Charlie Chaplain

I've been looking forward to doing this cocktail ever since I had apricot brandy and sloe gin on my bar. That's been a long time. But you have to be in the right mood for such a sweet cocktail. Then I was nervous that an ounce and a half of lemon juice would turn it into an extremely tart drink to give you heartburn.

I was glad that my fears were unfounded. That on a night when you want a lot of rich brandy and sugary gin flavors, the lemon juice is just enough to cut through and give you a hefty portion.

The drink is named after the famous film star, of course, which makes me wonder. Did Chaplain like sloe gin and apricot brandy? But he's associated with modernity, as are these two spirits, the combination of which evokes black and white film and urban bar scenes in Europe where such a cocktail would be enjoyed. This is still a hearty pour. You'll need a lot of each ingredient or a friend to help you get this one down.

• 2 oz. apricot brandy
• 2 oz. sloe gin
• 1 1/2 oz. lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled (double) Old Fashioned glass full of fresh ice.