Charlie Chaplin Cocktail

The Charlie Chaplin Cocktail is a delicate fusion of three key ingredients: apricot brandy, sloe gin, and lime juice. Each component contributes its own unique character to the cocktail, resulting in a sophisticated blend of sweet, tart, and fruity flavors. Apricot brandy lends a luscious, apricot-forward sweetness to the drink, while sloe gin adds a rich berry note with a hint of almond. Lime juice, on the other hand, provides the perfect zesty counterbalance to the sweetness, ensuring that the cocktail remains well-balanced and refreshing.

One of the remarkable aspects of the Charlie Chaplin Cocktail is its versatility. It can be prepared in various ways, with slight variations to suit individual preferences. Some recipes call for equal parts of apricot brandy, sloe gin, and lime juice, creating a balanced and tangy flavor profile. Others may opt for a more apricot-forward approach, adjusting the ratios to highlight the fruity notes of the brandy. This adaptability allows bartenders to tailor the drink to their customer’s liking.

This exquisite drink was first crafted at New York City’s iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel and subsequently immortalized in Albert Stevens Crockett’s 1935 masterpiece – “The Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book”.

In the golden age of cocktails, New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel reigned supreme as a hub of sophistication and innovation. It was within this opulent setting that the Charlie Chaplin Cocktail made its debut. The exact date of its invention is somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is widely believed to have been created in the years leading up to the 1920s. The hotel’s bartenders, renowned for their craftsmanship, were constantly experimenting with new cocktails to cater to the tastes of their discerning clientele.

Charlie Chaplin Cocktail Recipe

1. 30 ml sloe gin

2. 30 ml apricot liqueur

3. 30 ml fresh lime juice

4. Ice

5. Garnish: lime twist or apricot wedge