Can I make this cocktail in advance?

It's best enjoyed freshly shaken, but you can pre-mix the ingredients (without ice) and store in the fridge. Shake with ice just before serving for optimal chill and dilution.

Is this cocktail very sweet?

The sweetness can be adjusted to your taste by varying the simple syrup. The standard recipe is pleasantly balanced, but feel free to use less syrup if you prefer a drier drink.

What type of gin works best?

A London Dry gin is classic for the 20th Century, but feel free to experiment with lighter, floral gins if you prefer a softer botanical profile.

What is orgeat and can I substitute it?

Orgeat is a sweet almond syrup often flavored with orange blossom or rose water. It gives the Army & Navy its signature nutty flavor. If you don’t have orgeat, you might try a homemade almond syrup or, in a pinch, use falernum (for a spicier twist), though the flavor will be different.

Army & Navy

Name: Army & Navy
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 2 oz London Dry Gin; 0.75 oz Lemon Juice; 0.75 oz Orgeat Syrup; 1 dash Angostura Bitters

The Army & Navy is a sophisticated gin sour cocktail with a nutty twist, blending the botanical brightness of gin with the sweet, earthy depth of orgeat and the tartness of lemon juice. This drink is a hidden classic—refined, balanced, and unexpectedly delightful, perfect for anyone who appreciates a cocktail with history and character.

5 minutesMedium1 serving

Featured

Ingredients

1 serving

London Dry Gin
60 ml (2 oz)
A classic, juniper-forward gin works best
Lemon Juice
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Freshly squeezed for brightness
Orgeat Syrup
25 ml (0.75 oz)
High-quality almond syrup adds rich, nutty sweetness
Angostura Bitters
1 dash
Amplifies complexity

Tools Needed

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Fine strainer
Citrus juicer
Coupe or Nick & Nora glass

Instructions

Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice water and setting it aside.
Add gin, lemon juice, orgeat, and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
Discard the ice water from your glass and fine strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or a few drops of bitters on the foam, if desired.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

Beautiful balance of tart, sweet, and nutty flavors
A unique twist on the classic gin sour
Elegant and easy to sip, perfect for impressing guests
Evokes a sense of vintage cocktail culture and history
Pairs wonderfully with light appetizers or after-dinner conversation

History & Origin

The Army & Navy first appeared in print in David Embury's influential 1948 book, 'The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks'. Named after the legendary Army & Navy Club in Washington D.C., the cocktail was likely created in honor of the club’s members, who spanned both military branches. Originally, it was a simple gin sour, but the addition of orgeat (an almond syrup) transforms it into a uniquely smooth and nutty concoction, standing out among gin drinks for its distinctive flavor profile.

Garnish

A lemon twist—expressed over the drink and dropped in—adds citrus aroma and a touch of elegance. Optionally, a few drops of bitters on the foam create visual flair and amplify aroma.

Nutrition Info

Roughly 190 calories per serving. Contains approximately 17g carbohydrates (mainly from orgeat), negligible fat, and about 14% ABV per 3.5 oz serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

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