Last week I posted a fun libation called The Star Cocktail. Based on Calvados, the apple flavor made a perfect introduction to Fall.

I admit, I was quite taken with the Calvados as a base spirit and I had to experiment. I poked around the liquor cabinet looking for erstwhile partners… at first I thought Ginger Liqueur, but relented because of the candied sweetness. I then entertained all manner of Amari, but their fullness and bitterness shattered the delicacy of the Calvados. And then I stumbled upon a few comely dance partners… Mandarine Napoleon Liqueur, and Martini and Rossi’s new Ambrato Vermouth. The requisite combination yielded a wonderfully balanced cocktail with charming apple, orange peel and lemon notes. Lighter than The Star, and very apropos for Fall.

I present Napoleon’s Revenge:

1-1/2 oz. Calvados

1 oz. Mandarine Napoleon

1 oz. Martini & Rossi Ambrato Riserva Vermouth Bianca

Shake with crushed ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with an orange and lemon twist. I had to use a Luxardo cherry…

Cin-Cin!