Army & Navy

Photo of Army & Navy cocktail

Overview

The Army & Navy is a gin sour made with gin, lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and Angostura bitters. It is botanical, nutty, citrusy, and softer than a standard gin sour because orgeat adds almond texture.

Preparation Method

Shake gin, lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and Angostura bitters with ice until well chilled. Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Ingredients & Ratios

Structural Profile and Sensory Characteristics

Structural Breakdown

Flavor Balance and Intensity Breakdown

Sweetness
Acidity
Bitterness
Herbal
Spice
Fruitiness
Smokiness

Organoleptic Profile: Aromatic and Taste Intensity

Gin
Base spirit Aromatic backbone
Lemon Juice
Primary Acid Freshness Driver Structural Balancer
Orgeat Syrup
Nut Syrup Sweetening Agent Texture Builder Almond Aroma Driver
Angostura Bitters
Aromatic Bitters Bitterness Provider Spice Depth Modifier Flavor Amplifier

Army & Navy Deep Dive: History, Style, and Use

Serving Style

Serve up in a chilled coupe glass. The drink should look pale and slightly opaque, with orgeat syrup giving a smooth texture while lemon juice keeps the structure bright.

Food Pairings

Pair it with roast chicken, almond desserts, goat cheese, citrus salads, grilled fish, or spiced nuts. Gin, lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and Angostura bitters make the Army & Navy flexible with both savory and lightly sweet food.

Origins

The Army & Navy is a classic-style gin sour whose defining feature is the use of orgeat as the sweetener. That almond syrup moves the drink away from a plain sour and gives it a distinctive texture.

Best Occasions

Best for gin sour drinkers, classic cocktail service, aperitif menus, and guests who enjoy nutty sweetness without a tropical rum profile.

Tasting Notes

Gin brings juniper and citrus botanicals, lemon juice gives acidity, orgeat syrup adds almond sweetness and body, and Angostura bitters contributes warm spice.

Style & Character

Botanical, nutty, tart, smooth, and classic.

Variations

Keep orgeat measured carefully. Too much makes the drink heavy and sweet; too little removes the almond texture that defines the cocktail.

Alcohol Strength

20%

⚠️ Alcoholic beverage: not suitable for minors, pregnant individuals, or designated drivers. Please enjoy responsibly.

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Next paths

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