The Army & Navy Cocktail: A Classic Fit for Tailgates and Tradition
The Army & Navy cocktail isn’t your run-of-the-mill backyard concoction of pour whatever you have lying around, pinch your nose, and chug. In fact, its ties to the military are more symbolic than anything else. But don’t let that stop you from embracing its name as a rallying cry—whether for the annual Army-Navy Game, a tailgate party, or just a chilly night that calls for a gin-based masterpiece. But seriously, you should drink this for the Army Navy Game.
The Army Navy cocktail Recipe
How to Make the Army & Navy Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin : London dry gin is a classic choice
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Orgeat Syrup : An almond-based syrup with floral undertones
- 1-2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until the shaker is frosty to the touch.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or, if the occasion demands, a Red Solo Cup.
- Garnish with a lemon twist for a touch of class—or skip the fruit and chug it, if you’re in full tailgate mode.
Notes
Nutrition
Historical Origins and Theories Behind the Name
This cocktail has rightfully earned its place in the pantheon of timeless American drinks, standing shoulder to shoulder with legends like the Martini and Manhattan (just not as well known). Sophisticated yet simple, it combines botanical gin, the zing of fresh lemon, and the nutty sweetness of orgeat syrup. But its story, like its name, is shrouded in mystery. Seriously, where the hell does it come from?
The Army & Navy cocktail is a classic that, despite its name, isn’t directly tied to the military traditions of either the Army or the Navy. Some link it to The Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C., a members-only officers’ club where the Daiquiri made its American debut. For that epic win, they definitely get a gold star. But…
Like many classic cocktails, there’s no definitive documentation on where or how it was created. One popular theory is that the drink was invented to honor the historic football rivalry between West Point and Annapolis. Others maintain that its origins lie squarely with The Army and Navy Club itself. While the club proudly serves the cocktail to this day, it offers no concrete details about its creation.
What we do know is that the Army & Navy cocktail’s simplicity and reliance on classic ingredients suggest it may have emerged in the post-Prohibition era, a golden age for cocktail resurgence and innovation. It might simply have been named “Army & Navy” to give it an air of dignity and tradition. Whatever its origins, one thing is clear: it’s a drink that’s here to stay.
If you’re going to party for the Army Navy Football game, you better do it right, shipmate:
Traditional Recipe: Keep it boozy, very boozy
While the cocktail’s origin story is enigmatic, the cocktail was first recorded in David Embury’s 1948 book The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks. Embury hated the original recipe, writing that it was “horrible.” Like any true BarWarrior, he suggested a boozier version, which was one part sweet, two parts sour, and eight parts base.
Read that again: EIGHT parts GIN!
Which is essentially a cup of gin.
Modern Interpretation & Flavor Profile
At its core, the Army & Navy cocktail is about balance. The gin provides a crisp botanical base, while the fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity. Orgeat syrup brings a sweet nuttiness and a hint of floral complexity, elevating the cocktail from a standard sour to something more refined. The Angostura bitters add just enough spice to round out the flavors, making every sip smooth, refreshing, and satisfying.
While it’s often enjoyed as an aperitif or an evening drink, the Army & Navy cocktail is surprisingly versatile. It feels just as appropriate at a fancy cocktail bar as it does at a rowdy tailgate for the Army-Navy Game. That’s the beauty of this drink—it’s a chameleon that fits in wherever you need it.
A Tailgate Tradition in the Making
Speaking of the Army-Navy Game, there’s no better time to raise a glass (or cup) to this classic cocktail. The annual showdown between West Point and Annapolis is more than just a football game—it’s a celebration of tradition, camaraderie, and fierce rivalries. And what better way to honor that spirit than with a drink that carries its name?
Picture this: a crisp December day, the parking lot buzzing with energy, and a thermos full of Army & Navy cocktails making its way through the crowd. It’s the perfect complement to grilling brats, catching up with friends, and cheering your team to victory.
Why the Army & Navy Cocktail Matters
The Army & Navy cocktail isn’t just another drink—it’s a testament to the creativity and resilience of classic American mixology. Its name evokes tradition and strength, while its flavor offers elegance and balance. Whether you’re sipping it in celebration of a game, a gathering, or just surviving another week, it’s a drink that delivers every time.
So, BarWarriors, this December, let’s do it right. Raise a glass to history, to the Army-Navy Game, and to the cocktail that brings it all together!
Giving it a whirl this morning. Will let you know.