THE HISTORY OF THE SAVOY TANGO COCKTAIL

The Savoy Tango Cocktail appears in the legendary Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock, first published in 1930. While multiple drinks share the „Tango“ name, this particular version is an equal-parts stirred cocktail made with Calvados and Sloe Gin.

This recipe is a perfect example of the experimental yet balanced style of the Golden Age of Cocktails, combining fruit-forward liqueurs with dry structure. The apple-rich Calvados forms the base, while Sloe Ginbrings gentle sweetness and berry notes. Unlike many modern fruit-based cocktails, the Savoy Tango is not overly sweet. It’s complex, elegant, and designed for sipping — a forgotten gem for home bartenders looking to explore vintage flavor combinations.

WHY CALVADOS & SLOE GIN WORK SO WELL

Calvados is a French apple brandy from Normandy — rich, dry, and aromatic. It provides structure and depth to the drink, with flavors of baked apple, spice, and wood.

Sloe Gin, traditionally made by infusing gin with sloe berries (a wild relative of the plum), adds berry fruit, a hint of sweetness, and a slightly tannic edge. Good sloe gin (like Sipsmith or Hayman’s) balances sugar and tartness without overpowering the drink.

More classic cocktails?!

I am also on Instagram. Just drop in…

My Instagram channel. Here you can find all of my recipes. Constantly updated whether you are an experienced home bartender or a newcomer to the cocktail scene. I got a drink for everyone.