As we drag ourselves through this very hot summer, bright, citrusy, and refreshing continue to be the ticket to a pleasant cocktail hour. And the old-time classics never seem to disappoint in this regard.
This one is another old-timer, dating to the early decades of the last century. Its typically vague origin story may, or may not, refer to tailgaters at the annual Army-Navy football game and/or the bar at the officers-only Army and Navy Club in D.C. No matter, it’s here now and it’s delicious.
Made with two of my favorites, gin and lemon, it gets its special character from orgeat, an intense almond-flavored syrup that’s essential to many Tiki drinks like the Mai Tai. Orgeat supplies the sweetness to go against the sour lemon and bitter gin. Throw in Angosutra bitters for a little color and earthy flavor – and voila! – the final mixture is magic.
Shake up a few of these and savor the moment!
Army & Navy
2 ounces gin
1 ounce lemon juice
.75 ounce orgeat*
Dash Angostura bitters
*Orgeat, pronounced with a soft g, is thick, almond-intense, and very sweet. It’s perfect for all sorts of Tiki drinks and should be on your shelf. Or more accurately, in your fridge once it’s been opened. Your better liquor merchant will have a bottle on his shelf.