Archangel Recipe

A simple mix of muddled cucumber, gin, and Aperol makes for a cooling and refreshing cocktail.

By
Nick Caruana
a photo of Nick Caruana, a contributing writer at Serious Eats
Nick Caruana
Nick Caruana is a drinks writer and author of The Straight Up, a blog dedicated to classic cocktails. 
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
Updated March 14, 2025
An Archangel cocktail, served in a coupe glass with a lemon twist.

Serious Eats / Nick Caruana

Very popular in speakeasy-style bars, this cocktail comes from Michael McIlroy and Richard Boccato of New York's Milk & Honey. It's one of the most refreshing stirred drinks I've ever tried.

While a simple mix of muddled cucumber, gin, and Aperol might sound unexciting, I assure you that the combination is much tastier than the sum of its parts. The bittersweet Aperol adds brightness with rhubarb and bitter orange flavors, while the cucumber gives the drink an airy and refreshing side. The flavors might remind you of a juicy watermelon (or booze-spiked spa water.)

My favorite thing about Archangel? It somehow manages to be dry and a touch bitter, yet fruity and refreshing. Put it on your must-make list.

I usually make this one with a London dry gin such as Beefeater 24, but it's also great with other gins. Try Hendrick's to amp up the cucumber flavor or Plymouth for an even lighter taste.

Recipe Details

Archangel Recipe

Prep 5 mins
Active 2 mins
Total 5 mins
Serves 1 serving
Keep Screen Awake

Ingredients

  • 2 (1/2-inch thick) slices cucumber

  • 2 1/4 ounces gin

  • 3/4 ounce Aperol

  • Garnish: lemon twist

Directions

  1. Add the cucumber slices to the bottom of a mixing glass. Muddle them to break up, but do not pulverize completely.

  2. Add gin and Aperol to mixing glass then fill 2/3 with ice and stir until well chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with lemon twist and serve.

Special Equipment

Muddler, mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer, cocktail glass, citrus peeler

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
215 Calories
0g Fat
12g Carbs
1g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 215
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 4mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 5%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 11mg 54%
Calcium 26mg 2%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 174mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

More Serious Eats Recipes