ARMY & NAVY

ARMY & NAVY

A classic gin-based cocktail that is a variation of a gin sour, balanced with the nutty, complex sweetness of orgeat syrup and a dash of bitters. 

The exact origins are somewhat unclear, but the name is often associated with the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C.. The cocktail was first published with a recipe in David A. Embury's influential 1948 book, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, though with a very dry ratio that has since been adjusted by modern bartenders to achieve a better balance. 

The crucial ingredient that sets the Army & Navy apart from a standard gin sour is orgeat. This sweet, opaque almond-flavored syrup (traditionally made with almonds, sugar, and orange blossom or rose water) adds a unique nutty depth and creamy texture to the drink, similar to its use in tiki classics like the Mai Tai.

This version of the Army & Navy is by the Educated Barfly on Instagram.

INGREDIENTS

• 2oz (60ml) Gin

• 3/4oz (22ml) Lemon

• 3/4oz (22ml) Orgeat

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

• 5 drops 20% Saline Solution

TOOLS + GLASSWARE

• Shaker

• Strainer

• Chilled coupe or Nick & Nora

PREPARATION

1. Put ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake for 10 seconds.

2. Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora

3. No garnish needed