Angel Face
An all-spirit trio of gin, apricot brandy, and Calvados from the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book.
40%
ABV
214
Calories
Coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
Flavor Journey
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Combine all ingredients with ice and stir or shake until very cold
Strain into a chilled coupe glass
Serve with no garnish
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe
Garnish
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use quality apricot brandy for depth
Chill the glass well before pouring
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Angel Face.
Other Variations
Gin-Heavy
Boosts gin to 1.5 oz while trimming the liqueurs for a drier finish.
Changes
Less Sweet
Dial back the apricot to let the apple brandy shine.
Changes
Paradise Cocktail
Swaps the Calvados for fresh orange juice to create a brighter, fruitier cousin.
Changes
History & Heritage
“Equal parts gin, apricot brandy, and Calvados first appeared in Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book. Some attribute the name to Detroit mobster Abe "Angel Face" Kaminsky, while others simply see it as a nod to the drink's deceptive smoothness. After decades in obscurity, the cocktail resurfaced with the craft revival, prized for its elegant balance and all-spirit construction.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Paradise
A sunny Savoy-era gin classic with apricot and orange—juicy, bright, and elegantly simple.
Ferri's Paradise
A modern, more balanced iteration of the historic Paradise cocktail, with an elevated amount of lemon juice to brighten the flavor profile.
Dubonnet Cocktail
Gin and Dubonnet Rouge stirred and served with a lemon twist—Queen Elizabeth II’s favored aperitif.