Alaska Cocktail

The Alaska Cocktail is an elegant and deceptively simple drink, combining the botanical notes of gin with the sweet, herbal complexity of Yellow Chartreuse. A dash of orange bitters ties the two main ingredients together, adding a subtle citrus depth. Served straight up in a chilled glass, it's a refined and aromatic cocktail that offers a journey of complex flavors, reminiscent of a crisp, cold landscape.
Alaska Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Alaska is a classic cocktail, often served as an aperitif before a meal. Its crisp and herbaceous profile makes it a perfect palate-opener. It belongs to the family of stirred, spirit-forward gin drinks.

Serving

This is a spirit-forward, cold drink served 'straight up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Martini glass. It has a high alcohol content, so it should be sipped and savored.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 35-40% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Alaska Cocktail first appeared in Jacques Straub's 1913 book "Straub's Manual of Mixed Drinks". It later gained more prominence when featured in Harry Craddock's influential "The Savoy Cocktail Book" in 1930. The name likely evokes the cold, clean, and crisp nature of the drink, much like the state it's named after.
Origin
USA, circa 1913.

Alaska Cocktail

The drink is primarily known as the Alaska Cocktail. It is sometimes shortened to just 'Alaska' or slightly modified to 'Alaskan Cocktail', but these names are less common. The name reflects the cold, crisp nature of the beverage.
Original name
Alaska Cocktail
Alternative names
  • Alaska
  • Alaskan Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The Alaska offers a complex herbal and botanical flavor profile with a silky-smooth texture and a pale golden hue. It's a well-balanced, spirit-forward cocktail with a long, warming, and clean aftertaste.
Flavor
Herbal, Botanical, Slightly sweet, Citrusy, Crisp
Aroma
Herbaceous, Juniper, Honey, Anise, Citrus
Taste balance
Spirit-forward, Balanced
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Herbal, Clean
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale golden, Clear, Light yellow
Texture
Silky, Smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intense and spirit-forward, dominated by herbal notes with a touch of sweetness and citrus. It is a strong, non-carbonated drink meant for sipping.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The Alaska Cocktail requires just three key ingredients: a good quality gin, Yellow Chartreuse, and a dash of orange bitters. The simplicity allows the complex flavors of each component to shine.
  • Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A classic London Dry Gin works very well.
  • Yellow Chartreuse30 ml / 1 oz
    Provides the signature sweet and herbal flavor.
  • Orange Bitters1 dash
    Adds complexity and bridges the other ingredients.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need standard bar tools for a stirred cocktail, including a mixing glass, a bar spoon for stirring, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer.
  • Mixing glass for combining and stirring
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Strainer for straining

Instructions

The preparation is straightforward: stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, then strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with an expressed lemon twist.
1. Chill your coupe or Martini glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add gin, Yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass with cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Discard the ice from your serving glass.
6. Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Take a strip of lemon peel, express its oils over the surface of the drink, and use as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish, adding a bright citrus aroma that complements the cocktail's flavors. Expressing the oils over the surface is key.
  • Lemon twist, expressed over the drink

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten (assuming distilled spirits). It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is moderately caloric, with around 200 kcal per serving. The carbohydrate and sugar content comes primarily from the Yellow Chartreuse.
Calories
Approximately 190-210 kcal / 795-880 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 7-9 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 7-9 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Ideal for sophisticated occasions, the Alaska Cocktail serves wonderfully as a pre-dinner aperitif. It is a great choice for cocktail parties or any gathering where a refined, classic drink is appreciated.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Sophisticated Gathering
  • Celebratory Toast

Pairing suggestions

The Alaska's herbaceous and crisp profile pairs well with seafood like oysters or smoked salmon. It also complements light appetizers such as mild cheeses, olives, and salted nuts.
  • Oysters
  • Smoked salmon
  • Mild cheeses
  • Olives and nuts

The Alaska Cocktail: A Crisp and Elegant Classic

The Alaska Cocktail is a timeless classic, perfect for those who appreciate a spirit-forward, gin-based drink. Its beautiful balance of botanical gin and sweet, complex Yellow Chartreuse, enhanced by a hint of orange bitters, creates a sophisticated and memorable experience. Served icy cold with a fragrant lemon twist, it's an elegant aperitif that has stood the test of time.

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