Charlie Chaplin
A pre-Prohibition classic made with equal parts sloe gin, apricot liqueur, and fresh lime juice — fruity, tart, and beautifully balanced.
- 1 ozsloe gin
- 1 ozapricot liqueur
- 1 ozfresh lime juice
- Lime twist.garnish
- 1Chill a coupe glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes.
- 2Combine sloe gin, apricot liqueur, and fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
- 3Add ice and shake vigorously for 12 to 15 seconds until well chilled.
- 4Fine-strain into the chilled coupe glass.
- 5Express a lime twist over the surface and place on the rim to garnish.
Share this page
The Charlie Chaplin cocktail was created at New York City's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel before 1920 and named after the legendary British-born silent film star, who was at the height of his fame at the time. The recipe was first set down in print in 1934 in 'The Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book' by Albert Stevens Crockett, specifying equal parts sloe gin, apricot brandy, and citrus juice. The drink survived Prohibition and is considered a forgotten pre-Prohibition classic; modern bartenders often swap lemon for lime to add a brighter tartness.
🛒 Tools for This Recipe
Everything you need to make a great Charlie Chaplin at home.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more
🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.
Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.