts

  • Apple pie: This classic dessert naturally echoes the apple brandy in the drink.
  • Lemon sorbet: For a refreshing counterpoint, the tartness of the sorbet will match the lemon juice in the Applecar.
  • Almond biscotti: The nutty flavors will provide a pleasant contrast to the fruity and citrus notes of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Applecar

  • Apple Vodka can be used instead of Apple Brandy for a lighter taste.
  • Lime Juice can replace Lemon Juice for a different citrus twist.
  • Cointreau can be used instead of Triple Sec for a more refined flavor.

Explore all drinks starting with A here

And of course - twists🍹

Applecar Royale

Ingredients: Same as the original, but add a splash of champagne or sparkling wine. Recipe: Follow the original recipe, then top off your glass with a splash of champagne. This bubbly twist will make the cocktail lighter and more celebratory, as the sparkling effervescence dances with the apple and citrus notes.

Spiced Applecar

Ingredients: 2 oz apple brandy, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz spiced orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier), cinnamon stick (for garnish). Recipe: Shake the apple brandy, lemon juice, and spiced orange liqueur over ice. Strain into a chilled glass, then garnish with a cinnamon stick. This variation will bring warmth and winter spice to your cocktail, perfect for chilly evenings.

Applecar Verde

Ingredients: 2 oz apple brandy, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz melon liqueur (like Midori). Recipe: Shake the apple brandy, lime juice, and melon liqueur over ice. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a thin apple slice or lime wheel. This twist trades the orangey triple sec for melon's sweet-tart flavor, creating a more tropical experience.

In case you forgot basics how to make Applecar

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Applecar

What is the best time to serve an Applecar cocktail?

The Applecar, with its refreshing and fruity taste, is a perfect cocktail for the summer. It can be served during outdoor gatherings or as an aperitif before dinner.

Is the Applecar Cocktail considered a strong cocktail?

With 2 oz of Apple Brandy and 1 oz of Triple Sec, the Applecar is considered a medium-strong cocktail. It does offer a substantial kick, but it's also balanced by the sweetness of the Triple Sec and the tartness of the lemon juice.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Applecar cocktail?

Yes, a non-alcoholic or 'virgin' version of the Applecar can be created by replacing the apple brandy and triple sec with apple juice and a bit of orange extract or non-alcoholic triple sec, respectively.

Can I make a large batch of Applecar cocktails ahead of a party?

Yes, you can. Just multiply the recipe by the number of guests. However, it's recommended to add the ice and shake them individually right before serving to ensure they are fresh and chilled.

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