The Angel Face Cocktail, a sophisticated blend of gin, calvados, and apricot brandy, derives from the mysterious but interesting era of Prohibition. Between 1920 and 1933, there was a nationwide constitutional prohibition on the manufacturing, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. Despite their illegality, covert operations prospered, giving rise to speakeasies, bootlegging, and a distinct culture of illicit drinking. Many famous cocktails were created or popularized in this environment, typically to hide the harsh taste of badly prepared spirits. The Angel Face exemplifies bartender inventiveness and the enduring human desire for a well-crafted drink, even in difficult conditions. Its sheer existence recalls a time when cocktails were more than just beverages; they were also emblems of defiance and resilience.
The drink’s interesting name is thought to be inspired by a real-life figure from Detroit’s legendary underworld: Abe Kaminsky, a violent extortionist known as “Angel Face.” Kaminsky was a key member of the Purple Gang, a primarily Jewish-American criminal group that terrorized Detroit in the 1920s. The Purple Gang, notorious for its ruthless tactics such as murder, theft, and bootlegging, exemplified the grim realities of Prohibition-era criminality. The link between such a deadly figure and a cocktail implies a dark romance or ironic twist that was prevalent in the underworld. While the exact originator of the Angel Face Cocktail is unclear, it first appeared in print in Harry Craddock’s 1930 “Savoy Cocktail Book,” a must-have guide that catalogued many legendary beverages from the era. This historical context imbues the Angel Face Cocktail with a compelling narrative, elevating it beyond just a drink to a real link to a turbulent and exciting moment in American history.
Angel Face Cocktail Recipe
- Cuisine: American (Prohibition Era)
- Course: Cocktail/Beverage
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 1
- Prep Time: 3-5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Calories per serving: 150-200 kcal (estimated)
Ingredients (Equal Portions):
- 1 oz Gin (a dry gin, such as London Dry or Aviation Gin, is preferred).
- 1 ounce Calvados (apple brandy)
- 1 oz. Apricot Brandy
- Ice
- Orange peel for decoration
Instructions:
- Stir the ingredients: In a mixing glass, stir together 1 ounce of gin, 1 ounce of Calvados, and 1 ounce of apricot brandy.
- Add Ice and Stir: Add a generous amount of ice to the mixing glass. Mix the ingredients well until they are completely cold and a little thinner.
- Strain: Pour the cocktail into a chilled cocktail or coupe glass. It is best to strain the mixture well to get rid of any ice shards.
- Garnish: Add an orange peel as a garnish.
Angel Face
An elegant 1920s classic with equal parts perfection
- Spirit 1 oz Dry Gin (London Dry preferred)
- Apple Brandy 1 oz Calvados
- Fruit Brandy 1 oz Apricot Brandy
- Ice For stirring
- Garnish Orange peel
Combine the Spirits
In a mixing glass, add 1 oz gin, 1 oz Calvados, and 1 oz apricot brandy.
Add Ice & Stir
Add a generous amount of ice to the mixing glass. Stir well until completely chilled and slightly diluted.
Strain
Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass, removing any ice shards.
Garnish & Serve
Express an orange peel over the drink and place it on the rim or drop it in. Enjoy!
Conclusion
The Angel Face cocktail has a strong and fruity flavor that makes it a unique sensory experience. It is a drink that is both full-bodied and perfectly balanced, which shows how carefully the three main ingredients were chosen. The sweet aftertaste, which has hints of ripe apricot and crisp apple, stays on the tongue for a long time, making each sip a special one. This well-balanced mix makes it a very flexible drink that works well for many different events. It might be a classy aperitif that gets your appetite going before a meal or a classy drink after dinner that makes the transition to the evening’s leisure time smooth. Because of its complex but easy-to-understand flavor, it goes well with some desserts. For example, the apple overtones would go well with a warm apple crumble, and the fruity sweetness would cut through the richness of a classic cheesecake.
Even though it tastes good, the Angel Face is a strong drink. Because it has equal portions of three different spirits, each with a high alcohol level, you can feel its effects right away. To really savor all the flavors and enjoy the drink without going overboard, you need to drink it in moderation. The Angel Face is still a gorgeous drink, whether you stir it for a smooth texture and a little bit of dilution or shake it for a cooler, airier texture, as shown in the video. It’s a classic that many love for both its historical roots and its ageless flavor, making it a favorite cocktail for anyone who loves cocktails.
10 FAQs about the Angel Face Cocktail
What is the Angel Face drink?
The Angel Face Cocktail is a drink that was first produced in Harry Craddock’s 1930 book “Savoy Cocktail Book.” It is made with gin, calvados, and apricot brandy.
Who was “Angel Face”?
Abe Kaminsky, a criminal and extortionist who worked for the Purple Gang, was known as “Angel Face.”
What was the gang called the Purple Gang?
The Purple Gang, which was also called the Sugar House Gang, was a group of criminals made up mostly of American-born children of Jewish immigrants who lived in Detroit in the 1920s.
What kinds of things did the Purple Gang do?
They killed people, stole from them, robbed them at gunpoint, kidnapped them, gambled, and smuggled alcohol. People knew they were really violent and cruel.
What did the Purple Gang call themselves?
One story says that after being attacked, the shopkeeper said the gang was “off color” and “rotten purple like tainted meat.”
Did Al Capone have anything to do with the Purple Gang?
Yes, Al Capone established a contract with the Purple Gang to send Canadian whiskey to his gang in Chicago. He did this because he didn’t want to start a deadly fight by developing his own businesses in Detroit.
How did the Purple Gang get alcohol illegally?
They employed a lot of different ways to smuggle alcohol from Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan. These included boats, canoes, vehicles, and even a cable system to pull barrels underwater.
Did the Purple Gang have anything to do with the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre?
People thought they might have been involved. It is thought that their boss, Abe Bernstein, set up Bugs Moran by telling him that a stolen supply of whiskey was on its way, which turned out to be a trap.
What happened to the Purple Gang?
The Purple Gang ended up destroying themselves because they were too arrogant and irresponsible, leaving too much proof of their crimes. Finally, a rival Sicilian gang arrested or killed them all in a planned way.
How do you prepare a drink called an Angel Face?
To make this drink, mix equal parts gin, calvados, and apricot brandy with ice, strain it into a cocktail glass, and add an orange rind as a garnish.
