Widow’s Kiss
Whenever I hear the term widow, of course I think of a woman who’s lost her husband. But with Halloween on Monday, the term takes on a much more ominous tone that usually involves said wife, murdering her husband. So, when I saw a drink called the Widow’s Kiss, I knew it’d be perfect for this creepy, dark holiday that’s almost upon us.
What makes this cocktail ideal for this time of year, other than its moniker, is the large dose of apple brandy mixed into the drink. Several recipes call for the French Calvados, which is a richer apple brandy, but I prefer Laird’s because it’s so much easier to find. It doesn’t matter which you prefer, as the apple flavor shines through. This drink wouldn’t be complete though, without the Benedictine and yellow Chartreuse. It’s these two liquids that balance out the cocktail and give it its autumn earthiness.
See, unlike most liquors out there that are made up of wheat, barley, corn or juniper berries, both the Benedictine and yellow Chartreuse come from secret, centuries-old recipes that are a special mixture of herbs and spices. The Benedictine uses 27 plants in its formula while the Chartreuse uses over 100. But just because each liqueur uses so many spices, doesn’t mean this is spicy cocktail. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. Don’t get me wrong, the Kiss is definitely an autumn cocktail, but the sweeter herbs and spices used to create the Chartreuse and Benedictine, when combined with the apple brandy, definitely make it a sweeter drink.
Because of its sweetness, you’d think this drink would have been created during Prohibition to combat the bathtub gins and other alcohols that were usually foul on their own. But in actuality this cocktail was created long before 1920. It was first published in George Kappeler’s Modern American Drinks in 1895, later appearing in cocktail guides in the early 20th Century. Then believe it or not this drink disappeared during Prohibition. Thankfully, David Wondrich re-discovered the drink and added it to his essential tome: Imbibe!, and I’m so happy he did.
See, I love sweeter drinks. And a drink with Kiss in its title should be sweet; something you want to linger on your lips. Unfortunately that’s when the potency of this cocktail kicks in. Similar to other Halloween drinks, this one packs a punch. But it’s a delayed punch. Just as you’re relishing the last drop is about the same time you suddenly realize you’re not seeing as clearly as you were before your first sip.
That lovely woman has enticed and lured you in. You may be enjoying your time with her, but beware, you’ve just become her next victim. Yes, that Kiss can be deadly, but as with most good kisses, it’s totally worth it.
Widow’s Kiss
Ingredients:
- 1-1/2 oz. apple brandy
- 3/4 oz. yellow Chartreuse
- 3/4 oz. Benedictine
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Directions:
- Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until chilled.
- Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.
