There’s something special about the Widow’s Kiss—it’s rich, warming, and just a little mysterious. This classic cocktail blends apple brandy with two deeply herbal French liqueurs and a touch of bitters. The result? A smooth, spirit-forward sipper that’s both elegant and comforting. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it always reminds me of crisp fall evenings and quiet celebrations.
Widow's Kiss
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Chilled coupe or martini glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) apple brandy (Calvados works beautifully)
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) Yellow Chartreuse
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) Benedictine
– 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Optional garnish: Luxardo cherry or thin apple slice
Equipment
– Mixing glass
– Bar spoon
– Jigger (or measuring spoons)
– Hawthorne strainer
– Coupe or martini glass (chilled)
Method
- Start by chilling your glass. Just pop it in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you prep the drink.
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour in the apple brandy, Yellow Chartreuse, and Benedictine.
- Add 2 to 3 dashes of Angostura bitters. A little goes a long way here—bitters help balance the sweetness and bring everything together.
- Stir gently but thoroughly for about 30 seconds, until the drink is well-chilled and slightly diluted. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the mixing glass feels cold and frosty.
- Dump the ice out of your coupe, if you used it to chill, and strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish with a cherry or a thin slice of apple if you’d like. Both add a nice visual touch and a little aroma as you sip.
Storage
This cocktail is best made fresh, but if you’re prepping for a small gathering, you can batch it ahead of time:
– Combine all ingredients (except bitters) in a bottle and refrigerate.
– When ready to serve, pour 3 oz (90 ml) per drink over ice in a mixing glass, add bitters, stir, and strain into your glass.
Keep the batch in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before using, as ingredients may settle.
Tips & Substitutions
– Apple Brandy: Calvados gives a lovely, slightly rustic apple note. If you don’t have it, regular applejack or even a good-quality brandy will do in a pinch.
– Yellow Chartreuse: Sweeter and gentler than green Chartreuse. If you only have green, use a little less (about 0.5 oz / 15 ml) and taste before adjusting.
– Benedictine: Rich and herbal. If it’s too sweet for your taste, reduce to 0.5 oz (15 ml) or add a splash of dry vermouth to cut it.
– Bitters: Don’t skip them—they add depth. If you’re out of Angostura, try orange bitters for a citrusy twist.
What It Tastes Like
This drink is warm and layered. You’ll taste the round, fruity notes of apple brandy first, followed by a wave of sweet herbs and spices from the Chartreuse and Benedictine. The bitters keep it grounded, giving just enough bite to balance the sweetness.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails with you—this one feels like a cozy blanket in a glass. It’s strong, so sip slowly and enjoy the complexity as it opens up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Don’t shake this cocktail—it’s all spirits, so stirring keeps the texture silky and smooth.
– Avoid over-pouring the liqueurs. They’re sweet and herbal, and too much will overpower the apple brandy.
– Don’t skip chilling the glass—it makes a big difference in how crisp and elegant the drink feels.
Serving Suggestions
The Widow’s Kiss is perfect as an after-dinner drink or a nightcap. It pairs especially well with:
Spiced Desserts
Think cinnamon apple pie, pumpkin bread, or ginger cookies. The cocktail’s herbal sweetness plays beautifully with warm spices.
Roasted Nuts
A small bowl of salted almonds or pecans adds a savory contrast and keeps the drink from feeling too rich.
Bold Cheeses
A wedge of blue cheese or aged cheddar makes for a bold but surprisingly good match with the herbal liqueurs.
Variations
The Orchard Widow
– Swap apple brandy for pear brandy.
– Add a few drops of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
The Bitter Kiss
– Add a splash (0.25 oz / 7 ml) of Campari.
– Garnish with an orange twist for a bittersweet edge.
The Herbal Embrace
– Muddle a few thyme leaves in the mixing glass before adding the other ingredients.
– Adds a fresh, green note that pairs beautifully with the liqueurs.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Mix 2 oz (60 ml) apple cider with 1 oz (30 ml) strong herbal tea (like chamomile or licorice root).
– Add a dash of lemon juice and a drop of honey.
– Stir over ice and strain into a chilled glass.
– Garnish with a slice of apple.
Q&A
Can I use regular brandy instead of apple brandy?
Yes, though the apple flavor is part of what makes this drink special. Regular brandy will still work—it’ll just have a deeper, rounder flavor without the fruitiness.
What makes Yellow Chartreuse different?
It’s softer and sweeter than green Chartreuse, with honeyed herbal notes. Green Chartreuse is stronger and more intense—great if you like bolder flavors.
Is this cocktail strong?
Yes. It’s all spirits, so it packs a punch. Sip slowly and enjoy the layers of flavor.
Can I skip the bitters?
Technically, yes—but they help balance the sweetness and round out the drink. If you leave them out, it may taste a bit flat.
When’s the best time to enjoy a Widow’s Kiss?
Fall and winter are ideal. The drink’s warmth and spice feel just right when the air gets cool.
Are there non-alcoholic substitutes for Chartreuse or Benedictine?
Try strong herbal teas or non-alcoholic herbal aperitifs. Look for flavors like anise, mint, or chamomile to mimic the complexity.
This cocktail is a quiet classic—rich, a little mysterious, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re sipping it solo or serving it to friends, it’s a beautiful way to enjoy a bit of cocktail history.
