Discover the Charm of Calvados: A Taste of Normandy with a Modern Twist
Calvados, the apple or pear brandy from Normandy, France, is a hidden gem in the world of spirits. Renowned for its rich history, versatility, and distinctive flavor profile, this spirit has been enjoyed for centuries and is now taking center stage in modern mixology and cooking.
At Branding & Buzzing, we’re excited to team up with Business France to introduce Calvados to a broader audience through a creative campaign featuring influencers and unique recipes.
What Is Calvados?
Calvados originates from Normandy, a region in France known for its picturesque apple orchards and culinary heritage. This aged brandy is crafted from distilled cider made from specific apple and pear varieties, giving it a deep, fruity, and slightly spicy character. With aging, Calvados develops complex flavors of vanilla, oak, and caramel, making it perfect for sipping, mixing, or cooking.
Traditionally, Calvados has been enjoyed as an aperitif, digestif, or in simple cocktails. However, its versatility allows it to shine in desserts, marinades, and even savory dishes.
Our Calvados Collaboration with Business France
As part of our partnership with Business France, Branding & Buzzing curated a campaign to inspire Canadians to discover the magic of Calvados. We enlisted talented influencers and food enthusiasts to create imaginative recipes, from cocktails to culinary masterpieces, showcasing the spirit’s adaptability.
This campaign highlights the endless possibilities of Calvados and connects it with a new generation of food and drink lovers. Through engaging content, we’re building awareness and appreciation for this remarkable spirit.
A Calvados Recipe to Try
Here’s a sneak peek into one of our creations, perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion.
Le Meilleur
This cocktail is inspired by the Mai TaiIn Tahitian mai tai means “out of this world” and the best, so I used that inspiration to name this cocktail as well; le meilleur being French for the best. Since this cocktail is named the best we’re using one of the best spirits, Calvados. It’s an authentic spirit from Europe that’s made from apples. One thing that ensures the quality of this spirit is it has quality standards and regulations much like champagne and cognac do that differentiate them from sparkling wine and brandy.
2oz Calvados
3/4oz lemon juice
1/2oz orgeat
1/2oz orange curaçao
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with a small amount of crushed ice. Whip shake until ice is melted. Poor cocktail unstained into a glass filled with crushed/nugget ice. Garnish with a bouquet of mint, cinnamon stick, and a lemon wheel. Stick in a metal or biodegradable straw next to the mint.