Widow's KissCocktail recipe
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The Widow's Kiss is a classic cocktail that marries the rich, herbal undertones of DOM Benedictine and Yellow Chartreuse with the crisp, apple notes of Calvados, rounded off with a couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters for depth. Served in a cocktail glass, this concoction is a symphony of flavors that balance sweetness with a touch of spiciness.
Its origins stem from the late 19th century, making it a drink with a storied past and a refined, complex taste profile. Ideal for those who appreciate a cocktail with history and a layered flavor experience, the Widow's Kiss is a testament to the art of mixology.
Perfect for an elegant evening or as a sophisticated after-dinner drink, it's a staple for enthusiasts looking to explore classic cocktail recipes.
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Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
The Widow's Kiss is an exceptional blend of herbal and fruit notes; the DOM Benedictine and Yellow Chartreuse offer a dance of rich, complex herbal flavors that mesh brilliantly with the apple zest of Calvados. The Angostura Bitters brings a subtle spiciness that deepens the drink, making it a sophisticated choice for those who favor layered, historical concoctions with a robust profile.
Method
How to make a Widow's Kiss
- DOM Benedictine 10ml, Yellow Chartreuse 10ml, Calvados 30ml, Angostura Bitters 2 dashes
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- Begin by combining 10ml DOM Benedictine, 10ml Yellow Chartreuse, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters, and 30ml Calvados in a mixing glass (for stirring) or a shaker (if you prefer your drink shaken) filled halfway with ice
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- If you're stirring, use a long spoon to do so gently for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring the mixture is well-cooled but not overly diluted
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- On the other hand, if shaking is more your style, give it a vigorous shake for 10-15 seconds or until the exterior of the shaker feels frosty to the touch, indicating the drink is nicely chilled
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- Next, take a chilled glass, ensuring it's been kept in the freezer for a bit or filled with ice water for a few minutes to get that perfect chill
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- Finally, strain the mixture into your prepared glass, capturing the ice and any undissolved ingredients, leaving you with a smooth, refreshing cocktail ready to enjoy
Power tips
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Find out more- Focus on the quality of your DOM Benedictine and Yellow Chartreuse as these herbs-centric liquors define the cocktail's complexity.
- If shaking, consider using large ice cubes to minimize dilution while effectively chilling the cocktail.
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FAQ's
What flavor profile can I expect from a Widow's Kiss?
The Widow's Kiss cocktail offers a complex and herbal flavor profile, primarily due to the combination of DOM Benedictine and Yellow Chartreuse. These ingredients provide a unique blend of sweet, spicy, and herbal notes. The addition of Calvados adds a layer of apple and woody flavors, while the Angostura Bitters introduce a subtle bitterness, enhancing the cocktail's depth. Overall, expect a harmonious balance between sweetness, herbal notes, and a hint of fruitiness.
How should I serve the Widow's Kiss?
The Widow's Kiss should be served in a chilled cocktail glass. Since it's mentioned that it should be cold and shaken, not stirred, you shoud shake the ingredients with ice in a shaker until well-chilled, then strain into the cocktail glass. Garnishing is not specified, but an apple slice or a maraschino cherry could complement the flavors nicely without overpowering the drink's complex profile.
What is the history behind the Widow's Kiss?
The Widow's Kiss is a classic cocktail that emerged in the late 19th century. It was first recorded in George J. Kappeler's 1895 book, 'Modern American Drinks.' The cocktail combines French ingredients like Calvados and Chartreuse with the global appeal of bitters, showcasing the era's fascination with herbal liqueurs and the art of cocktail creation. Its evocative name and intriguing blend of flavors have contributed to its lasting popularity among cocktail enthusiasts.
Are there any variations to the traditional Widow's Kiss recipe?
Yes, there are several variations of the Widow's Kiss which experiment with the proportions and types of ingredients to adjust the flavor profile. Some variations might include using green Chartreuse instead of yellow for a sharper, more pronounced herbal flavor, or adjusting the ratios of Calvados and the liqueurs to either enhance the apple flavor or the sweetness and herbal notes, respectively. Experimentation with different types of bitters can also introduce new dimensions to the cocktail.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Widow's Kiss?
Creating a non-alcoholic version of the Widow's Kiss is challenging due to the unique flavors of its alcoholic ingredients. However, it's possible to approximate the flavor profile using non-alcoholic apple cider in place of Calvados, a blend of non-alcoholic herbal extracts or syrups for the DOM Benedictine and Yellow Chartreuse, and a dash of non-alcoholic bitters. The key is balancing the sweet, herbal, and fruity elements to mimic the original cocktail's complexity.
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