Charlie Chaplin Cocktail
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!
When I first came across this classic cocktail, I’ll admit—I was skeptical. The mix of ingredients sounded a little too unusual to be good. But after one sip, I was completely won over. The flavors blend together beautifully, creating a drink that’s bright, balanced, and full of character.
I’ve since served this cocktail to plenty of guests, and I always get the same reaction at first—a doubtful look—until they try it. Then their eyes widen, and the compliments start flowing.
The hesitation comes from one ingredient in particular: sloe gin. If you’ve never tried it, it has a rich, slightly earthy flavor with notes of plum and raisin, and yes—it’s on the sweeter side. My grandmother loved her sloe gin fizz, but I always found that version a bit too sweet.
The magic of the Charlie Chaplin is how the fresh lime juice cuts through that sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail that’s both refreshing and flavorful. Take a chance on this one—I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
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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 or Hayman’s.
- 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)
Step three
Measure 3 ounces of apricot brandy. (C)
Step four
Measure 3 ounces of fresh lime juice. (D)
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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.
Isn’t the color gorgeous?
Let’s get a closer look.
So good.
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
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts 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!
Charlie Chaplin Cocktail
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, and enjoy.
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Helpful tips
- There are a few brands of sloe gin out there. Leroux is a great budget option, but Plymouth or Hayman’s are worth the splurge if you want to try something smoother.
- This cocktail works with either lemon or lime juice, but I prefer lime — it balances the sweetness perfectly. Try it both ways to see which you like best.
- If you can’t find apricot brandy, check both the brandy and schnapps sections at your liquor store. It may also be labeled as apricot liqueur.
- Always wash your limes before cutting. Use a little unscented soap, scrub gently with a vegetable brush, and rinse well.
- A lime twist makes a lovely garnish. Use a channeling knife or a paring knife to cut a thin strip of peel —avoid too much of the white pith.
- Sloe gin can be syrupy, so shake the cocktail longer than usual (about 30 seconds). This helps chill and slightly dilute the drink for a smoother taste.
- For a professional touch, chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring. It keeps the drink nice and cold.
Nutrition
Originally published in December of 2021.
What an absolute beautiful and tasty drink! The vibrant color and the apricot brandy is a winner. I can’t wait to make it again.
I’m so glad, Artney! Thanks for letting me know. I so appreciate it.
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.
Thanks so much Amanda! Thanks for letting me know!
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!
Hehe. Thanks so much Dana! I’m so pleased you liked it.
This cocktail is packed full of flavour and super easy to make, what’s not to love!!
Hehe, thank you, Lucy! I’m glad you liked it!