Ingredients

2 ozgin
60 ml
¾ ozfresh lemon juice
22 ml
¾ ozorgeat
22 ml
2 dashesangostura bitters
2 dashes

Instructions

Combine gin, fresh lemon juice, orgeat, and Angostura bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well-chilled and slightly frothy. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist. The Army & Navy is a gin sour variant that uses orgeat (almond syrup) instead of simple syrup, giving it a rich, nutty sweetness.

Sips & Tips

Technique

Shake this drink hard to emulsify the orgeat with the citrus — orgeat is thick and needs vigorous shaking to integrate properly. The Angostura adds a warm spice note that complements the almond beautifully. Fine strain if you want a perfectly clear presentation.

Balance

The quality of your orgeat makes or breaks this drink. Use a good commercial orgeat like Small Hand Foods or Liber & Co, or make your own from blanched almonds. Cheap orgeat tastes artificial and overly sweet. The lemon juice should be fresh and the gin should be juniper-forward.

History

The Army & Navy cocktail dates to the early 1940s and was likely created to celebrate the annual Army-Navy football game. It appeared in several mid-century cocktail books and has been revived by modern bartenders who appreciate its elegant simplicity. The orgeat connects it to tiki culture, though the drink itself is decidedly classic in style.

The Army & Navy proves that orgeat isn't just for tiki drinks — it's a beautiful sweetener in a classic gin sour format. Nutty, bright, and perfectly balanced. Cheers.

Variations

Japanese Cocktail Riff

Replace the gin with cognac for a drink closer to the classic Japanese Cocktail. The brandy's warmth pairs beautifully with the almond orgeat and creates a richer, more dessert-like experience.