Army & Navy

Looking for a classic cocktail that’s smooth and a conversation starter? Try the Army & Navy! This drink, created to honor a 1930s football game between U.S. military and naval academies, is linked to a members-only officers' club in Washington, D.C. where the Daiquiri was first served in the U.S.

First published in David Embury's 1948 book,The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, it features a refreshing blend of gin, orgeat syrup, tart lemon juice, and bitters. Unlike a typical gin sour, the use of orgeat in this riff adds a sweet, rich depth. Do yourself a favor and get a good bottle (we like Liber & Co.) or opt to make your own at home.

The Army & Navy is the kind of cocktail that feels like it could have been sipped in a smoky jazz bar or at a military gala. It's easy to make and guaranteed to impress your friends—or at least make you feel a bit fancy! Simply shake the ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with a grapefruit twist.

(Originally published 3/7/25)

Author

The Elevated Craft Team

Ingredients

• 2 oz. London Dry Gin (we used Sassenach Spirits)
• 1 oz. Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
• ¾ oz. Liber & Co. Orgeat
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• Grapefruit (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a Hybrid Cocktail Shaker with ice.
2. Shake for 15-20 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe.
3. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.