Angel FaceCocktail recipe
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Angel Face is a pre-Prohibition-style cocktail that sits firmly in the short, spirit-forward family: equal parts base spirit, fruit brandy, and apple brandy, served up in a cocktail glass. You’ll find it grouped with early 20th-century drinks that favour bold aromatics and clean structure over mixers, and it’s best known today as a quietly enduring classic for drinkers who like their cocktails concise, fragrant, and unapologetically boozy.
With gin, apricot brandy, and Calvados in perfect balance, the flavour lands rich yet lifted. The gin’s botanicals give the drink a dry, perfumed backbone, while the apricot brandy brings rounded stone-fruit sweetness that softens the edges. Calvados threads through with crisp apple depth and a warming orchard-fruit character, tying the apricot and botanicals together into a smooth, integrated finish.
This is a great choice when you want something elegant and grown-up without citrus or fizz—think aperitif hour, a dressed-up dinner party, or a slow sip at the start of the night. If you enjoy Martini-adjacent drinks but want more fruit and less austerity, you’ll find this one hits the sweet spot.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Gin leads with crisp botanicals wrapped in lush apricot brandy, while Calvados brings baked-apple depth and a faint orchard funk that lingers through the finish. The equal-parts build works because the gin’s dryness reins in the apricot’s sweetness and the Calvados bridges both with firm fruit structure; it’s ideal for spirit-forward drinkers who like brandy-driven complexity.
Method
How to make a Angel Face
- Gin 30ml, Apricot brandy 30ml, Calvados 30ml
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- Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
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- Shake well then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a high-quality, botanical-forward gin to give the cocktail a more complex and aromatic profile.
- Pre-chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving to keep the drink extra cold without the need for additional ice.
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FAQ's
What is the ideal garnish for an Angel Face cocktail?
The Angel Face cocktail typically does not come with a specific garnish recommendation. However, to enhance its presentation, a simple lemon twist or a thin apple slice could complement the flavors of the apricot brandy and Calvados beautifully.
Can I use a different type of brandy instead of apricot brandy in an Angel Face?
While apricot brandy is a key ingredient that gives the Angel Face its distinct flavor, you can experiment with other fruit brandies if apricot brandy is not available. Just keep in mind that substituting the brandy will alter the original taste and character of the cocktail.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Angel Face cocktail?
A non-alcoholic version of the Angel Face could be challenging to replicate due to its all-spirit composition. However, you can try mixing non-alcoholic spirits or fruit juices that mimic gin, apricot, and apple flavors. Remember, the experience will differ significantly from the alcoholic original.
How do I properly shake an Angel Face cocktail?
To properly shake an Angel Face cocktail, fill a shaker with ice and add the gin, apricot brandy, and Calvados in equal measures. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds or until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass to serve.
What makes the Angel Face cocktail unique compared to other gin-based cocktails?
The Angel Face cocktail stands out due to its equal parts of gin, apricot brandy, and Calvados. This combination offers a unique blend of juniper berries from the gin, the sweet and fruity notes from the apricot brandy, and the rich apple flavor from the Calvados, creating a distinctive and flavorful drink.
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