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 🙂
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.
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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: “River Boyne Fizz”, An Irish Whiskey Cocktail
- Unique: Bourbon Milk Punch Cocktail
- Summer staple: Cherry Limeade for Grown-Ups
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
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Maybe you like the Sidecar too?
It’s a classic cocktail made of lemon juice (1 unit), triple sec (1 unit) and brandy (2 units). Easy to make, complex and delicous in taste.
Shake as long as you are able to keep the frozen shaker in your hands, and double strain into a frosted coupe glass.
I use Carlos Primero (andalusian sherry brandy) as a brandy, Cointreau as a triple sec, and freshly pressed lemon juice.
It was the very 1st cocktail I ever made (which is only a few days ago… I’m a newbie…) and I still love it so much (after all these days… 🙂 )
That sounds delicious! Will definitely have to try it (I have some Korbel brandy sitting around)…I’m not always a huge Cointreau fan but willing to give it a try.