The Angel Face is a refined pre-Prohibition cocktail made of three equal parts: gin, apricot brandy, and Calvados. Elegant, aromatic, and slightly fruity, it delivers a smooth yet distinctly classic flavor profile.
Shake 1 oz gin, 1 oz apricot brandy, and 1 oz Calvados with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Serve in a crystal-clear martini glass, sharply triangular and without curvature. Optionally garnish with a thin apple slice or a dried apricot chip for an elegant visual accent.
Pairs beautifully with soft cheeses, buttery pastries, walnut-based appetizers, or fruit-forward desserts such as apple tart or apricot galette. These enhance the cocktail’s orchard-fruit notes.
First published in Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book (1930), the Angel Face represents the equal-parts style typical of early 20th-century mixology. Its name and origin remain mysterious, adding to its allure.
Perfect for formal dinners, pre-dinner aperitifs, or any moment where an elegant, vintage-style cocktail fits the mood.
Aromas of orchard fruits, gin botanicals, and a subtle sweetness from apricot brandy.
Elegant, enigmatic, vintage. A cocktail for those who appreciate subtle complexity and timeless classics.
Use pear brandy instead of Calvados for a lighter, more floral profile. Switch ratios to 2:1:1 (gin-forward) to create a drier, more modern interpretation. Add a drop of Angostura for an aromatic, bitters-spiced variation.
32%
⚠️ Alcoholic beverage: not suitable for minors, pregnant individuals, or designated drivers. Please enjoy responsibly.
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Same ingredient inside the Classic style.
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Angel Face sits around 32% ABV. Use these routes to compare drinks with a similar drinking weight, then narrow them by style, method or glass.
Cocktails in the Classic category with 25–32% ABV.
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