Why we love the Charlie Chaplin Cocktail
I originally saw this cocktail in The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book* – it’s named after the silent film star himself who was a frequent patron – but I was hesitant to try it because it meant adding two new bottles of liqueur to my cabinet, which it’s already bursting at the seams.
But, since I knew I would be able to make a variety of cocktails with the sloe gin, and even a few with the apricot brandy (like the Hotel Nacional cocktail and my white peach sangria), I decided to go for it. And, I’m glad I did.
More namesake cocktails: Mary Pickford cocktail / Hemingway daiquiri / Garibaldi cocktail / Floradora cocktail
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- Sloe gin – Did you know this isn’t technically a gin? It’s a liqueur made from sloe berries.
- Apricot brandy – I found this with the brandy in my liquor store, but you might also want to check the liqueur section. You could also substitute apricot liqueur or even crème de noyaux.
- Lime juice – Since the flavors of this cocktail are so pronounced, you can definitely get away with lemon juice here.
- Gin – The original recipe calls for added water “if not using wet ice”, so I added just a touch of straight gin to mellow out the sweetness and strengthen the drink. You can leave it out if you prefer.
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
Mel’s cocktail tips & tricks
- Fresh squeezed is always best. I recommend juicing your citrus when you’re making your cocktail, but if you need to prep, do it as close to when you’re serving as possible.
- Always chill your cocktail glasses. If you have room in your fridge or freezer, pop them in ahead of time. If not, chill them with ice while you make your drinks!
- If you don’t have a dried oranges for garnish, you can use a lime wheel or an orange twist. Either would look great!
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called a Charlie Chaplin cocktail?
The Charlie Chaplin cocktail was created for the cocktail menu at the Waldorf Astoria. This cocktail was named after the legendary silent film star, as are many other cocktails created there.
What can I substitute for apricot brandy?
You can substitute creme de noyaux, this almond flavored liqueur is actually made from apricot kernels and the stones of peaches.
What can you substitute for sloe gin?
A few substitutes that would work well if you find yourself without any sloe gin would be damson gin, plum brandy, or grappa. If you are feeling ambitious you can attempt making your own sloe gin, although this can take a few months.
More gin cocktails you should try: Empress gin cocktail / gin mojito / gin basil smash / salty dog cocktail
More classic cocktails: French gimlet / brandy manhattan / blood and sand cocktail / clover club cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ounce sloe gin
- 1 ounce apricot brandy
- 1 ounce lime juice
- ½ ounce gin
- For garnish: dried orange wheel
Instructions
- Shake the cocktail. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add sloe gin, apricot brandy, lime juice and gin, and shake vigorously until cold.
- Strain and serve. This classic cocktail is served straight up, so no need for ice. Strain it into a coupe or martini glass. Then, garnish with a dried orange wheel before serving.
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