What's the Best Substitute for Calvados?
Whether you're out of Calvados or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. French apple brandy from Normandy with rich, complex flavors and distinct apple notes, commonly used in cooking and cocktails In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for calvados are apple brandy, cognac, or applejack using a 1:1 ratio.
Best Substitutes for Calvados
Apple Brandy
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- cooking
- cocktails
- desserts
- flambéing
Description
Generic apple brandy that can substitute for calvados in most applications. Made from apples like calvados but may be less complex.
Look for aged apple brandy for more complex flavors similar to calvados
Applejack
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- cooking
- cocktails
- desserts
- flambéing
Description
American apple brandy with similar characteristics to calvados. Made from apples and has comparable apple flavors.
Applejack is typically less expensive than calvados but has similar apple notes
Cognac
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- cooking
- cocktails
- desserts
- flambéing
Description
French brandy that can substitute for calvados, though it lacks the distinct apple flavor. Good for cooking and cocktails where apple flavor isn't critical.
Cognac lacks the apple flavor but has similar complexity and depth
Rum
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- cooking
- cocktails
- desserts
- flambéing
Description
Aged rum can substitute for calvados in many applications, especially in cooking and cocktails where the specific apple flavor isn't essential.
Choose aged rum for more complex flavors. Dark rum works best
Apple Juice + Brandy
Ratio
1:1 (2 parts apple juice to 1 part brandy)
Best For
- non-alcoholic cooking
- desserts
- sauces
Description
Non-alcoholic alternative that mimics calvados's apple flavor and alcohol content. Use fresh apple juice for best results.
This creates a non-alcoholic substitute with similar apple flavor
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Calvados, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Calvados is excellent for flambéing and adding depth to apple-based desserts
Use calvados in classic French dishes like tarte tatin or crêpes suzette
Calvados pairs beautifully with pork, chicken, and apple-based dishes
Add calvados near the end of cooking to preserve its complex apple flavors
Store calvados in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight
Calvados is perfect for deglazing pans and creating rich, flavorful sauces
Use calvados in cocktails like the Applejack or French 75 variations
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications