It may be that Lita Gray isn’t as well known as her husband in classic cinema, but one of them was. Her short marriage was the result of an affair with Charlie Chaplin’s young second wife. She appeared in three of his movies before and during their time together. Considering the Hollywood history of this drink, it would be an excellent choice for parties celebrating movies, like the Oscars. It’s also an excellent choice if you’re in the mood to watch one of Chaplin’s films. Simple and delicious, the Lita Grey cocktail is a gin and apricot mix served in a sparkling wine glass.
There is nothing complicated or complicated about this drink, which is sure to put a smile on your face as big as the smile of the woman for whom it was named. Péché, in Austin, Texas, has shared this recipe that pays homage to the actress in a lovely way. It may be a modern creation, but it has the same classic style found in some great early 20th century drinks. As a tribute to the late Charlie Chaplin, the cocktail also features sloe gin and apricot brandy (or liqueur) to renew the connection between the two famous actors.
Tips
- If you prefer a bolder dry gin, you might prefer one that’s full of botanicals. It is best to choose a gin like London Dry Gin or Navy Strength Gin that has adequate flavor to stand out against the sweet fruits.
- If you wish to make lemonade out of fresh juice, utilizing half a lemon should work well as the common fruit usually yields approximately 1 3/4 ounces in total.
- The sparkling wine you choose as a substitute for Champagne will likewise be just as good. You can find many great sparkling wines that are budget-friendly and perfect for cocktails.
