The Prohibition-era Angel Face cocktail / Photo and styling by Tyler Zieliniski
This Prohibition-era cocktail was made timeless through its inclusion in bartender Harry Craddock’s 1930 publication of The Savoy Cocktail Book. Some believe the drink was named after a mobster, possibly Abe “Angel Face” Kaminsky, who was notorious for robbing Detroit speakeasies. But, like just about any drink from this era, the origins are hard to prove.
What’s more notable is this cocktail’s ingredients and preparation. Rather than a single base spirit and lower-proof mixer, common in drinks like a Martini, the Angel Face combines multiple spirits, using gin, Calvados or apple brandy and apricot brandy in equal measure. While gin and Calvados are pretty straightforward, the third ingredient can be a bit tricky.
