I’m obsessed with how pretty this drink is. Though I’m a gin lover, I still haven’t tried out all the classic gin cocktails. I haven’t even *heard* of all of them. But as soon as I saw a recipe for a classic “Army and Navy” cocktail, it jumped to the top of the list.
And somehow it feels appropriately patriotic for a 4th of July posting.
What is an Army and Navy cocktail?
As with many classic cocktails, there are a few conflicting stories.
It’s said that this cocktail recipe was created to honor the Army & Navy college football rivalry. The rivalry’s tradition dates back to 1890, though from what I can tell the cocktail dates back to World War II, first appearing in a cocktail book in 1948. Or conversely, that it got its name from the famous Washington D.C. Army and Navy Club. I prefer the first option.
It’s traditionally made with gin, and is a twist on a gin sour recipe. I like to think that the gin and lemon are a nod to sailors in some way, but that’s completely made up on my part š
Most of the ingredients are completely run-of-the-mill, except the orgeat syrup. You can buy it on Amazon or make yourself. Not sure if liquor stores would have it, but you could look.
You might like: Best Cocktail Gifts For the At-Home Bartender
To make the cocktail, it’s super simple. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all the ingredients (minus the lemon peel). I used the weight measurements in the original recipe so used a kitchen scale, but have also translated to ounces below if you want to use a jigger instead.
Shake until cold (I like a good 15-20 seconds).
Then strain into a chilled glass and garnish with the lemon peel.
Boozy, cold, crisp perfection. And takes like two minutes to make.
Other cocktail recipes you’ll love:
- A gin classic: French Gimlet with Gin
- Twist on the classic: Fizzy Rosemary Gin Gimlet
- Like the gimlet but with grapefruit: Bohemian Cocktail (Gin, Elderflower, & Grapefruit)
- Includes lemon: āRiver Boyne Fizzā, An Irish Whiskey Cocktail
- Unique: Bourbon Milk Punch Cocktail
Adapted slightly from The Gin Queen
This delicious "Army and Navy" drink recipe is a classic cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon, and interesting orgeat syrup. The original recipe calls for only half the orgeat syrup (and this is a BOOZY cocktail), but I found it a tiny bit too bitter so upped the amount. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
A Classic Gin "Army and Navy" Cocktail
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Recommended Products
Leave a Reply