Mai Tai
The Mai Tai has a balanced, sweet, and tangy taste with a hint of almond from the orgeat syrup. The combination of light and dark rums gives it a rich and complex flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
Army Navy Cocktail Recipe
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Army Navy Nutrition Facts
Calories:169
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:7g
Alcohol %:28
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Army Navy cocktail is a classic cocktail that dates back to at least the 1940s. It was first published in David A. Embury's 'The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks'. The name of the cocktail is a nod to the two major branches of the United States military, the Army and the Navy. This cocktail is a favorite among those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour in their drinks, with a hint of almond flavor from the orgeat syrup.
How Army Navy Tastes?
The Army Navy cocktail is a delightful balance of sweet and sour, with a hint of almond flavor. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The orgeat syrup brings a subtle sweetness and nutty undertone to the mix.
Interesting facts about Army Navy
- The Army Navy cocktail is often served in a coupe glass, which is a stemmed glass with a wide, shallow bowl.
- The cocktail is traditionally garnished with a lemon twist.
- Despite its military-themed name, the origins of the Army Navy cocktail are not tied to any specific military event or tradition.
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Orgeat syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
A few good options for Army Navy are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
The gin is not just a spirit; it's the soul of the cocktail, providing a robust, botanical backdrop that makes the Army Navy a true star. The 2 oz measure is the sweet spot – too much and you'll be marching to bed, too little and you could be left wanting more oomph. Without it, well, you've demoted your cocktail to a mocktail, solider!
Alternatives: Substituting gin with vodka will create a more neutral base, letting the lemon and orgeat take center stage. Bourbon swaps add a warming, rich twist.
Emma Rose
Lemon Juice
This zesty citrus brings a tangy freshness that cuts through the sweetness, delivering a flavor salute that's sharp and clear as a bugle call at dawn. Skimp on this and the cocktail might turn too sweet; overdo it and you'll pucker more than a drill sergeant's whistle.
Alternatives: Lime juice could step in for a tart twist, or orange juice for a sweeter, softer profile.
Alex Green
Orgeat Syrup
Half an ounce is the perfect conscript of sweetness and almond essence without overpowering the formation. It keeps peace between the gin's botanicals and lemon's acidity. Forget this and the cocktail loses its complexity, like a platoon without a plan.
Alternatives: Almond milk can be used for a lighter touch, simple syrup with a drop of almond extract for a similar effect, but with a slight change in the richness.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Army Navy Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of lemon juice, and 0.5 oz of orgeat syrup.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Pro Tips
- Use a high-quality gin for the best flavor.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give a better taste than bottled lemon juice.
- Chill your glass before serving for a colder, more refreshing cocktail.
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
- Oysters: The brininess of oysters complements the botanicals in the gin and the almond notes from the orgeat.
- Shrimp cocktail: The acidity of the lemon balances the sweetness of the shrimp and the cocktail sauce.
Salty Snacks
- Salted nuts: A classic bar snack, they echo the nuttiness of the orgeat syrup while the salt enhances the cocktail's flavors.
- Potato chips: The crispness and saltiness of the chips are an ideal counterbalance to the citrus and sweet complexity of the drink.
Light Desserts
- Lemon tart: Mirrors the citrus notes in the cocktail.
- Almond biscotti: Complements the almond flavor from the orgeat syrup.
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What you could change in Army Navy
- Gin: You can substitute the gin with vodka for a less juniper-forward flavor.
- Orgeat Syrup: If you don't have orgeat syrup, you can use almond syrup or simple syrup with a few drops of almond extract.
Explore all drinks starting with A here
And of course - twists🍹
Earl Grey Army Navy
- Add 1 oz of Earl Grey tea syrup instead of orgeat syrup.
- The rich, tannic flavors of the tea creates a bold twist that's both familiar and exotic, providing a British nod to the classic Navy cocktail.
Crimson Navy
- Substitute lemon juice with 1 oz of blood orange juice.
- The blood orange offers a deeper, slightly sweeter citrus profile, giving the cocktail a striking color and a twist fit for the Admiral's table.
Nutty Admiral
- Use 2 oz Amaretto instead of gin, and 0.5 oz orgeat.
- A rich nutty base replaces the gin's botanicals, creating a more dessert-like cocktail, intense in almond flavor, and an officer's salute to indulgence.
In case you forgot basics how to make Army Navy
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Army Navy
What is the optimal temperature for serving the Army Navy cocktail?
The Army Navy cocktail is best served chilled. Ideally, you should mix the drink with ice and serve it immediately for a refreshing taste.
Is the Army Navy cocktail gluten-free?
Yes, this cocktail is typically gluten-free, as gin, lemon juice, and Orgeat syrup are all gluten-free ingredients.
What type of gin pairs best with the Army Navy cocktail?
The choice of gin can greatly affect the flavors of the cocktail. It is generally recommended to use a dry gin, as it blends well with the sweet and sour flavors of the cocktail.
Can I make this drink in quantities ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can pre-batch the main ingredients of the Army Navy cocktail. However, remember to add the lemon juice just before serving as it can lose its tartness over time.
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