The Apple Brandy Sidecar is a festive spin on the classic Sidecar, swapping in apple brandy and cider for a seasonal twist. Bright citrus from lemon juice and orange liqueur balances the fruit-forward notes, while maple syrup adds smooth sweetness. A dash of Holiday Pie Bitters brings baking spice warmth, tying the cocktail together with autumn character. Served in a chilled coupe and garnished with a crisp apple slice, this drink is refined yet approachable. Perfect for fall dinners, holiday gatherings, or an elevated nightcap, the Apple Brandy Sidecar is both aromatic and richly flavorful.

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Tasting Notes

The Apple Brandy Sidecar offers a rich balance of fruit, citrus, and spice. Apple brandy delivers warmth with deep fruit notes, while orange liqueur adds bright sweetness that ties the flavors together. Lemon juice sharpens the drink, giving it refreshing acidity. Apple cider softens the edges with natural sweetness, while maple syrup adds depth and a touch of earthiness. Holiday Pie Bitters finish the drink with a subtle spiced aroma. Served in a chilled coupe glass, the cocktail is smooth, layered, and perfectly suited for cooler weather, making each sip both refreshing and comforting.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare the Apple Brandy Sidecar, you’ll need a few reliable tools. A cocktail shaker ensures the ingredients are thoroughly blended and properly chilled. A strainer provides a clean pour, keeping ice shards out of the final drink. A jigger allows for precise measurements, ensuring balance between the citrus, sweet, and spirit components. A bar spoon is useful for mixing before shaking if desired. For presentation, a coupe glass highlights the cocktail’s golden hue and refined style. A paring knife will help slice fresh apple for garnish. With these simple tools, the drink comes together quickly and cleanly.

Ingredients

1.5 ounces apple brandy
0.75 ounce orange liqueur
0.5 ounce lemon juice
0.5 ounce apple cider
0.5 ounce maple syrup
1 dash Holiday Pie Bitters
Apple slice for garnish, optional

Instructions

Begin by filling a coupe glass with ice to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple brandy, orange liqueur, lemon juice, apple cider, and a dash of Holiday Pie Bitters.
Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Discard the ice from the chilled coupe glass.
Strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared coupe glass.
Garnish with a fresh apple slice for an elegant presentation.
Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, fruity, and citrusy flavors of this sophisticated cocktail.

Pro Tips

Use high-quality apple brandy for better depth.
Fresh apple cider will give brighter flavor than bottled.
Chill the coupe glass beforehand for longer-lasting temperature.
Adjust maple syrup depending on sweetness preference.
Double strain for a smoother texture.
Use Holiday Pie Bitters or substitute with aromatic bitters plus a pinch of cinnamon.
Garnish with a thin apple slice or dried apple wheel for extra style.

When to Serve

The Apple Brandy Sidecar is best served during autumn and winter, when apple and spice flavors feel most fitting. It’s an excellent choice for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or as a pre-dinner cocktail at seasonal celebrations. Its crisp citrus notes also make it refreshing enough to serve at cocktail hours. Pair it with roasted meats, cheese boards, or spiced desserts for complementary flavors. Because it balances warmth with freshness, it works equally well as a dinner party highlight or a cozy nightcap. Its seasonal twist on a classic ensures it feels memorable in any setting.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Apple Brandy: Laird’s Apple Brandy, Clear Creek, or Calvados for a French option.
Orange Liqueur: Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao.
Bitters: Fee Brothers Holiday Bitters, or Angostura with a pinch of baking spice.
Apple Cider: Martinelli’s, R.W. Knudsen, or fresh orchard-pressed cider.
Maple Syrup: Crown Maple, Anderson’s, or Coombs Family Farms.

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