Description
The Army and Navy cocktail is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 1900s. It is a gin-based cocktail that is both tart and sweet, with a hint of almond from the addition of orgeat syrup. Here is a recipe for an Army and Navy cocktail:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/4 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and Cointreau to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Note: Orgeat syrup is a sweet syrup made from almonds and sugar. It can be found at most liquor stores or online. If you can’t find orgeat syrup, you can substitute it with simple syrup and a drop of almond extract.
Popular Army and Navy Cocktail Garnishes
The Army and Navy cocktail is a classic gin-based cocktail that is typically garnished with a lemon twist. The lemon twist adds a touch of citrus and enhances the drink’s aroma. However, depending on personal preference, there are other popular garnishes that can be used to enhance the drink’s flavor and appearance. Here are some popular Army and Navy cocktail garnishes:
- Lemon twist: A classic garnish that complements the drink’s tartness and adds a citrusy aroma.
- Edible flowers: Adding an edible flower, such as a pansy or a violet, can add a pop of color and a delicate floral note to the drink.
- Rosemary sprig: A sprig of fresh rosemary can add an herbal aroma and complement the drink’s piney notes from the gin.
- Candied lemon peel: A sweet and tangy garnish that adds a touch of texture and elevates the drink’s sweetness.
- Luxardo cherry: A sweet and tart garnish that adds a pop of color and complements the drink’s almond and citrus notes.
Ultimately, the choice of garnish is a matter of personal preference, and the Army and Navy cocktail can be enjoyed with or without a garnish.
Modern Army and Navy Cocktail Trends
In recent years, there has been a trend toward modernizing classic cocktails like the Army and Navy. Here are some modern Army and Navy cocktail trends that have emerged:
- Barrel-aged Army and Navy: Aging the cocktail in oak barrels imparts a smoky, woody flavor and gives it a smooth, velvety finish.
- Spiced Army and Navy: Adding warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can add depth and complexity to the cocktail.
- Herb-infused Army and Navy: Infusing the gin with fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or sage can add an earthy, herbaceous note to the cocktail.
- Molecular Army and Navy: Using molecular gastronomy techniques, like foam or caviar, can add a playful and modern twist to the classic cocktail.
- Low-ABV Army and Navy: Many bartenders are experimenting with lower alcohol versions of the cocktail, using alternative spirits like non-alcoholic gin or vermouth, to make it a more sessionable drink.
These are just a few modern Army and Navy cocktail trends that have emerged in recent years. As with all cocktails, there are countless variations and adaptations, so the possibilities are endless.
Fast Facts About Army & Navy Cocktail
- The Army and Navy cocktail is believed to have originated in the early 1900s, likely during Prohibition.
- The cocktail is named after the Army and Navy Club in London, a private club for officers in the British armed forces.
- The original recipe for the Army and Navy cocktail included gin, lemon juice, and a small amount of sugar.
- The addition of orgeat syrup and Cointreau or triple sec is a later variation that is now considered standard.
- Orgeat syrup is a sweet syrup made from almonds and sugar, which adds a nutty, sweet flavor to the cocktail.
- The Army and Navy cocktail is typically served straight up in a cocktail glass and garnished with a lemon twist.
- The cocktail is a sour-style drink, which means it is tart and citrusy, with a balance of sweet and sour flavors.
- The Army and Navy cocktail is a classic gin-based cocktail that has inspired numerous variations and adaptations over the years.
- The drink has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years, as bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts have rediscovered classic cocktails like the Army and Navy.
Related Сocktails
The Army & Navy Cocktail is a classic cocktail with a unique combination of flavors. Here are a few examples of related cocktails:
- Bee’s Knees: The Bee’s Knees is a prohibition-era cocktail that is similar to the Army & Navy, but uses gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup instead of orgeat syrup. The drink is typically served in a coupe glass and garnished with a lemon twist.
- Aviation: The Aviation is a classic gin cocktail that features floral and citrus notes. It is made with gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette. The drink is typically served in a chilled cocktail glass and garnished with a cherry.
- Clover Club: The Clover Club is a classic cocktail that dates back to the pre-prohibition era. It is made with gin, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and egg white. The drink is typically shaken vigorously to create a frothy texture and is served in a chilled cocktail glass.
- Southside: The Southside is a classic gin cocktail that is similar to the Army & Navy, but uses mint and lime juice instead of orgeat syrup. The drink is typically made with gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves. It is served in a chilled glass and garnished with a sprig of mint.
Overall, these cocktails feature similar flavor profiles to the Army & Navy Cocktail, with a focus on gin and citrus flavors. Each cocktail has its own unique twist and variation, making them fun to explore and try out.