Earlier in the week a big bag appeared outside our school with a note from the head teacher to say ‘Help yourself’. In the bag were some rather Autumnal looking apples, all freshly picked ready for the kids to make some jam with during class later on in the week. Needless to say us parents immediately started to divvy up the spoils, there was more than enough to go around and I’m pretty sure everyone who wanted some got some.
I came home with thoughts of apple pies and apple crumbles, but when I came across this recipe on Pinterest (not that I was pointlessly browsing Pinterest during the middle of the day, what are you implying?) I had to have a go at making apple brandy. Not only is it an alcoholic substance, which makes it popular with me, but its already the perfect gift for Christmas and will be a delectable winter warmer for Christmas eve, Christmas day, Boxing day, 15th January… anyway, I’m digressing (and making myself sound like a paid up member of alcoholics anonymous) you want to know how to make this bad boy.
Here’s what you need:
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 4 lbs apples, chopped
- 1lt brandy
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
Place the sugar and the water into a saucepan and bring to simmer, stirring until all of the sugar is dissolved. Don’t let it over heat past the syrup stage. Pour over the apples, add the cloves, cinnamon and brandy. Seal into an air tight container (think kilner jar) and leave to mesh together for at least two weeks. I usually make something like this in September or at the latest the beginning of October with the intention of gifting it to family and friends over Christmas. Yum!
Do you have a favourite apple brandy drink, or maybe a homemade Christmas gift that you make every year? Share with us!
Harriet x
Prob a silly question but do you need to peel the apples 🍏 please
I bought a bottle of Cavados Brandy. Can I use that? I can’t stand it. I bought something else I think it was Masson it was actually better tasting than the 55 dollar bottle of Calvados! Who knew? It’s not like they let you sample! They should though ?
You sure can!
Brilliant!