Widow's Kiss recipe
A herbaceous and aromatic 19th-century masterpiece blending apple brandy with botanical liqueurs.
Method: Stir ·
Glass: Chilled coupe glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Modern Classics Family
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Calvados (apple brandy)
- 3/4 oz Yellow Chartreuse
- 3/4 oz Bénédictine
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
How to make a Widow's Kiss
- Chill a coupe glass thoroughly.
- Add Calvados, Yellow Chartreuse, Bénédictine, and Angostura bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir the ingredients continuously for thirty seconds until chilled.
- Strain the liquid into the chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Garnish
Brandied cherry
Pro tip
Use a rich, aged Calvados and ensure your mixing glass is packed with quality ice to achieve proper dilution and silky texture.
History of the Widow's Kiss
The Widow's Kiss was created by head bartender George J. Kappeler and published in his 1895 cocktail manual, Modern American Drinks. Originally concocted at the Holland House in New York City, the recipe pairs dry apple brandy with honey-and-herbal monastic liqueurs.
Flavour profile
Herbaceous, Apple, Spicy, Complex
Variations
- Green Widow — Substitute Green Chartreuse for Yellow Chartreuse for a more intense, higher-proof herbal profile.
- Algonquin Twist — Add a quarter ounce of dry vermouth to soften the rich sweetness of the liqueur base.
- American Orchard — Use straight American apple brandy in place of French Calvados for a bolder, fruit-forward backbone.
Practise making the Widow's Kiss in the free Virtual Bar game.