Angel Face
An all-spirit trio of gin, apricot brandy, and Calvados from the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book.
40%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
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.”
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
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
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Sour
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Bitter
out of 10
Strong
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Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Angel Face.
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
Widow's Kiss
Reimagines the drink with Bénédictine and Yellow Chartreuse alongside Calvados for a richer Normandy classic.
Changes
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.
Gibson
A dry gin martini garnished with cocktail onions—clean, crisp, and subtly savory.
Gin & Tonic
British colonial classic pairing juniper-rich gin with bitter quinine tonic and a bright hit of lime.