Normandy Swizzle

Daiquiri/Classic Sours & Riffs September 09, 2026

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A photo of the Normandy Swizzle cocktail containing Roger Groult 3 Year Reserve Pays D'Auge Calvados, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, Suze Aperitif, Honey water (3 honey to 1 water), Freshly squeezed lemon juice in a Julep Tin.

Other Ingredients

  • 0.67 fl oz Honey water (3 honey to 1 water)
  • 0.67 fl oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

  • Fill julep tin with crushed ice
  • Add all ingredients to julep tin
  • Swizzle ingredients with crushed ice until well mixed and chilled
  • Garnish with lemon slice

Cocktail Description

This French-inspired swizzle takes the rustic charm of Normandy's apple brandy and spins it into something bright, bitter, and completely refreshing.

The Normandy Swizzle builds on a base of Calvados, that wonderful apple eau-de-vie from northern France, then adds layers of complexity with sweet vermouth and the gentian bitterness of Suze. Honey water smooths the rough edges while lemon juice brings acidity that makes everything pop. The result tastes like an apple orchard in spring—fruity and floral with herbal undertones and a pleasant bitter finish that keeps you coming back for more. It's not overly sweet, and the swizzling technique with crushed ice creates a frosty, diluted texture that's absolutely perfect for warm weather sipping.

While it requires a few specialty bottles, the actual construction is simple: just combine your ingredients in a julep cup filled with crushed ice and swizzle with a bar spoon until frost forms on the outside. This makes it an excellent choice for late afternoon entertaining or early evening aperitifs on the patio. The apple and herbal notes pair beautifully with charcuterie, aged cheeses, pork dishes, or anything with caramelized onions. Serve this at your next garden party and watch your guests' eyebrows raise with pleasant surprise.

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