Army and Navy Cocktail Recipe

Orgeat syrup is the ingredient that really makes this recipe stand out. With its mellow almond flavor and hint of floral sweetness, it brings everything together beautifully. Usually found in tiki or tropical drinks, orgeat adds a special layer here that takes the drink up a notch. For those who love vintage flavors, the Army and Navy cocktail recipe captures that old-school charm with a fresh twist.

One of the best things about this cocktail is how easy it is to make it your own. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and find a version that’s perfect for you. It’s no wonder this cocktail has been a favorite for so long. Give it a try and discover why this classic never goes out of style.

History of the Army and Navy

The Army and Navy cocktail made its first appearance in 1948 in David Embury’s book The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks. Embury was a bit of a legend in the cocktail world and shared not only the original recipe but also his own twist.

There are a few fun theories about where this cocktail came from. Some people say it was created as a nod to the famous Army and Navy football game, while others believe it might be linked to the Army and Navy Club in Washington D.C. These little bits of mystery make the drink’s backstory even more intriguing.

Originally, the Army and Navy started as a simple gin sour, made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and orgeat instead of sugar for a touch of almond sweetness. Over time, people have adjusted it here and there to suit modern tastes, but the drink’s character has stayed true.

If you are someone who loves cocktails or just enjoys experimenting at home, knowing a bit of the Army and Navy’s history makes each sip a little more interesting.

Army and Navy Cocktail Ingredients

Making an Army and Navy cocktail is all about blending flavors that really work together. You’ve got the botanicals from gin, the bright tang of lemon juice, the smooth sweetness of orgeat syrup, and a little depth from Angostura bitters. Here’s a simple breakdown of what each ingredient brings to the mix.

Gin

Most people go for a London Dry gin because its crisp, juniper flavor pairs so well with the almond sweetness of orgeat and the brightness of lemon. But if you are feeling adventurous, you can also try Old Tom or Plymouth gin. Old Tom adds a bit of sweetness, while Plymouth is smoother with a softer juniper taste. The type of gin you pick really makes a difference in the final flavor, so choose one you enjoy.

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice is a must here. The tartness of fresh lemon cuts through the sweetness of the orgeat, adding a refreshing kick. Store-bought lemon juice just does not have that same zest or brightness that fresh lemons bring. Squeezing a lemon takes just a second and makes the drink feel crisp and lively.

Orgeat Syrup

Orgeat gives this cocktail its unique almond flavor. It has a sweet, nutty taste and can even have a hint of floral notes like orange blossom or rose. You can go with homemade or store-bought orgeat. Homemade usually has a richer almond taste, but store-bought is quick and easy. Either way, orgeat is what gives the Army and Navy its signature smoothness and sweetness.

Angostura Bitters

A dash of Angostura bitters might seem like a small addition, but it brings everything together. The bitters add a hint of spice that balances the sweetness and sourness without overpowering anything. They add just the right touch of complexity, making the drink feel complete.

Each ingredient has its own role, and together, they create the perfect balance in an Army and Navy cocktail. Play around with different versions of each to find the combination that fits your taste best. Enjoy the process and have fun with it.

How to Make the Army and Navy Cocktail

Let’s jump in and get everything we need. Grab a cocktail shaker, a strainer, and a coupe glass. These essential bar tools will help you get that perfect mix and presentation, making the process feel smooth and even a bit professional.

First, pour in your gin, fresh lemon juice, and orgeat syrup into the shaker. Add a good amount of ice to keep everything nice and cold. Give it a good shake. This step is where the magic happens because you’re blending all the flavors together while chilling the drink.

Once that’s done, strain the mix into a chilled coupe glass. The cold glass keeps the drink at the perfect temperature and gives it that crisp, refreshing taste. For a little finishing touch, add a twist of lemon zest or a slice of grapefruit peel as garnish.

Now, a quick tip on the ingredients. If you like a smoother flavor, try using Old Tom gin. It has a softer taste that works really well here. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own orgeat syrup for an extra special touch.

For the full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

Variations on the Classic Army and Navy Recipe

Let’s have some fun with the classic Army and Navy cocktail. One simple twist is to swap the usual gin for Old Tom gin. Old Tom has a softer and slightly sweeter flavor that gives the drink a smoother, more mellow feel. If you like a touch of floral notes, try a gin with herbal hints to give the cocktail a fresh, spring-like taste.

You can also get creative with the orgeat syrup, which gives the cocktail its signature nutty sweetness. Instead of the usual almond, try using pistachio or hazelnut orgeat. These flavors add something new, turning each sip into a bit of a flavor adventure.

To take it even further, experiment with different bitters and garnishes. Lavender or orange bitters can add a gentle floral note, while a garnish of edible flowers makes the drink look stunning and adds a nice aroma that enhances each sip.

For more gin sour inspiration, check out this Gin Sour Cocktail Recipe and explore the Best Orgeat Cocktails for other creative ways to use orgeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the Army and Navy cocktail?

The Army and Navy cocktail has a bit of mystery to it. Some say it was created to honor the Army-Navy football game between the U.S. military academies, while others believe it started at the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C. Whatever the true story, it clearly has a strong military connection, adding a bit of intrigue to every sip.

What does an Army and Navy cocktail taste like?

This cocktail has a unique blend of flavors. It’s slightly sweet, with a touch of nuttiness from the orgeat syrup, and a bright tang from the lemon juice. The gin’s botanicals shine through, and a dash of Angostura bitters brings a hint of warm spice that ties it all together.

How do I make my own orgeat syrup?

Making orgeat syrup at home is easy and adds a personal touch to your cocktail. Start by soaking some almonds, then blend them with sugar and water. Strain the mixture, and for a bit of extra flavor, add a touch of orange blossom or rose water. Homemade orgeat gives the cocktail a richer, more authentic taste.

What type of gin works best in an Army and Navy cocktail?

London Dry gin is a popular choice since its bold botanicals work well with the almond and lemon flavors. If you like a softer or slightly sweeter taste, try Old Tom gin. Plymouth gin is another great option for a smooth, balanced drink. You can also experiment with floral gins to give the cocktail an interesting twist.

Army and Navy Cocktail Recipe

The Army and Navy cocktail is a classic blend of gin, fresh lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and a dash of bitters. This drink is bright and citrusy with a subtle almond sweetness, making it both refreshing and flavorful.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Coupe Glass

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz London Dry gin
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz orgeat syrup
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• Luxardo cherry, edible flowers, or a lemon twist for garnish

Instructions

 

• Start by filling your shaker with ice.
• Pour in the gin, lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and bitters.
• Give it a good shake until the shaker feels cold, which should take about 15 seconds.
• Strain the drink into a chilled coupette glass.
• Garnish with a Luxardo cherry, a few edible flowers, or a twist of lemon. These little extras look great and add a nice aroma that brings the cocktail to life.

Notes

• The gin you choose makes a difference. We usually go for a London Dry gin for its crisp flavor, but if you want something a bit smoother, try Old Tom gin.
• Orgeat syrup is easy to make at home if you are up for it. It is just an almond syrup made by blending almonds with sugar and water. Homemade orgeat can have a richer flavor, which is a nice touch for this cocktail.
• Feel free to try other bitters, too. Orange or cherry bitters can add a hint of sweetness if that’s your style.

Now you’re all set to enjoy a delicious Army and Navy cocktail. Cheers!

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