Angel Face

The Angel Face is a classic, spirit-forward cocktail that charms with its delicate blend of fruit and floral flavors. This Prohibition-era gem is both mysterious and elegant, offering a harmonious marriage of gin, apricot brandy, and apple brandy (Calvados). With its crystal-clear appearance and perfectly balanced taste, the Angel Face is a sophisticated sipper that transports you straight to a jazz lounge of the Roaring Twenties.

3 minutesEasy1 serving
Angel Face
Featured
Ingredients
1 serving
  • Gin
    30 ml (1 oz)
    A London Dry gin works best for a crisp, clean flavor.
  • Apricot Brandy
    30 ml (1 oz)
    Use a quality apricot brandy for authentic flavor.
  • Calvados (Apple Brandy)
    30 ml (1 oz)
    Calvados is traditional, but another apple brandy can work.
  • Ice
    1 cup
    For shaking.
Tools Needed
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Chilled coupe or martini glass
  • Bar spoon (optional)
Instructions
  1. Chill your coupe or martini glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water.

  2. In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, apricot brandy, and Calvados.

  3. Fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup).

  4. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.

  5. Double strain the mixture into your chilled glass to ensure a smooth, crisp presentation.

  6. Garnish and serve immediately.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail
  • Perfectly balanced with a fruity-meets-botanical flavor profile.
  • Simple ingredient list—easy to make at home.
  • An elegant choice for both gin lovers and those new to classic cocktails.
  • Impresses guests with its vintage, sophisticated vibe.
  • A lesser-known classic, perfect for those who enjoy exploring cocktail history.
History & Origin

The Angel Face cocktail first appeared in the 1930 edition of The Savoy Cocktail Book, a legendary tome for bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. Its precise origins are a bit murky, but it’s widely believed to be a product of the Prohibition era, when American bartenders took their craft to Europe. The blend of gin, apricot brandy, and apple brandy was a nod to the opulent tastes of the time, and its name—Angel Face—adds a touch of intrigue, perhaps referencing someone with an innocent look but a devilish kick!

Garnish

A thin apple slice or a twist of lemon peel. The garnish adds a touch of aroma and visual elegance—just like an angelic halo to crown your cocktail.

Nutrition Info

Approx. 180 calories per serving. Contains alcohol, negligible fat, trace sugars from the brandies, and minimal carbohydrates.

Frequently Asked Questions
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