This cocktail, invented at The Ritz in Paris, is the perfect Fall and/or Thanksgiving cocktail. The Serendipity is “fruity and refreshing, with just the right amount of sparkle”, filled with warm, apple flavors and a pop of brightness with fresh mint. It’s enough to whet your appetite for the meal to come, but won’t fill you up; it isn’t a high alcohol drink.

A note about Calvados, which is one of the ingredients. It’s basically Apple Brandy, made in the Calvados region of France. Just like Champagne, if it doesn’t come from the region of Champagne, it can’t be called champagne, but will be labeled “sparking wine”. We were just in Normandy, home of Calvados, and you couldn’t take two steps without falling over it, but in Miami, my husband couldn’t find it and he went to three places! He ended up getting an Apple Brandy from Texas “made in the Calvados style.” If you can’t find Calvados, just use regular brandy.

You muddle the mint to release the oils. If you don’t have a muddler (I do but couldn’t find it), the bottom of a wooden spoon works just fine. Fresh apple juice or cider is best, but bottled works as well. I’m going to make a big pitcher of it for Thanksgiving, with the Prosecco on the side. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

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The Serendipity

Course: CocktailCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

The perfect Fall cocktail, light, bright and filled with apple flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 sprigs fresh mint

• 2 ounces Calvados (or brandy)

• 2 ounces fresh cider or apple juice

• Sparkling wine

Directions

• Pour Calvados in a tall glass.
• Add mint leaves. Muddle with a muddler or bottom of a wooden spoon.
• Add ice, then apple juice or cider.
• Top with sparkling wine or champagne.
• Stir and enjoy. Voila!

Recipe Video