Widow's Kiss Cocktail Recipe

The Widow's Kiss cocktail was created in the late 19th century by George Kappeler, a bartender at the Holland House Hotel in New York City. This classic cocktail is known for its complex flavors and rich, warming taste. It is often enjoyed by those who appreciate herbal and aromatic drinks.

• The name 'Widow's Kiss' is thought to have been inspired by the seductive and mysterious nature of the drink.
• It gained popularity during the pre-Prohibition era and has since become a classic cocktail.
• The Widow's Kiss is often enjoyed during the colder months, as its flavors are reminiscent of a cozy fireside evening.

The Widow's Kiss is a complex, herbal, and slightly sweet cocktail with a rich, warming taste. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a long, lingering finish.

• The Widow's Kiss is considered a classic cocktail, with a history dating back to the late 19th century.
• The drink is known for its complex flavors, which come from the combination of apple brandy, herbal liqueurs, and bitters.
• It is often enjoyed during the colder months, as its flavors are reminiscent of a cozy fireside evening.

1. Chill a cocktail glass: Fill a cocktail glass with ice and set aside to chill.
2. Combine ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the apple brandy, green chartreuse, Bénédictine, and Angostura bitters.
3. Add ice and stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture until well chilled.
4. Strain and serve: Empty the ice from the chilled cocktail glass, then strain the mixture into the glass.
5. Garnish: Optionally, garnish the drink with a lemon twist or a cherry.

• Use fresh ice: Fresh ice can make a big difference in the quality of your cocktail. It helps to chill the drink faster and dilutes the drink less.
• Chill your glass in advance: A chilled glass will keep your cocktail cooler for longer and enhance the flavors.
• Stir, don't shake: This cocktail is best when it's stirred, not shaken. Shaking can dilute the drink and alter its texture.

Cheese & Charcuterie

A selection of rich, hearty cheeses such as Camembert or Blue Cheese can harmonize beautifully with the herbaceous notes of the Widow's Kiss. Try pairing with a charcuterie board featuring cured meats like prosciutto, which provide a savory counterpoint to the drink's sweetness.

Desserts

Consider pairing with desserts that have apple or caramel elements, like a tarte Tatin or apple crumble, to complement the apple brandy. Dark chocolate can also be a good match, as it contrasts with the herbal liqueur and brings out the complexity of the cocktail.

Spicy & Savory Dishes

Spicy foods, such as Thai cuisine, can offer a wonderful juxtaposition to the sweet and herbal qualities of the Widow's Kiss. Savory dishes like roasted duck or pork with a fruit glaze can also blend seamlessly with the cocktail's profile.

• Apple Brandy: If you can't find apple brandy, you can use Calvados or another apple-flavored liqueur.
• Green Chartreuse: If you don't have green chartreuse, you can substitute it with yellow chartreuse. It will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.
• Bénédictine: If you don't have Bénédictine, you can use Drambuie or another herbal liqueur.

Autumn Apple Kiss

Swap out Apple Brandy for Apple Cider, introducing a lighter, more refreshing take on the original. To balance the diminished alcohol content, reduce the Chartreuse to a quarter ounce. The cocktail becomes crisper, perfect for fall afternoons.

Ingredients:

• Apple Cider: 2 oz
• Green Chartreuse: 0.25 oz
• Bénédictine: 0.5 oz
• Angostura Bitters: 2 dashes

Recipe: Follow the original mixing instructions, swapping in cider.

Herbal Whisper

Replace Green Chartreuse with Yellow Chartreuse for a gentler herbal profile. Additionally, introducing a dash of orange bitters alongside the Angostura can create a citrus note that's subtle, but present. It's a softer dance of the same flavors.

Ingredients:

• Apple Brandy: 2 oz
• Yellow Chartreuse: 0.5 oz
• Bénédictine: 0.5 oz
• Angostura Bitters: 1 dash
• Orange Bitters: 1 dash

Recipe: Stir as you would the original, but with the yellow Chartreuse and added orange bitters.

Spiced Widow

Add a cinnamon stick during the stirring process and a splash of ginger syrup to introduce a warming, spicy twist. This makes for a cocktail with a bite that stands up to colder nights.

Ingredients:

• Apple Brandy: 2 oz
• Green Chartreuse: 0.5 oz
• Bénédictine: 0.5 oz
• Angostura Bitters: 2 dashes
• Ginger Syrup: 0.25 oz

Recipe: Add the cinnamon stick to the mixing glass with the other ingredients. Remove it before straining into the glass.