How to find substitutes for calvados is one of the things that many people frequently ask about. And it’s not an easy question to answer because it completely depends on what you’re looking for in a substitute.
The other day, I was baking an apple tart for a potluck at work and realized I was out of calvados.
Thankfully, I already knew a few substitutes for calvados that would work perfectly in my recipe.
So, with confidence, I went and used a substitute in the recipe and it turned out great! The substitute gave the tart a nice, warm flavor that went really well with the apples.
If you want an exact replica of calvados, then there is no real substitute that will do the job. However, if you’re looking for something similar or with similar properties, then there are a few ideas I can give.
Substitutes For Calvados:
- Brandy
- Apple juice
- Armagnac
- Apple cider
- Apple butter
- Pear brandy
- Pear cider
- Apple essence
- Red wine
- White wine
- Applejack
- Plain apple vinegar
Brandy
Brandy, the refined and elegant drink made from distilling wine, is a wonderful substitute for Calvados, the French spirit made from cider.
It has a similar flavor profile to calvados, with notes of apple, pear, and spice. It is also a bit sweeter than calvados, which makes it a great replacement in cocktails that call for a sweetener. It may also be used in desserts and stir-fries as long as you keep the amount in mind.
When substituting brandy for calvados, use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a cocktail recipe calls for 1 ounce of calvados, use 1 ounce of brandy instead.
One advantage of using brandy as a substitute is that it is less expensive and easier to find. It also has a longer shelf life.
Apple juice
Apple juice is most commonly thought of as a drink for children, or maybe something to have with breakfast on a chilly morning. But it can also be used as an ingredient in cooking, and it makes a great substitute for calvados.
Apple juice is easy to find and relatively inexpensive, and it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
If you want to stay as close as possible to the taste and flavor of Calvados, I’d advise you to buy unsweetened apple juice, as the extra sugar will alter the flavor of your dish.
This substitute is perfect if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option. But if you want some alcohol, you may add vodka or rum.
Armagnac
Armagnac is a type of brandy that originates from the Armagnac region of southwestern France. It is made from grapes and pears and has a strong aroma with notes of nuts.
It is typically aged for longer than other types of brandy, resulting in a velvety texture with a complex flavor profile. While calvados is also a type of brandy that is made from apples, it has a distinct flavor profile that is dominated by the taste of apples.
Armagnac has a slightly different flavor than calvados, but it works great as a substitute in cocktails and also in cooking. Armagnac is a good choice for sipping neat or on the rocks. You’ll love it.
Apple cider
Apple cider is made from apples that are crushed and then left to ferment. It has a high sugar content and is often used in baking.
Cider is a great substitute for calvados because it has a similar sweetness and apple flavor. If you’re looking for an alcohol-free substitute, you can get the non-alcoholic apple cider.
When substituting cider for calvados, use a ratio of two parts cider to one part water. So, if you need one cup of calvados, use two cups of cider and one cup of water.
Apple cider mimics calvados’ strong apple flavor, so it can be used as a substitute in many different ways. And it’s a great way to add an extra apple flavor without using alcohol.
Apple butter
Apple butter is made by cooking apples down into a thick, sweet spread. It is often used as a topping for toast or pancakes, but it can also be used in baking and cooking.
It has a deep, rich flavor and can be used as a substitute for calvados, a distilled liquor made from apples. While apple butter cannot be used in drinks, it can be used in cookies and desserts.
To use apple butter as a substitute for calvados, simply melt the butter and stir in the apple butter until combined.
This substitute can also be used to add flavor to pies and other baked goods. When substituting apple butter for calvados, keep in mind that the flavors will be somewhat different.
Apple butter is less sweet than calvados and has a more intense apple flavor. Nevertheless, it makes an excellent substitute in many recipes.
Pear brandy
When it comes to brandy, pear is the new apple. That’s right, pear brandy is quickly becoming a popular substitute for calvados. So, what are some cases you can use this substitute as a replacement?
Well, for one, the production process is very similar. Pear Brandy is made by fermenting and distilling pear juice, just like calvados. The only difference is the fruit that’s used.
However, while the two types of brandy may be produced in the same way, they don’t have the same flavor. Calvados is known for its strong apple flavor, while pear brandy is much milder.
In fact, some say that pear brandy tastes more like alcohol than fruit. Nevertheless, it makes a great substitute for calvados in cocktails and other recipes that call for brandy. Plus, it has the same high alcohol content, so you won’t be sacrificing any potency if you make the switch.
Pear cider
Pear cider is made in the same way as apple cider, except with pears instead of apples. It has a light, refreshing flavor and can be used as a substitute for calvados.
You may use pear cider in everything from cocktails to creams and desserts, as well as sauces made of fresh fruits.
Pear cider is a great choice for those who want a lighter alternative to calvados. It can be used in cocktails or cooking, and it’s a great way to add an extra pear flavor, whether with the alcoholic or non-alcoholic version.
Apple Essence
Apple Essence is a concentrated form of apple flavor that is made by extracting the essential oils from apples. It is often used in baking and candy making, as well as in cocktails.
It can be used as a substitute for calvados, although it will not add any alcohol to the dish. If you’re looking for an alcohol-free substitute, this is a good choice.
To use apple essence as a calvados substitute, simply add it to the recipe in place of the liquor. You can also use it to flavor cocktails or other drinks.
When substituting apple essence for calvados, keep in mind that the flavor will be more concentrated. Therefore, you may want to start with less and add more to taste.
Red wine
Red wine is a classic cooking ingredient and can be used as a substitute for calvados. It has a deep, rich flavor that can add depth to many dishes.
When substituting red wine for calvados, it’s best to use a dry wine. This will prevent the dish from becoming too sweet.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, you can use red grape juice. Simply substitute the same amount of grape juice for wine in the recipe.
Keep in mind that grape juice is much sweeter than wine, so you may want to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
White wine
White wine may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of calvados, but in some cases, it can be used as a substitute.
When substituting, choose white wine that has a similar alcohol content to calvados, so it can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that white wine will have a different taste than calvados. This is due to the fact that white wine doesn’t have any apple flavor.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a calvados substitute that will give your dish the same flavor, white wine may not be the best option. However, if you’re willing to experiment with a different taste, white wine can be a good alternative.
Applejack
Applejack is a strong alcoholic beverage made from apple cider that has been fermented and then distilled. It has a fruity, dry flavor and is often used as a substitute for calvados.
It can be used in many of the same ways as calvados, including in cocktails, cooking, and baking. It is also a popular choice for making Applejacks, a type of candy made by dipping apples in hot syrup and then rolling them in sugar.
Applejack has an ABV level of approximately 25 to 40 percent, making it quite robust with alcohol. For folks who enjoy apple-flavored spirits, it’s frequently recommended as a substitute for calvados.
Plain apple vinegar
Plain apple vinegar has a tart, acidic flavor and can be used as a substitute for calvados. In savory dishes, it may be a decent alternative for calvados.
I wouldn’t advise that you use it in cocktails or desserts, but it is excellent in salads, sour soups, and other sauces that you may serve as toppings or marinades.
When substituting, use plain apple vinegar in the same proportion as you would calvados. To be on the safe side, you may want to start with one tablespoon of plain apple vinegar and then taste as you go along.
Keep in mind that plain apple vinegar is less sweet than calvados. Therefore, you may want to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
FAQ
Is cognac the same as calvados?
Cognac and calvados are both distilled from fermented fruit juices. However, cognac is made from grape juice while calvados is made from apple juice. Additionally, cognac must be aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels while there is no such requirement for calvados. As a result, cognac typically has a smoother, more complex flavor than calvados.
Can I use vodka as a substitute for calvados?
Vodka can be used as a substitute for calvados, but it will not taste the same. This is because vodka is distilled from crops like grains or potatoes, while calvados is distilled from apples. Additionally, vodka is typically not aged in oak barrels like calvados, so it does not have the same smooth, woody flavor.
If you’re looking for a calvados substitute that will give your dish the same flavor, vodka is not the best option. However, if you’re willing to experiment with a different taste, vodka can be a good alternative.
Signing Out
So, there you have it, a few substitutes for calvados that you can use in your cooking and baking. With these substitutes, you can easily swap out the liquor for something non-alcoholic or even add extra flavor to your dishes.
So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you. As always, let me know if you have any questions or suggestions in the comments below.