After Supper Apricot Sour Cocktail

This rebalanced After Supper Apricot Sour Cocktail brings together apricot brandy, citrus, and a touch of orange liqueur for a bright, lightly sweet nightcap. It leans into its heritage as an after-dinner drink while delivering a cleaner, fresher profile thanks to the boosted lemon juice.

Background

The After Supper Cocktail appeared in mid-century bar manuals, often built as a simple mix of fruit liqueur and citrus. This version stays close to that lineage while modernizing the structure so it drinks more like a classic sour.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Apricot Brandy – the fruit-driven base that provides depth and gentle sweetness.
• Triple Sec – adds orange aroma without overwhelming the apricot.
• Lemon Juice – brightens and sharpens the entire profile.

Substitutions:

• Use a dry orange liqueur (Cointreau or curaçao) if you prefer less sweetness.
• Swap apricot brandy for peach liqueur if you want a gentler fruit character.
• Lime juice works in a pinch but will shift the acidity sharper.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Fine strainer
• Cocktail glass
• Peeler or channel knife for garnish

Why You’ll Love It: A Nightcap With Freshness

This drink balances indulgence and brightness: rich apricot at the core, cut with citrus so it stays refreshing rather than syrupy. It’s quick to build, easy to repeat, and feels polished without being fussy.

Substitutions & Variations

• Apricot-forward: Increase apricot brandy to 1.75 oz and drop Triple Sec to 0.25 oz.
• Drier version: Use a dry curaçao and shake slightly longer to soften edges.
• Spritz variation: Add 1–2 oz chilled sparkling water after straining for a lighter finish.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the cocktail glass to keep the drink crisp and bright.
• Express a lemon peel over the top before garnishing for a stronger citrus nose.
• This drink pairs well with fruit desserts or mild cheeses if serving after a meal.