Fall is the perfect time to indulge in apple-infused drinks that celebrate the change of seasons and, of course, the fruit of nature’s bounty. If you love apples and can’t resist bubbly, my riff on a Champagne Cocktail will hit the spot.

It’s called Laissez Les Pommes Rouler (let the apples roll in English) and has a French and Cajun accent thanks to a flavorful blend of sparkling apple cider, Calvados, and Peychaud bitters.

I created Laissez Les Pommes Rouler for fall because the ripe apple flavors from the Calvados and cider marry perfectly with Peychaud’s notes of cloves, nutmeg, and dark cherry, which pair naturally with fall menus.

It also turns out Laissez Les Pommes Rouler is simpatico with winter and holiday foods too so plan to have the necessary ingredients on hand from now until New Year’s Eve and you’ll be ready to entertain in style.

Bon Santé!

INGREDIENTS IN THE LAISSEZ LES POMMES ROULER COCKTAIL

1 cube of sugar

1-2 dashes of Peychaud bitters

1–2 dashes of Calvados

1 bottle of very cold, fine sparkling cider (one of my favorites is Celeste Sur Lie from Redbyrd Orchard Cider in the Finger Lakes in upstate New York)

Garnish: a thin slice of apple, skin on

Glass: Flute

HOW TO MAKE THE LAISSEZ LES POMMES ROULER COCKTAIL

Place the sugar cube on a large spoon and douse with Peychaud bitters and Calvados.

Drop into a Champagne flute and fill with sparkling cider.

Garnish with a slice of apple.

#apple-cocktails