The After Dinner cocktail is, true to its name, built for the final chapter of the evening, yet its first sip feels as bright and lively as an aperitif. Lush apricot brandy lays down ripe, fragrant stone fruit, orange curaçao weaves in sweet citrus peel, and a measure of fresh lime, shaken hard and ice-cold, lifts the whole glass into a glowing amber balance of sweet and tart.
Pour one after your next good meal and let the night end on a golden note.
Recipe & How to Make
Ingredients
Recipe no.136
- Apricot Brandy — 3/4 oz (25ml)
- Orange Curaçao — 3/4 oz (25ml)
- Lime Juice — 1/3 oz (10ml)
Directions
Chill the glass beforehand, or fill it with ice, then discard the ice and water just before pouring. Chill the shaker the same way: add ice, stir well, then pour off the water.
Add the apricot brandy, orange curaçao, lime juice and ice to the shaker.
Shake well, then strain into the glass.
・Technique ｜ Shake
・Glass ｜ Cocktail Glass
・ABV ｜ About 26–27%
・Best Enjoyed ｜ After Dinner
After Dinner ｜ Details & Video
True to its name, the After Dinner was designed as a digestif. A version with apricot and curaçao appears in the 1935 Old Mr. Boston bartender’s guide, and the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book lists a near twin, the After Supper.
Apricot brandy brings lush stone fruit, orange curaçao adds sweet citrus peel, and lime tightens the finish. I always use fresh lime here, because it keeps two sweet liqueurs bright instead of heavy.
Points, Twists & Food Pairings
Tips for Making It
- Shake hard and long. A common mistake is giving this drink a quick, gentle shake. With two sweet liqueurs, it ends up warm, syrupy and heavy. Shake firmly for about 15 seconds so the ice chills and lightly dilutes the drink, turning it smooth and refreshing.
- Choose your orange liqueur carefully. Orange curaçao gives a rich, rounded sweetness, while a dry curaçao keeps the drink lighter and less sugary. Pick dry curaçao if you prefer a crisper after-dinner sip.
- Finish with an orange twist. Express a strip of orange peel over the glass to release its oils. I’d always add this final touch, because the bright citrus aroma lifts the apricot and makes the first sip shine.
Twists
- After Supper — Swap the lime juice for lemon juice. This classic sibling tastes softer and a little rounder.
- Cognac After Dinner — Add 1/3 oz (10ml) of cognac. It adds depth and a drier, warming finish.
- After Dinner Highball — Pour over ice in a tall glass and top with soda. It becomes a light, sparkling drink for relaxed evenings.
Food Pairings
- Aged Gouda — Its caramel-like, nutty notes echo the apricot’s richness, while lime keeps each bite fresh.
- Orange dark chocolate truffles — Bittersweet cocoa balances the liqueurs’ sweetness, and the orange flavor mirrors the curaçao.
- Crème brûlée — The caramelized sugar and vanilla cream pair beautifully with ripe apricot, while lime’s acidity cuts the richness.
Recipe video
- Recipe video ｜ Cocktail Lab Channel Home
After Dinner Cocktail: Classic 3-Ingredient Apricot Recipe
Make the After Dinner cocktail with apricot brandy, orange curaçao and fresh lime. A classic 3-ingredient digestif, fruity, bright and gently sweet.
タイプ: Cocktail
料理: International
キーワード: After Dinner cocktail, apricot brandy cocktail, orange curaçao cocktail, digestif cocktail, classic apricot cocktail, After Supper cocktail, Savoy Cocktail Book
カロリー: 1 drink
準備時間: PT3M
所要時間: PT3M
レシピー材料:
- Apricot Brandy — 3/4 oz (25ml)
- Orange Curaçao — 3/4 oz (25ml)
- Lime Juice — 1/3 oz (10ml)
レシピーの説明:
Prepare:
- Chill the glass beforehand, or fill it with ice, then discard the ice and water just before pouring. Chill the shaker the same way: add ice, stir well, then pour off the water.
Combine:
- Add the apricot brandy, orange curaçao, lime juice and ice to the shaker.
Shake:
- Shake well, then strain into the glass.
