Charlie Chaplin recipe
A classic prohibition era sour uniting sloe gin, apricot brandy, and tart lime juice.
Method: Shake and fine strain ·
Glass: Chilled coupe glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Sidecar Family
Ingredients
- 30 ml sloe gin (or sloe gin liqueur)
- 30 ml apricot brandy (apricot liqueur)
- 30 ml fresh lime juice (freshly squeezed)
How to make a Charlie Chaplin
- Add sloe gin, apricot brandy, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for approximately 12 to 15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- Double strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a pre-chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a brandied cherry and serve immediately.
Garnish
Garnish the rim with a brandied cherry or express an orange peel over the surface.
Pro tip
Use a dry, high-quality sloe gin to prevent the drink from tasting overly sweet, as apricot liqueur brings substantial natural sugar. Hard shaking with cracked ice ensures maximum dilution and chill.
History of the Charlie Chaplin
The Charlie Chaplin cocktail first appeared in print in the 1930 Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book, though historical accounts frequently credit its creation to the hotel's legendary bartenders during the late 1920s. Named in honor of the iconic silent film star, the drink gained popularity in New York before spreading internationally. While some historians suggest it was crafted to celebrate the actor's cinematic premieres, precise origins remain somewhat disputed. The equal-parts formulation bridges the earthy berry notes of sloe gin with rich stone fruit and tart citrus.
Flavour profile
tart, fruit-forward, earthy, sweet
Variations
- Chaplin's Sparkle — Top the finished pour with two ounces of dry sparkling wine for an effervescent lift.
- Bramble Chaplin — Substitute lemon juice for lime juice and add a quarter ounce of simple syrup for extra brightness.
Practise making the Charlie Chaplin in the free Virtual Bar game.