Princess Mary’s Pride
Thanksgiving is next week. And while you’re probably all set with your food menu, what about the cocktails? If you’re anything like me, there will be plenty of red and white wine. But what about a nice aperitif or digestif? Something to get the juices flowing before you sit down to stuff your face with all that amazing turkey, potatoes and pumpkin pie? Well, don’t worry. If you’re at a loss of what cocktail to shake up, I’ve got you covered.
This time of year, I love a good cocktail that’s full of fall flavors. And by fall flavors I mean apples, ginger and maybe a few bubbles. While this drink lacks the bubble aspect, (I know, can you believe it?) it’s still a delightful tipple and one that’s perfect for this time of year. It’s also a reason to pull out that bottle of Calvados that’s been gathering dust at the back of your liquor cabinet.
What is Calvados? It’s an apple brandy distilled in the north of France. Normandy to be specific. Yes, that large piece of land that’s famous for a certain WWII invasion. While I usually make cocktails with Applejack around Thanksgiving, this year, I wanted to go with a liquor that has a little more apple flavor. Unlike the Applejack which is distilled by taking hard cider and freezing it until all your left with is a high octane whiskey with hints of apple, Calvados is a brandy that’s distilled from four different types of apples, according to Wine Enthusiast and then aged for at least 2 years in oak barrels. What you’re left with is a brandy that has way more apple flavor than the well known Applejack. Now, that’s not to say that I don’t love Applejack. It’s just, like most liquors out there, both Calvados and Applejack have their place. When I’m in the mood for an apple whiskey with some serious kick, it’s Applejack no question. But when I’m in the mood for something a little more mellow with plenty of apple flavor and not nearly as high a proof, I reach for the Calvados.
It’s because of the Calvados, that I picked this drink as a starter for your Turkey Day feast. Not only does it have plenty of apple flavor thanks to the Calvados, but the dry vermouth and Dubonnet Rouge balance out the cocktail to give you something distinctly fall. Created by the infamous Harry Craddock in 1922 for Princess Mary’s marriage to Henry George Charles Lascelles, the drink was immortalized when Craddock included it in his famous Savoy Cocktail Book. And I’m so glad he did. Since it does includes vermouth which is an aperitif, the Pride, is a great way to get your Thanksgiving feast started. Not only do you begin the evening with a cocktail (which is never a bad thing), those wonderful fall flavors will definitely get you ready for all that apple and pumpkin pie to come.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Calvados
- 1 ounce Dubonnet Rouge
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until chilled.
- Strain into a cocktail glass, garnish with a twist of orange and serve.
