The American Beauty cocktail shares its name with America’s most celebrated crimson rose, and fittingly, that very rose was first bred in France. In the glass, brandy and dry vermouth build a quiet, elegant backbone, orange juice and grenadine paint it a vivid rosy red, and a slow float of port settles on top like a deep red petal, adding fruity depth to every sip.
Pour one for a special dinner tonight, and let this 1930 classic bloom in your glass.
Recipe & How to Make
Ingredients
Recipe no.119
- Brandy — 1/2 oz (15ml)
- Dry Vermouth — 1/2 oz (15ml)
- Orange Juice — 1/2 oz (15ml)
- Grenadine Syrup — 1/2 oz (15ml)
- White Crème de Menthe — 1 dash
- Port Wine — 1/3 oz (10ml)
- ※ 1 dash = one quick shake from the bottle
7 Recommended Grenadine Syrup brands
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 brandy, dry vermouth, orange juice, grenadine syrup, white crème de menthe and ice to the shaker.
Shake well, then strain into the glass.
Gently pour the port over the back of a bar spoon so it floats on top.
・Technique ｜ Shake & Float
・Glass ｜ Cocktail Glass
・ABV ｜ About 13–14%
・Best Enjoyed ｜ All Day
American Beauty ｜ Details & Video
Origin
The American Beauty shares its name with the American Beauty rose, the official flower of Washington, D.C. since 1925. The rose was first bred in France in 1875, then sold in America under its new name from 1886.
At about two dollars a stem, it became so prized that people called it the “Million Dollar Rose.” The cocktail appears in The Savoy Cocktail Book of 1930, and its rosy color makes it a natural tribute to that famous flower.
Features & Taste
Brandy gives the American Beauty its rich backbone, while dry vermouth adds herbal dryness. Orange juice brings fresh citrus, and grenadine adds sweet-tart pomegranate notes and a vivid red color.
A dash of white crème de menthe adds a cool lift, and the port float lands last with fruity depth and a gentle grip. I always pour the port slowly over a bar spoon, because that thin red layer is what makes guests smile.
Points, Twists & Food Pairings
Tips for Making It
- Float the port slowly. A common mistake is pouring the port straight from the bottle. It plunges in and mixes, and the red layer disappears. Instead, pour it gently over the back of a bar spoon held just above the surface.
- Use fresh orange juice. Freshly squeezed juice keeps the drink bright and balances the grenadine’s sweetness. Bottled juice can make the whole cocktail taste flat and sugary.
- Keep the mint to one dash. White crème de menthe is powerful, and a little goes a long way. I always measure it as a single dash; more than that drowns out the brandy and port.
Twists
- Tawny Port Twist: Float tawny port instead of ruby. You lose a little red color, but gain a nutty, less sweet finish that grown-up palates love.
- Rose Petal Garnish: Lay a single edible rose petal on the surface. It ties the drink to its namesake rose and adds a soft floral aroma.
- Less Sweet Version: Cut the grenadine to 1/3 oz (10ml). The brandy and vermouth come forward for a drier, more elegant sip.
Food Pairings
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries: The berries echo grenadine’s red-fruit sweetness, while the chocolate meets the port’s rich depth.
- Roast duck with orange: The orange juice in the drink mirrors the sauce, and the port’s fruitiness complements the rich, savory meat.
- Brie cheese: Its creamy richness softens the brandy, while the citrus and port add a bright, fruity contrast.
Recipe video
- Recipe video ｜ Yu Ubukata Channel Home
American Beauty Cocktail: Elegant 6-Ingredient Brandy Recipe
Make the American Beauty cocktail, a classic from 1930 with brandy, dry vermouth, orange, grenadine and a port float. A rosy, elegant sip for special dinners.
タイプ: Cocktail
料理: International
キーワード: American Beauty cocktail, American Beauty drink, brandy port float cocktail, Savoy Cocktail Book recipe, brandy and dry vermouth cocktail, classic brandy cocktail, grenadine cocktail
レシピー歩留まり: 1 drink
準備時間: PT4M
所要時間: PT4M
レシピー材料:
- Brandy — 1/2 oz (15ml)
- Dry Vermouth — 1/2 oz (15ml)
- Orange Juice — 1/2 oz (15ml)
- Grenadine Syrup — 1/2 oz (15ml)
- White Crème de Menthe — 1 dash
- Port Wine — 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 brandy, dry vermouth, orange juice, grenadine syrup, white crème de menthe and ice to the shaker.
Shake:
- Shake well, then strain into the glass.
Float:
- Gently pour the port over the back of a bar spoon so it floats on top.
