American Beauty Cocktail

Name: American Beauty Cocktail (1940s Wartime)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: War Time Cocktails 1935-1945
Ingredients: 1/2 oz Brandy; 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth; 1/2 oz Orange juice; 1/2 oz Grenadine; 1 dash White creme de menthe; 1 dash Port

The American Beauty is a pre-Prohibition-era cocktail from the 1935-1945 wartime period that balances fruity citrus notes with herbal crème de menthe and the complexity of brandy and dry vermouth. Its layered flavor profile and elegant presentation make it a standout choice for vintage cocktail enthusiasts.

🌍War Time Cocktails 1935-1945 🏷️Equipment: cocktail glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$14–$23

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

1/2 oz Brandy

1/2 oz Dry Vermouth

1/2 oz Orange juice

1/2 oz Grenadine

1 dash White creme de menthe

1 dash Port

6 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Shake first five ingredients with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass.
2
Top with port.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Chill your coupe or cocktail glass with ice water before serving to maintain temperature longer.
Use fresh-squeezed orange juice, not bottled—the acidity and aromatics are critical to balancing the grenadine and crème de menthe.
Layer ingredients slowly in order of density to create a subtle color gradient; pour over cracked ice for dilution control.
The white crème de menthe should be a whisper—a single dash is enough; too much will overpower the brandy-vermouth base.

Substitutions

Dry Vermouth → Blanc (dry white) vermouth (lighter, slightly fruitier profile)
Brandy → Cognac (deeper, more refined flavor if budget allows)
Orange juice → Fresh grapefruit juice (adds bitterness, drier result)
Grenadine → Pomegranate syrup (less sweet, more tart)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are consumed immediately and do not store; prepare components in advance and combine fresh to order.

Equipment

jigger or measuring spoon · mixing glass or shaker · bar spoon · coupe or cocktail glass

Common Questions

What's the difference between white and green crème de menthe?

White crème de menthe is colorless with a peppermint flavor; green has the same taste but with food coloring. This recipe calls for white to keep the drink's color clear and elegant.