Apple Brandy

What kind of apples should you use to make apple brandy?

Any type of apple will work to make apple brandy, but we recommend using apples for eating. Varieties like McIntosh and Red Delicious have a good balance of sugar and acidity, which contribute to the complex flavors in apple brandy. You can’t go wrong with other popular apples like Braeburn or Fuji, either, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite varieties.

What kind of brandy should you use?

We generally recommend selecting high-quality liquor when infusing spirits like brandy. If it doesn’t taste good standalone, it probably won’t taste fantastic after it’s infused. If possible, look for an unaged brandy that will allow the apple flavors shine through.

How should you store apple brandy?

Store apple brandy in a sealed glass container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Use a nice swing-top container if you’re making it as a food gift, but a Mason jar works just fine if you’re making it for yourself. In theory, your apple brandy should last indefinitely, but the flavor will start to degrade after about 2 years.

—Lindsay Mattison, Taste of Home Contributing Writer