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    Home » Cocktail » Charlie Chaplin Cocktail

    Charlie Chaplin Cocktail

    Last updated on February 23, 2022. Originally posted on December 1, 2021 By Elaine 10 Comments

    65 shares
    Jump to Recipe
    Charlie Chaplin Cocktail for Pinterest 1

    Made with equal parts sloe gin, apricot brandy, and fresh lime, this refreshing Charlie Chaplin cocktail recipe is a must-try. It’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color, so it guarantees to please both the palate and the eyes!

    Classic martini glass filled with the Charlie Chaplin drink - square

    I was so intrigued when I came across this classic cocktail because frankly, I couldn’t imagine that the combination of the ingredients would be delicious.

    Happily, I was wrong. I made the drink and fell instantly in love with it. I’ve since served it to guests that have come to our house and I have had to convince some of them that it does indeed taste delicious and to give it a try.

    Why do they doubt me at first? It’s the sloe gin. If you’ve never tasted this spirit, here’s what it tastes like: it is somewhat earthy, and has a plum and raisin taste. Sloe gin is also very sweet, which is why most people aren’t particularly fond of the liquor.

    My grandmother was partial to the sloe gin fizz, which I always found pretty sweet.

    So, take a chance on this delicious and colorful cocktail. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you click the link and buy something. You can read my disclosure here.

    The history of the Charlie Chaplin cocktail

    According to my research, the cocktail was invented before the 1920s at New York City’s Waldorf Astoria hotel. It did so well that it was added to the 1934 “The Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book” by Albert Stevens Crockett. It was a prohibition cocktail and is considered a classic drink.

    I’m just glad someone decided to invent it because I love to drink it and so do the people I make it for.

    Helpful tips

    • There are different brands of sloe gin. I recommend Leroux if you’re budget conscious. As soon as I need another bottle, I want to try the more expensive Plymouth brand.
    • I’ve seen this cocktail made with either lemon juice or, the way I prefer it, with lime juice. Try it my way first and then switch it up to see which you like better.
    • If you can’t find true apricot brandy in your local liquor store, you may be looking for it in the wrong place. I’ve found it both in the brandy section and also where you would find schnapps, other flavored brandies, and triple sec. Sometimes you will see it listed as apricot liqueur.
    • Wash your limes before cutting into them. Here’s how: Use an unscented natural soap. I buy mine as Whole Foods. Squirt some in your hands and rub the soap on the skin of the citrus. Then use a vegetable brush and scrub the skin. Rinse the fruit with cold water, making sure all the soap has been removed.
    • I like to garnish this cocktail with thin lime twists. I use my channeling knife. If you don’t have one, you can use a paring knife and cut as thin a strip as you can.
    • Here’s how to use a channeling knife: take the washed fruit in your non-dominant hand. With the channeling knife in your dominant hand, press the knife to the lime skin. Bear down and move the knife around the circumference of the fruit. For this cocktail I tried to get as long a twist as I could, which meant going around the lime more than once. Try not to bear down too hard so you get a lot of the pith (white part).
    • I recommend a dilution to this cocktail because of how syrupy sloe gin is. Here’s how: Shake the cocktail shaker longer than usual. I recommend shaking vigorously for at least 30 seconds, which will micro-chip and melt the ice somewhat.
    • For most of my martini-style drinks, I place the glassware in the freezer at least 10 minutes before starting the cocktail. That’s because I like a well-chilled cocktail glass from which to enjoy my creation.

    How to make a Charlie Chaplin cocktail

    Pre-step

    Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Also get a measuring glass and martini glasses.

    Cut a few lime twists for garnish and set aside.

    After measuring out the ingredients, pour them into the cocktail shaker.

    Step one

    Gather the ingredients – sloe gin, apricot brandy, and limes. (A)

    Step two

    Measure 3 ounces of sloe gin. (B)

    Left - sloe gin, apricot brandy and limes. Right - sloe gin measured out

    Step three

    Measure 3 ounces of apricot brandy. (C)

    Step four

    Measure 3 ounces of fresh lime juice. (D)

    Apricot brandy and lime measured out

    Step five

    Cap the cocktail shaker and shake for at least 30 seconds so the ice dilutes the cocktail somewhat.

    Step six

    Strain and divide the cocktail between the two martini glasses. Add the lime twists to each glass. I like to drape it over the rim.

    Lime twists in the two martini glasses filled with the sloe gin cocktail

    Isn’t the color gorgeous?

    Vertical view of the bowl glass with a lime twist on the edge of it with the red drink

    Let’s get a closer look.

    Bowl glass filled with the red drink in front of the classic glass

    So good.

    classic martini glass with the chaplin cocktail with lots of limes on the table

    I hope you enjoyed the best Charlie Chaplin cocktail I’ve ever had. I dare you to try it because I think you’ll really like it.

    Other colorful cocktails

    • Cherry sour
    • Japanese slipper
    • Witches brew
    • Amaretto sour

    And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

    If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love the know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

    Classic martini glass filled with the Charlie Chaplin drink - square

    Charlie Chaplin Cocktail

    Made with sloe gin, apricot brandy, and fresh lime, this refreshing Charlie Chaplin cocktail is a must-try. It’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color, so it guarantees to please both the palate and the eyes!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Cocktail
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: charlie chaplin cocktail, red cocktail, sloe gin cocktail
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 2 cocktails
    Calories: 240kcal
    Author: Elaine Benoit

    Ingredients

    • 3 ounces sloe gin
    • 3 ounces apricot brandy
    • 3 ounces lime juice (freshly squeezed)

    Garnish

    • 2 lime twists

    Instructions

    • Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Get a measuring glass and glassware.
    • Add sloe gin, apricot brandy, and lime juice.
      3 ounces sloe gin, 3 ounces apricot brandy, 3 ounces lime juice
    • Cap shaker and shake for at least 30 seconds to get the ice to break up and dilute the drink somewhat. (See notes below.)
    • Strain and divide the cocktail between the two glasses.
    • Add a lime twist to each glass.
      2 lime twists
    • Sip
    • Smile
    • Enjoy

    Equipment

    cocktail shaker
    measuring glass
    martini glass
    See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!

    Notes

    Helpful tips
    • There are different brands of sloe gin. I recommend Leroux if you’re budget conscious. As soon as I need another bottle, I want to try the more expensive Plymouth brand.
    • I’ve seen this cocktail made with either lemon juice or, the way I prefer it, with lime juice. Try it my way first and then switch it up to see which you like better.
    • If you can’t find true apricot brandy in your local liquor store, you may be looking for it in the wrong place. I’ve found it both in the brandy section and also where you would find schnapps, other flavored brandies, and triple sec. Sometimes you will see it listed as apricot liqueur.
    • Wash your limes before cutting into them. Here’s how: Use an unscented natural soap. I buy mine as Whole Foods. Squirt some in your hands and rub the soap on the skin of the citrus. Then use a vegetable brush and scrub the skin. Rinse the fruit with cold water, making sure all the soap has been removed.
    • I like to garnish this cocktail with thin lime twists. I use my channeling knife. If you don’t have one, you can use a paring knife and cut as thin a strip as you can.
    • Here’s how to use a channeling knife: take the washed fruit in your non-dominant hand. With the channeling knife in your dominant hand, press the knife to the lime skin. Bear down and move the knife around the circumference of the fruit. For this cocktail I tried to get as long a twist as I could, which meant going around the lime more than once. Try not to bear down too hard so you get a lot of the pith (white part).
    • I recommend a dilution to this cocktail because of how syrupy sloe gin is. Here’s how: Shake the cocktail shaker longer than usual. I recommend shaking vigorously for at least 30 seconds, which will micro-chip and melt the ice somewhat.
    • For most of my martini-style drinks, I place the glassware in the freezer at least 10 minutes before starting the cocktail. That’s because I like a well-chilled cocktail glass from which to enjoy my creation.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 21IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
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    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you,  if you click the link and buy. You can read my disclosure here.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Artney

      December 01, 2021 at 9:28 am

      What an absolute beautiful drink! The vibrant color and the apricot brandy is a winner. I can’t wait to make it again. This cocktail will be sure to be a hit for the holidays!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 01, 2021 at 11:15 am

        I’m so glad, Artney! Thanks for letting me know. I so appreciate it.

        Reply
    2. Amanda Dixon

      December 01, 2021 at 9:31 am

      This cocktail was a hit at our house! I just love the flavor the apricot brandy added, and that beautiful red color makes it perfect for the holiday season.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 01, 2021 at 10:44 am

        Thanks so much Amanda! Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    3. Natalie

      December 01, 2021 at 9:44 am

      I think I never tried this cocktail. Interesting name and combo. I’ll add this to my list to make.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 01, 2021 at 10:44 am

        Not a lot have heard about this cocktail, Natalie. It’s one of my favorites now!

        Reply
    4. Dana Sandonato

      December 01, 2021 at 9:53 am

      This really is such an awesome combo, Elaine! Thanks for the recipe! It’s simple enough for someone like me who likes to get creative with drinks but sucks at mixology, haha. So tasty, and they’re pretty too!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 01, 2021 at 10:45 am

        Hehe. Thanks so much Dana! I’m so pleased you liked it.

        Reply
    5. Lucy

      December 01, 2021 at 10:36 am

      This cocktail is packed full of flavour and super easy to make, what’s not to love!!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 01, 2021 at 10:45 am

        Hehe, thank you, Lucy! I’m glad you liked it!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Elaine! I'm so glad you stopped by. Here you will find lots of tasty cocktails, comforting food and inspiration for your next meal. I LOVE chocolate, almost all foods, blogging, photography and spending time with my hubby!

    More about me →

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    65 shares