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Angel Face Cocktail Drink

Angel Face

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

The Angel Face cocktail recipe brings together top-notch ingredients for an exquisite drink. Follow this recipe and make a cocktail that stands out.

Angel Face Cocktail Recipe

Discover the charm of our Angel Face cocktail recipe! Made with Gin, Apricot Brandy, and Calvados, it promises a consistent favorite for many.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

196 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Gin
  • 1 oz apricot Brandy
  • 1 oz Calvados, apple Brandy
  • Ice cubes
  • Apple slice or twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Martini Glass
  • Cocktail Strainer and Fine-strainer

Instructions

  • Chill the Glass: Stir some ice cubes in your martini glass or place it in the freezer for a few hours to chill.
  • Mix Ingredients: In the cocktail shaker, pour in 1 oz apricot Brandy, 1 oz Calvados, and 1 oz Gin.
  • Add ice: Fill up the shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Seal the shaker and give it a vigorous shake for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain and Serve: Fine strain the mixture into your chilled martini glass, removing the ice cubes.
  • Garnish: Adorn with an apple slice or twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Gin: I've reached for vodka when I don't have Gin on hand. It gives a neutral base, though you'll miss out on the botanicals. For a more aromatic twist, try using a floral gin.
  • Apricot Brandy: Peach liqueur can be a decent stand-in. It's sweeter and less tart but brings a similar fruity depth.
  • Calvados: If apple brandy isn't available, pear or a good quality apple cider could work. The latter will be less alcoholic and might need some sweetness adjustment. 

Making a Pitcher of Angel Face Cocktail:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, you'll need 8 oz of Gin, 8 oz of apricot brandy, and 8 oz of Calvados.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients. Stir them together with ice.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled martini glasses, garnish with an apple slice or twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Gin Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic gin substitute. They capture some of the botanicals and can be refreshing.
  • Apricot Brandy Substitute: Use apricot juice or nectar. If it's too sweet, balance it with a splash of lemon juice.
  • Calvados Substitute: Apple juice or non-alcoholic apple cider can replace apple brandy. For a bit of kick, add a dash of lemon or lime.

Making it Vegan:

The cocktail is inherently vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients. However, always check the labels of your liquors and mixers to ensure no animal products are used in their processing or filtering methods.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
196
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
1
mg
0
%
Potassium
 
2
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.03
mg
0
%

 

Angel Face Cocktail Drink

Angel Face Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Discover the charm of our Angel Face cocktail recipe! Made with Gin, Apricot Brandy, and Calvados, it promises a consistent favorite for many.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 196

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Gin
  • 1 oz apricot Brandy
  • 1 oz Calvados - apple Brandy
  • Ice cubes
  • Apple slice or twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Martini Glass
  • Cocktail Strainer and Fine-strainer

Instructions

  • Chill the Glass: Stir some ice cubes in your martini glass or place it in the freezer for a few hours to chill.
  • Mix Ingredients: In the cocktail shaker, pour in 1 oz apricot Brandy, 1 oz Calvados, and 1 oz Gin.
  • Add ice: Fill up the shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Seal the shaker and give it a vigorous shake for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain and Serve: Fine strain the mixture into your chilled martini glass, removing the ice cubes.
  • Garnish: Adorn with an apple slice or twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Gin: I've reached for vodka when I don't have Gin on hand. It gives a neutral base, though you'll miss out on the botanicals. For a more aromatic twist, try using a floral gin.
  • Apricot Brandy: Peach liqueur can be a decent stand-in. It's sweeter and less tart but brings a similar fruity depth.
  • Calvados: If apple brandy isn't available, pear or a good quality apple cider could work. The latter will be less alcoholic and might need some sweetness adjustment. 

Making a Pitcher of Angel Face Cocktail:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, you'll need 8 oz of Gin, 8 oz of apricot brandy, and 8 oz of Calvados.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients. Stir them together with ice.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled martini glasses, garnish with an apple slice or twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Gin Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic gin substitute. They capture some of the botanicals and can be refreshing.
  • Apricot Brandy Substitute: Use apricot juice or nectar. If it's too sweet, balance it with a splash of lemon juice.
  • Calvados Substitute: Apple juice or non-alcoholic apple cider can replace apple brandy. For a bit of kick, add a dash of lemon or lime.

Making it Vegan:

The cocktail is inherently vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients. However, always check the labels of your liquors and mixers to ensure no animal products are used in their processing or filtering methods.

What is an Angel Face Cocktail?

An Angel Face Cocktail blends Gin, apricot brandy, and Calvados. Many appreciate its harmonious fusion of botanical, fruity, and apple notes. The Angel Face has earned its place in the annals of classic drinks. You might think such a cocktail requires expert hands, but the beauty of the Angel Face is its simplicity. The International Bartender Association appreciates the cocktail and labels it under “The Unforgettables” category.

A side shot of an Angel Face cocktail in a cocktail glass on a black table surrounded by a shaker, a red cloth and a jigger.

What is Angel Face Cocktail made of – The ingredients

Before you start mixing your Angel Face Cocktail, gather these spirits:

  • Gin: Provides the foundational spirit and introduces botanical flavors.
  • Apricot Brandy: Adds a fruity depth and a touch of sweetness.
  • Calvados (apple brandy): Infuse the cocktail with a crisp apple note, enhancing its complexity.

Gin, apricot Brandy, and Calvados laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make an Angel Face Cocktail?

Create a perfect Angel Face Cocktail by following our easy guide:

1
<p>Start by stirring some ice cubes in your martini glass or placing it in the freezer for a few hours.</p>

Start by stirring some ice cubes in your martini glass or placing it in the freezer for a few hours.

2
<p>Pour the apricot Brandy into the cocktail shaker.</p>

Pour the apricot Brandy into the cocktail shaker.

3
<p>Add Calvados to the cocktail shaker.</p>

Add Calvados to the cocktail shaker.

4
<p>Add Gin to the mix.</p>

Add Gin to the mix.

5
<p>Ice up the cocktail shaker.</p>

Ice up the cocktail shaker.

6
<p>Seal the shaker tightly and vigorously shake it for about 15 seconds.</p>

Seal the shaker tightly and vigorously shake it for about 15 seconds.

7
<p>Remove the ice cubes from your chilled martini glass.</p>

Remove the ice cubes from your chilled martini glass.

8
<p>Fine strain the mixture into your chilled martini glass, removing any ice from the glass.</p>

Fine strain the mixture into your chilled martini glass, removing any ice from the glass.

9
<p>Garnish the cocktail with an apple slice or twist to enhance its visual appeal and add a hint of fresh apple aroma.</p>

Garnish the cocktail with an apple slice or twist to enhance its visual appeal and add a hint of fresh apple aroma.

10
<p>Enjoy your Angel Face cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your Angel Face cocktail!

Choosing the proper Gin for your Angel Face Cocktail

Selecting the proper Gin for your Angel Face Cocktail can transform the experience. With its botanical profile, Gin plays a pivotal role in balancing the fruity notes of apricot and apple. For this cocktail, a classic London Dry Gin works wonders. Brands like Tanqueray and Beefeater offer a crisp, juniper-forward profile that beautifully complements the apricot brandy and Calvados. However, if you’re looking for a slightly more contemporary touch, Hendrick’s Gin’s subtle rose and cucumber notes can add an intriguing twist.

Best Apricot Brandy for an Angel Face Cocktail

When crafting an Angel Face Cocktail, the choice of apricot brandy can make a significant difference. Unlike its name suggests, Apricot brandy isn’t always true; some versions are more akin to liqueurs, sweetened and flavored with apricot essence. For a bold experience, you’d want an apricot eau-de-vie, a clear brandy distilled from fermented apricot juice. Brands like Metté and Blume Marillen offer authentic, aromatic apricot eau-de-vies that elevate the cocktail. However, Giffard’s Abricot du Roussillon or Bols Apricot Brandy provides a fruit-forward profile for those who prefer a sweeter touch. If you had to pick just one? Metté’s Apricot Eau-de-Vie stands out for its robust apricot flavor, making your Cocktail truly memorable.

A close shot of an Angel Face in a cocktail glass with blurry red and grey background.

History and Origins of the Angel Face Cocktail

While not as storied as some other classic drinks, the Angel Face cocktail has its roots in the early 20th century. Its first documented appearance is in Harry Craddock’s “The Savoy Cocktail Book,” published in 1930. Craddock, a prominent bartender of his time, worked at the American Bar in London’s Savoy Hotel. The Savoy was a hub for cocktail innovation during the 1920s and 1930s, and many drinks from the book became classics.

The cocktail blend of Gin, apricot brandy, and Calvados reflects the era’s penchant for combining spirits and liqueurs in balanced and innovative ways. The cocktail’s name, evoking elegance and purity, likely aimed to capture the essence of the drink: a harmonious blend of botanical, fruity, and apple notes.

An Angel Face cocktail, shot from above, on a white marmol table surrounded by Gin, apricot Brandy, and Calvados.

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FAQ

How many calories are in an Angel's Face?
Typically, a serving contains around 180-200 calories, but this can vary based on the specific brands of alcohol used.
How strong is the Angel Face cocktail?
The strength can vary, but it generally has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of about 25-30%, making it 50-60 proof.
What types of alcohol are used in the Angel Face?
The Angel Face primarily uses Gin, apricot Brandy, and Calvados (apple brandy).
In which type of glass is the Angel Face typically served?
It's traditionally served in a martini or cocktail glass.
What does the Angel Face taste like?
The Angel Face offers a harmonious blend of botanical, fruity, and apple notes, with a slight sweetness from the apricot brandy.
What's the typical ratio of ingredients in the Angel Face?
The classic ratio is equal parts of Gin, apricot brandy, and Calvados, usually 1 oz each.
How is the Angel Face served in terms of ice and presentation?
It's typically shaken with ice and then strained into a glass, serving it "up" without ice in the final presentation.

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