History & Heritage
“The Widow's Kiss first appeared in George J. Kappeler's 1895 book "Modern American Drinks." Kappeler was the head bartender at the prestigious Holland House Hotel on Fifth Avenue in New York City, a hub of Gilded Age society. The original recipe called for equal parts apple brandy, Bénédictine, and Yellow Chartreuse with Angostura bitters. The cocktail fell into obscurity during Prohibition but was revived during the modern craft cocktail renaissance by cocktail historians like Ted "Dr. Cocktail" Haigh and David Wondrich, who featured it in their influential books and writings.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or cocktail glass thoroughly
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass
Fill the mixing glass with high-quality ice
Stir briskly for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted
Strain into the chilled coupe
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Garnish
High-quality brandied cherry like Luxardo
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use V.S.O.P. Calvados for the best balance of apple and oak notes
Stir, don't shake - maintains clarity and proper texture
Proper dilution is key - aim for 20-25% dilution through stirring
Pre-chill all glassware to maintain optimal serving temperature
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Widow's Kiss.
Drier Modern Version
More spirit-forward with reduced liqueurs
Changes
Chartreuse-Forward
Emphasizing the herbal complexity
Changes
Bénédictine-Forward
Sweeter, more honeyed version
Changes
American Apple Brandy Version
Using bold American apple brandy instead of Calvados
Changes
Green Chartreuse Version
More intensely herbal with reduced Green Chartreuse
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Alaska
A silky, spirit-forward gin cocktail where honeyed Yellow Chartreuse and citrus bitters create an aromatic, golden Martini sibling.
Angel Face
An all-spirit trio of gin, apricot brandy, and Calvados from the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book.
Bourbon Manhattan
A cornerstone of classic American cocktails, this sophisticated and spirit-forward libation elegantly balances the sweetness and spice of bourbon with the herbaceous complexity of sweet vermouth and the aromatic punctuation of bitters.