Charlie Chaplin Cocktail Recipe

The Charlie Chaplin cocktail is sweet and fruity. The ounce of lemon juice cuts the sweetness of the sloe gin and apricot brandy just enough to make it palatable and balanced.

The dominant note in this fruity drink is berry. It’s followed by the lemon, which is followed by the apricot. It pairs well with salty snacks, like nuts, pretzels or corn chips, but the drink’s flavor is so strong that it tends to dominate anything else.

Charlie Chaplin cocktail with cherry and lime peel garnish

History of the Charlie Chaplin Cocktail

The Charlie Chaplin cocktail was first crafted shortly before the Prohibition era in the United States. It was created at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City, where it quickly became a hit.

The cocktail is said to have been named after the famous actor due to its playful and colorful nature. It’s a delicious blend of sweet and tart flavors, making it a timeless favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Charlie Chaplin Cocktail

  • Quality Ingredients: Since the Charlie Chaplin cocktail consists of just a few key ingredients, using high-quality sloe gin, apricot brandy, and freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for achieving a well-balanced and flavorful drink.
  • Chill Your Glassware: To enhance the drinking experience, chill your coupe glass in the freezer before pouring in the cocktail. This ensures that the drink stays cold and refreshing from the first sip to the last.
  • Garnish Artfully: A beautiful dark Luxardo cherry is the perfect garnish for this drink. You can also use a lime peel.

Serving and Enjoying

The Charlie Chaplin cocktail is best enjoyed as a pre-dinner aperitif or as a sophisticated nightcap. Its balanced blend of fruity and citrusy flavors makes it an ideal choice if you appreciate cocktails with a hint of sweetness, without being overly cloying.

Variations and Modern Twists

While the classic Charlie Chaplin cocktail remains a beloved recipe, mixologists have put their own spin on this timeless concoction. Some variations include using different base spirits or incorporating house-made fruit syrups to customize the flavor profile.

For a modern twist, you can infuse the sloe gin with additional botanicals or swap out the apricot brandy for a more contemporary fruit liqueur. These variations allow for personalization while still paying homage to the original recipe.

Related Cocktails to Try

Charlie Chaplin cocktail with cherry and lime peel garnish

Charlie Chaplin Cocktail Recipe

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes

The Charlie Chaplin cocktail is sweet and fruity. The ounce of lemon juice cuts the sweetness of the other ingredients just enough to make it balanced.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce apricot brandy
  • 1 ounce sloe gin
  • 1 ounce lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the sloe gin, apricot brandy, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
  3. Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the mixture.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
  5. Garnish with a lime twist for a touch of elegance and sweetness.

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Last Updated:

May 17, 2024