Average
Sweet & Herb
3 minutes
Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
How to Make a American Beauty
Bar tools you’ll need
Fine Strainer
Jigger
Boston Shaker
How to Mix
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Fill a Shaker with Ice Cubes.
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Add Cognac, Dry Vermouth, Grenadine, White Crème De Menthe and Port Red into the Shaker.
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Shake the ingredients until well chilled.
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Strain the mix into a Cocktail Glass.
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Sip and enjoy!
All about the American Beauty Cocktail
The American Beauty Cocktail stands out with its blend of Cognac, Dry Vermouth, Grenadine, White Crème De Menthe and Port Red, delivering floral and herbal notes with just the right touch of sweetness. It’s typically shaken with Ice Cubes and served in a chilled Cocktail Glass, showing off its signature rosy hue.
Why is it notable? Its unique color and taste have secured the American Beauty’s place among timeless classics. This cocktail is approachable, tastes balanced, and adds charm to any occasion.
The American Beauty Cocktail offers a bright blend of floral, herbal, and sweet notes, balanced by a touch of citrus from Cognac and Dry Vermouth. You’ll notice a silky texture that highlights its distinct layers, making every sip feel elegant and smooth.
Legend has it the cocktail American Beauty first appeared in print in 1916. A splash of White Crème De Menthe and Port Red gave this drink both its name and its unique hue, inspired by the era’s love for elegant, colored cocktails. At the time, subtle, tinted liqueurs were all the rage and the American Beauty captured that early 20th-century trend for style and color in a glass.
- Go Bolder With Cognac
Swap basic Cognac for a high-proof or VSOP Cognac for extra richness and a deeper flavor backbone without overpowering. - Add Orange Juice For Brightness
Slip in fresh Orange Juice for the needed citrus lift that brings all the elements together and keeps the sweetness in check. - Control The Dashes
Go light on the White Crème De Menthe and the Port Red, just a drop or two will do. Overpouring muddies the flavors, so pre-measure for consistency. - Double-Strain For Texture
Use both a Hawthorne Strainer and Fine Mesh Strainer to serve silky smooth-no ice shards or pulp. - Chill Your Tools
Freeze the Cocktail Glass and crack the Ice Cubes to give your American Beauty a velvet mouthfeel and right temperature. - Wake Up The Vermouth
Give the Dry Vermouth a good stir in its own bottle before using, it reveals more herbal aroma.
- Orange Twist Finish
Express an Orange Twist over the rim to release citrus oils, then drop it into the glass for aroma and a pop of color. - Raspberry Garnish
Spear a single Raspberry on a cocktail pick and rest it across the rim for a vibrant, fruity touch. - Cocoa-Sugar Rim
Lightly dust the Cocktail Glass rim with a blend of Powdered Sugar and Cocoa Powder for a subtle sweet crunch that nods to the “beauty” theme.
American Beauty FAQ
The American Beauty Cocktail stands out with its floral and herbal combination of Cognac, Dry Vermouth, Grenadine, White Crème De Menthe and Port Red, making it uniquely layered compared to other spirit-forward classics.
To bring your American Beauty Cocktail to the next level, use a high-quality Cognac.
You can batch the base of your American Beauty Drink. Pre-mix all ingredients and Put it in your refrigerator. When ready to serve, pour your mix into a shaker, add ice and then shake cold. Serve into a Cocktail glass.
Yes, the American Beauty Cocktail is approachable and simple to make at home, letting you experiment with classic techniques and enjoy a balanced, tasty result.