Sipping Through Time - Tracing the History of the Angel Face Cocktail
Here is how to say Cheers in different regions of the world
MOREDrinking has always been associated with social order and trust, and thus from the most cultured to the savage, every kind of people have their own drinking rituals, ranging from fascinating to weird. But before delving deep into rituals. First things first.
Here is how to say Cheers! around the world
In Span say ¡Salud!
In Italy say Cin cin! ( do not say that in Japan, that would mean a male genital in Japanese )
In France it would be Santé !
In Germany celebrate with a Prost!
In Scandinavia it is Skål! ( although a skohl translates to a bowl, it also meand a Skull, reminding one of the old way of drinking from the Skull of a fallen enemy )
In Russia kiss your drinking partner and drink chilled Vodka by saying За здоровье!, which would mean "To your heart's content and is pronounced as na zdorovie!. Although in anglophone world, this salutation is more commonly attributed as the Russian way of saying Cheers, the more regularly used is Будем здоровы! ( BOOdym zdaROvy) meaning to our health.
While in Turkey,, say ?erefe!
In Portugal say Saúde!
Finally, while in Japan say Kampai! with a lot of respect
and in Korea say Geonbae which translates to Bottoms Up, with an intention to empty the glass of soju after the formal toast following customs of an informal hoesik with elders or bosses.
Cheer however you may, drink responsibly :)
I. Spotlight
The Angel Face is a fascinating figure in the world of cocktails - intriguing yet overlooked compared to noisy stars like the Margarita or Negroni. This smooth blend of gin, brandy, and liqueur has been a favorite of discerning drinkers since the Jazz Age, but it lingers just outside the spotlight. In this piece, we'll follow this vintage drink through the decades, from its birth in 1920s Paris to its revival today. We'll see how it's stayed balanced and stylish even as tastes changed. Most of all, we'll celebrate the clever bartenders who've kept the Angel Face alive so it remains an eternal classic.
II. 1920s - Birth in Paris
The exact origin of the Angel Face is unclear, but it likely emerged around 1919 after World War I. Wine was scarce then due to a grapevine epidemic, so people turned to spirits for drinks. One popular option was calvados, an apple brandy from France. With its fruity complexity, calvados was an ideal cocktail base. The Angel Face was born in this environment at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. Opened in 1911, Harry's drew expats and locals with its lively vibe and creative drinks. The combo of gin, calvados and apricot brandy in the Angel Face exemplified Harry's innovative style.
III. 1930s - Fame in The Savoy Cocktail Book
The Angel Face got wider acclaim at London's Savoy Hotel. Bartender Harry Craddock memorialized the drink in his 1930 book The Savoy Cocktail Book. His recipe used equal parts gin, apple brandy and apricot liqueur. The book popularized many vintage cocktails, cementing the Angel Face's place in the canon. Craddock's recipe became the standard that later bartenders would build upon.
IV. Mid-20th Century - Post-War Era
After Prohibition, cocktails came back in vogue in the 1930s. The Angel Face remained popular as a refined yet accessible choice. Despite shifting drink trends, its basic gin, brandy and liqueur formula stayed steady. It appeared in bartender guides like The Stork Club Bar Book, confirming its spot as a go-to cocktail. As cocktails gained sophistication, the Angel Face graced upscale lounge and restaurant menus. Its balanced fruitiness exemplified mid-century restraint.
V. Late 1900s - Craft Cocktail Revival
By the late 1900s, fruity, boozy cocktails had overshadowed the Angel Face. But the craft cocktail revival restored interest in vintage drinks like the Angel Face for their spirit-forward balance. It reappeared on neo-speakeasy menus, often lightly tweaked with new gins or brandies. This revival treated cocktails as an art form, spurring reinventions of classics like the Angel Face.
VI. 21st Century - Modern Interpretations
Today the Angel Face remains popular for its heritage and taste. Mixologists stay true to the original formula but incorporate modern trends like local spirits. Gin and brandy variations abound. Competitions have prompted creative riffs using genever, mezcal or sake. Yet balance remains essential - complexity comes from blending top-shelf spirits, not flashy additions. Social media also fuels vintage cocktail interest. The Angel Face's photogenic look in antique glassware makes it Instagram gold.
VII. Notable Riffs
Harry Craddock's Original Formula
Equal parts gin, Calvados, apricot brandy
Stirred, up in a cocktail glass
Craddock perfected the ideal smooth, balanced blend that defined the Angel Face.
Jay Zimmerman's Angel's Face
Features No. 3 gin, applejack, Luxardo apricot liqueur
Stirred, up with an orange peel
An intricate modern take, approachable for home bartenders.
Andy Pearson's Version
Equal parts gin, Calvados, apricot brandy
Simplicity highlights the versatile classic ratios.
Taste and Tipple Interpretation
London dry gin, Calvados, apricot brandy
Stirred, garnished with apple or orange
Creative use of two brandies makes a contemporary statement.
VIII. Spotlight remains
Dedicated mixologists have ensured the Angel Face survives, proving some cocktails are truly timeless. This antique potion endures as a testament to the creative spirit of bartenders across the decades. May the Angel Face continue to charm cocktail aficionados everywhere with its beguiling balance!
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About Us
Neel B and Mani, we are a team of two, from Calcutta, India. We are professional software engineers and passionate cocktail enthusiasts. We built this app because we saw a need for a more comprehensive and user-friendly way to find cocktails and bartending recipes. We hope you enjoy using our app as much as we enjoyed making it!We decided to use our technology skills to help others who were in the same position as us and wanted to experiment with making cocktails at home but didn\u2019t know where to start. We have been working together for more than two years and has managed to collect an extensive library of recipes as well as tips and tricks for making the perfect cocktail.
Neel B is an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineer and martial arts and fitness enthusiast. He is an avid reader, compulsive doodler, and painter. His love for cocktails arises from the art in it and the history that traces the ups and downs of modern civilisation over centuries.
Maniis an ERP and SaaS developer and architect by day and a cocktail enthusiast in her leisure. She holds a Masters in Computer Application and Programming. In addition to writing stories on the history of cocktails and alcohol, she has a special interest in cocktails in literature. She believes that the perfect cocktail can make any moment special.