Apple Brandy Sour

Name: Apple Brandy Sour Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 Juice of a Lemon; 1/2 tsp Powdered Sugar; 2 oz Apple Brandy

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The Apple Brandy Sour is a crisp, balanced cocktail combining 2 oz of apple brandy with fresh lemon juice and a touch of powdered sugar. Its bright citrus backbone and smooth brandy base make it a sophisticated sour variant.

🏷️Equipment: sour glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

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1/2 Juice of a Lemon
1/2 tsp Powdered Sugar
2 oz Apple Brandy

3 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Shake well with cracked ice and strain into 6 oz.
2
sour glass.
3
Decorate with a half-slice of lemon and a cherry.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Chill your coupe or rocks glass before shaking; a cold glass preserves the silky mouthfeel of the brandy.
Squeeze lemon juice fresh and strain to remove pulp; oxidized or bottled juice dulls the crisp citrus note that defines a sour.
Shake hard for 10–12 seconds until the shaker frosts; this aerates the drink and creates a silky texture without diluting balance.
Taste before serving; if too tart, add 1/4 tsp more powdered sugar and re-shake briefly; if too sweet, add 1/4 oz more fresh lemon juice.

Substitutions

Apple brandy → Calvados (fruitier, more traditional) or applejack (lighter, drier)
Powdered sugar → Simple syrup 1:1 ratio by weight (dissolves faster, easier to scale)
Lemon juice → Lime juice (creates a green-tinged sour, slightly more herbaceous)

Storage & make-ahead

This is a freshly shaken cocktail best consumed immediately. Do not prepare in advance.

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger or measuring spoon · coupe or rocks glass

Common Questions

Can I use fresh sugar instead of powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar dissolves instantly without shaking, creating the proper texture. Regular sugar won't fully incorporate and will leave grittiness unless you shake vigorously for 15+ seconds.

What type of apple brandy works best?

Calvados (French apple brandy) is traditional and balanced. American apple brandies or applejack are lighter and slightly drier; adjust sugar to taste.