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Epicurious

Widow’s Kiss

According to cocktail historians, this cocktail first appeared in print in 1895 in Modern American Drinks by George J. Kappeler. Although this drink has fallen into obscurity today, it appeared in every respectable cocktail book printed in the early twentieth century, with the same easy recipe. It seems this drink always had the favor of knowledgeable bartenders and connoisseurs, as its unique blend of flavors could be very challenging to the untrained palate of the casual drinker. In other words, this drink is best recommended for people who have moved beyond simple straightforward flavors and are looking for a carnival in the mouth. The Widow’s Kiss is a seasonal experience best enjoyed when it is cold outside. This classic cocktail is also one of the few cocktails we recommend as a digestive or an after-dinner cocktail.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 1 drink

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces Daron Fine calvados
1 1/4 ounces Yellow Chartreuse
1 1/4 ounces Benedictine
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 lemon twist, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pour the calvados, Chartreuse, Benedictine, and bitters into a mixing glass. Add large cold ice cubes and stir for 40 revolutions. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the lemon twist.

  2. tasting notes

    Step 2

    Dominant Flavors: sweet herbal bouquet

    Step 3

    Body: high alcohol with heavy syrupy mouthfeel

    Step 4

    Dryness: off-dry to sweet

    Step 5

    Complexity: high, forceful

    Step 6

    Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: big herb bomb

    Step 7

    Finish: long, honey with citrus oil overtones

  3. Step 8

    Glass: cocktail

Cover of Speakeasy by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric featuring a coupe glass with a brown cocktail and lemon wheel garnish.
Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.
TagsCocktailAlcoholBeveragesBittersCalvadosBrandyChartreuseLiqueurLemonCitrusFruitQuickEasyCookbooks
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