CocktailRecipes

American Beauty Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a American Beauty recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Brandy
Alcohol 20%
Calories 200 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 15g
Prep time 5 minutes

Imagine you’ve just discovered the secret to a timeless refreshment. The American Beauty cocktail isn’t just a drink; it’s a story in a glass, with a symphony of flavors that dance together in harmony. In the paragraphs that follow, we’ll sip our way through its storied history, its vibrant taste profile, and the careful curation of its ingredients. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together and unravel the allure of the American Beauty cocktail. ⬇️

History

The American Beauty cocktail has roots that intertwine with the rich tapestry of classic American drinks. It emerged during the early 20th century, a time when cocktails became a symbol of sophistication and celebration. This drink captures the essence of an era, reflecting both the beauty and complexity of its time.

  • The name “American Beauty” is inspired by the deeply rooted American heritage and the timeless appeal of beauty.
  • It’s believed that the cocktail was named after the popular American Beauty rose, symbolizing love and passion.
  • The drink’s popularity soared during the roaring twenties, an age marked by jazz, art deco, and a zest for life.

The taste of an American Beauty?

An American Beauty cocktail is like a sip of history, with a sweet yet complex flavor that tantalizes the palate. The harmonious blend of fruity and floral notes makes it a unique and memorable drink.

I personally adore the American Beauty for its charming balance of sweet and tart flavors, which come together like a poetic verse in a glass.

Interesting facts about American Beauty

  • This cocktail is often associated with the opulence of the Gilded Age, serving as a liquid representation of America’s prosperous past.
  • Despite its name, the American Beauty has enjoyed international acclaim, symbolizing the global appreciation for crafted cocktails.
  • The American Beauty’s layered presentation is a nod to the cocktail’s complexity and depth, much like the multifaceted nature of beauty itself.

Ingredients

  • Brandy: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Orange liqueur: 1/2 oz (15ml)
  • Raspberry liqueur: 1/2 oz (15ml)
  • Lemon juice: 1/2 oz (15ml)
  • Port wine: 1/2 oz (15ml)
  • Mint leaves: For garnish

Cocktail glass is the vessel of choice for serving the American Beauty. This glass showcases the drink’s layered beauty and concentrated flavors. Alternatively, a martini glass could also cradle this concoction, offering a similarly elegant experience.

Recipe. How to make American Beauty

  1. Mix brandy, 1 oz, orange liqueur, 1/2 oz, raspberry liqueur, 1/2 oz, and lemon juice, 1/2 oz, in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
  3. Strain the mix into a chilled cocktail glass and carefully pour the port wine, 1/2 oz, so it settles at the bottom, creating a layered effect.
  4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

While the American Beauty cocktail can be a sweet indulgence, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its sugar content. To make a healthier version, you could opt for natural sweeteners or simply reduce the amount of liqueur. The ingredients, like lemon juice, add a hint of vitamin C, while brandy has been known for its heart-warming qualities.

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Food Pairings

Pairing food with American Beauty can elevate the tasting experience, complementing the cocktail’s intricate flavors. Here are some delectable duos:

Chocolate Desserts

The rich, velvety notes of chocolate desserts pair flawlessly with the American Beauty. The sweet and fruity layers of the cocktail cut through the chocolate’s richness, creating a dance of flavors on the palate.

Spicy Appetizers

Spicy bites, such as jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings, find a refreshing counterpart in the American Beauty. The cocktail’s sweet and citrusy undertones provide a cooling effect that balances the heat.

Cheese Platter

A selection of fine cheeses, from creamy brie to tangy goat cheese, can be beautifully accentuated by the fruity and floral notes of the American Beauty. This pairing is an exploration of textures and tastes.

I find the American Beauty to be a delightful concoction; its balance of flavors is like a harmonious melody that’s simply unforgettable.

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Bartender Advice

  • Always use fresh ingredients, particularly with the citrus elements, to ensure the most vibrant flavor possible.
  • Chill your glassware before serving to maintain the cocktail’s crisp and refreshing character.
  • Practice the art of layering the drink to achieve the iconic look that makes the American Beauty so visually striking.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic American Beauty, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in American Beauty

  • Raspberry liqueur: Can be swapped for pomegranate syrup for a tart twist and a deeper color.
  • Brandy: Try using a floral gin for a lighter, more botanical flavor profile.
  • Port wine: A dash of grenadine can substitute for a non-alcoholic layer while maintaining the color contrast.

American Beauty Variations

Southern Belle

  • Ingredients: Substitute brandy with bourbon, and add a splash of peach liqueur.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, adding the peach liqueur with the other ingredients before shaking.

Berry Bliss

  • Ingredients: Use mixed berry puree instead of raspberry liqueur, and add elderflower cordial.
  • Recipe: Blend the berry puree with the other ingredients and top with a splash of elderflower cordial after pouring into the glass.

Citrus Charm

  • Ingredients: Include fresh orange juice and replace port wine with a citrus-infused red wine.
  • Recipe: Shake the orange juice with the base spirits and layer the citrus wine on top for a zesty finish.

For a non-intoxicating version, the Virgin American Beauty is a treat. Simply mix raspberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of grape juice. Garnish with mint and enjoy a refreshingly sweet sipper.

Q&A

Can I make an American Beauty without alcohol?

Absolutely! Swap out the spirits for non-alcoholic alternatives like syrups and juices, and you’ll still enjoy a delightful mocktail.

What’s the best occasion for an American Beauty?

This cocktail shines at celebratory events, dinner parties, or whenever you’re in the mood for a drink that’s both elegant and flavorful.

Is the American Beauty a strong drink?

It has a balanced strength, with the brandy providing a warm base complemented by the sweetness of the liqueurs.

How can I layer the drink effectively?

Pour liquids slowly over the back of a spoon to gently add each layer on top of the last, creating a beautiful gradient effect.

Can I prepare American Beauty in advance?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can pre-mix the base ingredients and add the port wine layer when ready to serve.

Are there any tricks to garnishing with mint?

Give the mint leaves a gentle slap between your hands before garnishing to release the aromatic oils, enhancing the cocktail’s aroma.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.
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