The Military & Navy, or simply Military Navy, is the type of drink that makes you’re feeling elegant simply by saying its identify.
It’s gin-based, barely tart, and has been round lengthy sufficient to have tales no one can fairly confirm. Don’t be fooled by the identify; this isn’t a government-issued drink. Nevertheless it does deliver a type of wartime bravado to your glass.
A Toast to Historical past (or a Wild Guess?)
The primary recognized recipe for this dangerous boy popped up in David A. Embury’s 1948 e-book, The Tremendous Artwork of Mixing Drinks. Embury, a lawyer with a aspect hustle in cocktails, referred to as it a variation of the gin bitter, swapping sugar for orgeat syrup. However did he invent it? Nope. The drink most likely existed earlier than, perhaps on the Military and Navy Membership in Washington, D.C., perhaps within the fingers of a thirsty sailor—who is aware of?
It additionally could have ties to the legendary Military-Navy soccer recreation, which has been occurring since 1890. So, in a approach, this drink is as a lot about good sportsmanship as it’s about gin-fueled celebration.
Not Simply One other Tropical Bitter
Sure, there’s orgeat, and sure, there’s citrus, however don’t mistake the Military & Navy for a tiki drink. This cocktail leans drier, with the gin taking heart stage somewhat than being buried below layers of syrupy sweetness. The orgeat supplies simply sufficient richness to spherical out the perimeters with out making it really feel like you ought to be sipping it from a pineapple.
Considered one of its finest qualities? It’s versatile. A number of gin cocktails are fussy about which gin you utilize, however the Military & Navy performs properly with most kinds. A vivid, juniper-forward London dry brings out its crispness, whereas an Previous Tom or extra floral gin can spotlight its delicate sweetness. Both approach, it’s a strong argument for why gin deserves extra love.
A Misplaced & Discovered Traditional
Like many nice drinks, the Military & Navy cocktail took an extended nap through the period of fluorescent, syrupy cocktails ( you, Nineteen Eighties). However the craft cocktail renaissance introduced it again, and bartenders rapidly realized its magnificence. Fashionable variations tweak the ratios, use completely different gins, or throw in some orange liqueur, however at its core, it stays a easy, balanced delight.
Why You Ought to Care
The Military Navy is sort of a gateway cocktail for gin skeptics—it’s easy, citrusy, and never too candy. Plus, it’s acquired historical past, thriller, and a reputation that makes you sound like you recognize one thing about navy traditions. What’s to not love?
So, subsequent time you’re feeling fancy (or simply want an excuse to shake a cocktail as an alternative of stirring), give the Military & Navy a shot. It’s timeless, scrumptious, and may simply make you’re feeling like a adorned officer of excellent style.
Military & Navy
Substances
- 2 oz. London Dry Gin
- 1 oz. Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
- ¾ oz. Orgeat
- 1 sprint Angostura Bitters
- Garnish: Grapefruit Twist
Preparation
- Add components to a shaker with ice, shake properly till chilled.
- Pressure into a calming coupe glass.
- Garnish with grapefruit twist.
