Over the weekend, something monumental happened: I discovered what is quite possibly the world's most perfect Fall cocktail. The Normandy, as it's called, has cool weather written all over it, with ingredients like cranberries, green apples, and Calvados, a type of French apple brandy from — you guessed it — Normandy.

The tipple balances all the elements you'd ever hope for in a drink. It's simultaneously cool and warm, sweet and tart. Despite being incredibly basic, its elegant simplicity has more sophistication than most of today's overthought cocktails. My only problem? Now that the pursuit for The Thanksgiving Cocktail is over, what do I look forward to? The drink to end all other Autumn drinks, when you read more.

The Normandy
From Xavier Herit at Daniel
The Normandy

Ingredients

9 fresh cranberries
2 thin slices green apple
1 teaspoon packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon simple syrup
1⁄4 cup good-quality Calvados
Ice cubes

Directions

  1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 6 cranberries, 1 apple slice, the brown sugar and lemon juice.
  2. Add the simple syrup, Calvados and a few ice cubes. Cover, shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  3. Top with the remaining apple slice and 3 cranberries.

Serves 1.

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